Essential Oils & Aromatherapy · Carrier oil
Jojoba Oil
Simmondsia chinensis (seed liquid wax) · also called Jojoba liquid wax; golden jojoba.
Jojoba oil is a golden liquid wax pressed from the seed of the jojoba shrub. It is used on skin and hair and to dilute essential oils. The research is thin: reviews call it a moisturizer, but we found no trial of the plain oil on dry skin, and the acne study used a clay mask. The key cautions are that skin allergy can happen and that jojoba is not a food oil, so it should not be swallowed.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a golden liquid wax from the seed of Simmondsia chinensis. It is not a true oil or an essential oil. It is used on skin and hair and as a carrier oil to dilute essential oils. The evidence for any benefit is thin, and the main things to know are that skin allergy is possible and that it is not for swallowing.
What it is
Jojoba oil comes from the seed of Simmondsia chinensis, a shrub in the family Simmondsiaceae (GBIF accepts this name).
A 2021 review says about 98% of the oil is wax, mostly wax esters, with small amounts of sterols, vitamins and other compounds. That is why chemists call it a liquid wax and not a fat.
How it is used
It is used as a plain skin oil, in creams, lotions and balms, on hair, and as a carrier for essential oils in massage and aromatherapy. Poison Control describes diluting essential oils in a carrier oil as the best way to avoid a bad reaction from direct skin contact.
It is a cosmetic ingredient, not a cooking oil.
What the research shows
Reviews describe jojoba as a moisturizing and conditioning oil. We found no trial of plain jojoba oil on dry skin. One review pools three oils and is by authors from a skin-care company.
The acne study used a clay and jojoba oil mask, with no control group. Spots fell by a mean of 54% over 6 weeks, but we cannot tell whether the oil, the clay or time did it.
Wound, collagen and inflammation results are from cells and skin tissue in the lab. A 46-man study of oil inside the nose had no control group.
We found nothing on pore-clogging ratings for jojoba. Numbers you see online are not backed by a source we read.
Forms, quality and storage
In a heated lab test, jojoba oil resisted going off longer than olive, sunflower and rosehip oils. No source we read gives a shelf life at home.
Cold pressing is the preferred method for plant oils in a 2018 review. Labels may also list modified jojoba ingredients, which are not the same as the oil. Keep the bottle closed, cool and out of sunlight.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- A 2021 review says jojoba seeds and oil have folk uses for skin and scalp problems, small wounds, sore throat, obesity and hair growth. We could not check how old these are, and no source we read proves them.
Studied for research
- Dry skin and the skin barrier, very low
- Acne-prone skin (clay and jojoba mask), very low
- Itchy nose (oil inside the nose), very low
- Wounds, skin inflammation and ageing (lab only), insufficient
- Hair growth and scalp, insufficient
- Weight loss and eating the seed, against
Main compounds
- Wax esters (about 98% of the oil, per a 2021 review)
- Sterols and vitamins (small amounts)
- Simmondsin (cyanoglycoside in the seed meal)
Common forms
- Pressed or cold-pressed oil
- Refined oil
- Ingredient in creams, lotions and balms (label: Simmondsia chinensis seed oil)
- Carrier oil for diluted essential oils
- Modified ingredients such as hydrolyzed jojoba esters (not the same as plain oil)
Research links: Jojoba oil review: chemistry and toxicity (abstract) · Clay and jojoba oil mask, pilot study (abstract) · Jojoba butter case report (abstract) · Jojoba oil for an itchy nose (abstract) · Skin-care oils review (abstract) · Poison Control: essential oils · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Simmondsia chinensis
- Naming authority
- (Link) C.K.Schneid.
- Common names
- Jojoba (English); Jojoba oil (English); Jojoba liquid wax (English)
- Family or group
- Simmondsiaceae
- Classification
- Plantae > Caryophyllales > Simmondsiaceae > Simmondsia > Simmondsia chinensis
- Native range
- A 2017 case report places jojoba shrubs in the Sonoran Desert; no other range was checked.
- Habitat
- A 2013 review abstract calls the plant a long-lived, drought-resistant perennial.
- What it looks like
- Roots: Not checked.; Stems: Shrub (per case report).; Leaves: Not checked.; Flowers: Not checked.; Fruit: The seed is pressed for a liquid wax, often called jojoba oil.
- Cultivation
- Cultivated worldwide, according to a 2021 review.
- Harvest and processing
- Cold pressing is the preferred extraction for plant oils in a 2018 review; no source read says how a given jojoba bottle is made. Refined and modified (for example hydrolyzed) jojoba ingredients also exist.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Other carrier oils (almond, argan, coconut); Note: Chemically different: jojoba is a wax, the others are mostly triglyceride fats.; Name: Jojoba butter; Note: A solid product from the seed. A case report of swallowing homemade seed butter is in the safety section.
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not checked.
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Folk use | A 2021 review says jojoba seeds and oil have a long history in folklore for skin and scalp disorders, small wounds, sore throat, obesity and cancer, for liver function, immunity and hair growth. We could not check dates, places or whether these claims are true. Not verified history. | p34073772 |
Traditional use shows how it was used. It does not show that it works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wax esters (liquid wax) | long-chain wax esters | Seed oil About 98% of the oil according to a 2021 review (a 2024 review words it differently). | This is what makes jojoba a liquid wax, not a fat. Reviews call it a moisturizer and conditioner; no trial of plain oil was read. 9 1 | Review |
| Sterols and vitamins | minor components | Seed oil Not given in the abstracts read. Cold-pressed jojoba wax was analysed for tocopherol and phytosterol content in a 2024 lab study. | Not tested for effects in the sources read. 9 20 | Lab analysis |
| Simmondsin (cyanoglycoside) | cyanoglycoside | Seed meal (left after pressing) Not stated for the oil in the abstracts read. | Reduced food intake and caused aversion in rats. 11 10 4 | Animal research |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface layer on skin | n/a | Reviews say plant oils shield the skin surface and slow moisture loss. Not measured for plain jojoba in the abstracts read. 1 3 | Review (theory) |
| Cell signalling in wound repair | PI3K-Akt-mTOR, p38 and ERK1/2 MAPKs; calcium | In skin cells, jojoba liquid wax speeded scratch closure through these pathways and raised collagen I. 19 | Laboratory research |
| Inflammatory messengers in skin tissue | IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1 | About 30% lower release in lab skin tissue; higher collagen III and hyaluronic acid. 20 | Ex vivo |
| Resistance to oxidation | n/a | Jojoba oil resisted oxidation longest of four oils in a heated lab test, which the authors link to its fatty-acid makeup. 7 | Lab analysis |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- A 2013 review says jojoba can improve absorption of topical drugs. Absorption of the oil itself was not described in the sources read.
- Distribution
- Not described.
- Metabolism
- In mice, blood fatty acids rose 30 minutes after skin application; the meaning is unknown.
- Elimination
- Not described.
- Bioavailability
- Not described.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
Plain jojoba oil, clay-and-jojoba masks, hydrolyzed jojoba esters, jojoba wax carrying a drug, and the seed meal or its compound simmondsin are different things. A result for one does not carry over to the others.
Nutritional composition
Jojoba oil is not a food oil. Seeds are described as inedible, so no nutrition claim is made.
4 very low certainty4 not enough evidence1 evidence against
What is Jojoba Oil good for?
What the research shows for each use, and how strong it is. None of it is proven. Read the Safety tab too.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Dry skin, moisturizing and the skin barrier
Very low certaintyReviews describe jojoba as a moisturizing oil that helps keep water in the skin. We found no trial of plain jojoba oil on dry skin or the skin barrier in the sources we read. What exists is reviews that pool several oils.
4 studiesOil applied to skin. Amounts and timing are not given here.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Three narrative reviews describe skin benefits but none gives a jojoba-only trial in its abstract. One review pools sweet almond, evening primrose and jojoba oils, says some clinical data are discrepant and study designs questionable, and still concludes the oils strengthen stratum corneum integrity. Its authors work for a skin-care company.
Results
No numbers for jojoba oil alone.
Effect sizes as reported
None for plain jojoba oil.
Why this rating
Only reviews, no trial of plain jojoba oil on dry skin in the abstracts we read; the main review pools three oils and is by authors from a skin-care company.
Form and dose studied
Oil applied to skin. Amounts and timing are not given here.
Who was studied
Adults and, in the reviews, children; no group is separated out in the abstracts.
Limits
Industry-linked review. The reviews pool oils. Abstracts only.
Why researchers looked
Plant oils are widely used to soften skin and slow water loss, and jojoba is a common choice because it is a liquid wax.
Traditional use
A 2021 review lists folk uses for skin, wounds and hair growth, but no source we read shows this use in a trial.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
Not tested for jojoba. Reviews say oils form a surface layer that slows moisture loss. A 2018 review adds that oils with more of the irritating oleic acid may harm the skin barrier, while those with more linoleic acid repair it better.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Jojoba oil can cause skin allergy in some people (case reports). Do a small patch test and stop if a rash appears. See the Safety tab.
Water loss from the skin (a modified jojoba ingredient with glycerol)
Very low certaintyOne small pilot study found a lotion with glycerol plus hydrolyzed jojoba esters lost less water through the skin than glycerol alone. Hydrolyzed jojoba esters are a modified ingredient, not plain jojoba oil.
1 studiesLotion applied to the lower leg for hours, not weeks. Amounts are in …
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A small proof-of-concept study on volunteers' lower legs compared lotions at baseline and 8 to 24 hours.
Results
Lotion with 3.75% glycerol and 1.25% hydrolyzed jojoba esters had significantly lower water loss than glycerol alone at 8 and 24 hours (P<0.05). The number of people is not in the abstract.
Effect sizes as reported
No effect size given in the abstract.
Why this rating
One small pilot on a modified ingredient mixed with glycerol, number of people not stated, possible industry ties.
Form and dose studied
Lotion applied to the lower leg for hours, not weeks. Amounts are in the paper.
Who was studied
Volunteers; ages and skin type not stated.
Limits
Not plain jojoba oil. Short, tiny, preliminary.
Why researchers looked
Cosmetic makers test whether jojoba-based ingredients help moisturizers last longer.
Traditional use
A 2021 review lists folk uses for skin, wounds and hair growth, but no source we read shows this use in a trial.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
Not tested. The authors suggest the two ingredients add to each other.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
The ingredient is not the same as plain oil. Results do not carry over.
Acne-prone skin (a clay and jojoba oil mask)
Very low certaintyIn one open study of 194 people, a clay and jojoba oil face mask was followed by fewer spots after 6 weeks. There was no comparison group and the clay is a second active ingredient, so it does not show jojoba oil clears acne.
1 studiesA mask used 2 to 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Product details are in t…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Open, observational pilot study: 194 participants (192 female, 2 male; mean age about 32) used the mask 2 to 3 times a week for 6 weeks. 133 returned complete lesion counts.
Results
Total lesion count fell by a mean of 54%. Median pustules fell from 7.0 to 3.0, papules from 3.5 to 1.0, cysts from 2.0 to 0.5 and comedones from 26.5 to 16.0. The quality-of-life score (DLQI) fell from 5.0 to 2.1.
Effect sizes as reported
54% mean fall in total lesions, before and after, no control.
Why this rating
Open pilot with no control group, self-counted spots, and a two-ingredient mask. It cannot separate the clay, the oil or a natural change over time.
Form and dose studied
A mask used 2 to 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Product details are in the paper.
Who was studied
Mostly women with acne-prone, lesioned skin or mild acne.
Limits
No control. Combination product. Self-reported. No funding statement in the abstract.
Why researchers looked
Clay masks and jojoba oil are both used on spot-prone skin, and researchers wanted pilot data on people using a mask at home.
Traditional use
A 2021 review lists folk uses for skin, wounds and hair growth, but no source we read shows this use in a trial.
Proposed mechanism None found
Not tested. The authors do not report a mechanism in the abstract.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Jojoba oil can cause skin allergy in some people (case reports). Do a small patch test and stop if a rash appears. See the Safety tab.
Itchy nose (oil applied inside the nose)
Very low certaintyA 2026 study of 46 men found nose-itch scores fell after jojoba oil was applied inside the nose. There was no comparison group, and no source we read advises putting oil in the nose.
1 studiesOil applied inside the nose. Not a recommended use in any source we r…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Single-group clinical study of 46 men with chronic nasal itching, scored on a 0 to 10 visual scale before and after treatment.
Results
Mean itch score fell from 8.0 to 2.5 (P<0.001). The authors report no serious side effects and most men were satisfied. They ask for larger randomized trials.
Effect sizes as reported
Score 8.0 to 2.5, before and after, no control group.
Why this rating
One small uncontrolled study of men only; placebo effect and natural change cannot be ruled out; treatment length not in the abstract.
Form and dose studied
Oil applied inside the nose. Not a recommended use in any source we read.
Who was studied
Men with chronic nasal itching.
Limits
No control group. Men only. Different route from skin use.
Why researchers looked
Doctors looked for simple options for chronic nasal itching, which has little research.
Traditional use
A 2021 review lists folk uses for skin, wounds and hair growth, but no source we read shows this use in a trial.
Proposed mechanism None found
Not explained in the abstract.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Putting oils inside the nose is not advised by any source we read. Ask a doctor about nose itching.
Wound healing
Not enough evidenceIn a dish, jojoba wax sped up the closing of a scratch in human skin cells. No study in people was found.
2 studiesWax tested on cells. No amounts given here.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
None found in people. A 2013 review says jojoba may help wound healing, but its abstract gives no trial.
Results
Toxic effects on the cells were extremely low; the wax notably sped up wound closure in keratinocytes and fibroblasts and raised collagen I in fibroblasts.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
Lab cell study only; no animal or human wound trial in the sources we read.
Form and dose studied
Wax tested on cells. No amounts given here.
Who was studied
Not applicable.
Limits
Cells in a dish are far from a real wound.
Why researchers looked
Folk use for wounds led researchers to test the wax on skin cells.
Traditional use
A 2021 review lists folk uses for skin, wounds and hair growth, but no source we read shows this use in a trial.
Proposed mechanism Laboratory research
In cells the effect depended on calcium and certain cell signalling pathways (PI3K-Akt-mTOR, p38 and ERK1/2) and raised collagen I.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Do not use oils on a serious wound. See a clinician.
Skin inflammation and ageing signs (lab skin tissue)
Not enough evidenceIn pieces of human skin kept alive in the lab, jojoba wax lowered inflammation markers by about 30% and raised collagen and hyaluronic acid production. It was not tested on people's wrinkles.
1 studiesCold-pressed jojoba wax on skin tissue, with and without a detergent.…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
None. This is ex-vivo skin tissue.
Results
About 30% lower IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha than untreated skin in inflamed pieces; similar to dexamethasone in the comparison. Collagen III and hyaluronic acid rose.
Effect sizes as reported
About 30% fall in inflammation markers (lab).
Why this rating
Lab skin tissue only; no study in people measured wrinkles or inflammation.
Form and dose studied
Cold-pressed jojoba wax on skin tissue, with and without a detergent. No amounts given here.
Who was studied
Not applicable.
Limits
Tissue in a dish. The effect grew when a detergent was added, which may not match real products.
Why researchers looked
Researchers wanted to know if jojoba has real cosmetic effects beyond moisture.
Traditional use
A 2021 review lists folk uses for skin, wounds and hair growth, but no source we read shows this use in a trial.
Proposed mechanism Laboratory research
The wax lowered release of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha and was linked to higher TGF-beta1 and collagen III in skin tissue.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Jojoba oil can cause skin allergy in some people (case reports). Do a small patch test and stop if a rash appears. See the Safety tab.
Psoriasis (jojoba as a drug carrier)
Not enough evidenceOne study put the psoriasis drug tazarotene into a jojoba-wax microemulsion. People using it improved more than people using a marketed gel. The drug did the treating, so this is not evidence jojoba treats psoriasis.
1 studiesPrescription retinoid in a jojoba-wax microemulsion. Not a home produ…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Patients with psoriasis (number not in the abstract) used the microemulsion or a marketed gel.
Results
PASI score fell 68% with the jojoba microemulsion versus 8.96% with the marketed gel; no irritation with the microemulsion.
Effect sizes as reported
68% vs 8.96% fall in PASI score.
Why this rating
Tests a delivery system for a prescription drug, not jojoba oil. Number of people not stated.
Form and dose studied
Prescription retinoid in a jojoba-wax microemulsion. Not a home product.
Who was studied
People with psoriasis.
Limits
Not a trial of jojoba on its own.
Why researchers looked
Jojoba wax is tested as a gentle carrier for skin medicines.
Traditional use
A 2021 review lists folk uses for skin, wounds and hair growth, but no source we read shows this use in a trial.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
The authors say the microemulsion put more drug into the skin and caused less irritation.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Do not use jojoba oil in place of psoriasis medicines.
Hair growth and scalp conditions
Not enough evidenceFolk use for hair and scalp is listed in reviews, but we found no trial of jojoba oil for hair growth or scalp conditions in the abstracts we read.
2 studiesNot applicable.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
None found. A 2021 review lists folk use for hair growth and scalp disorders; a 2022 review covers scalp conditions but its abstract gives no jojoba trial.
Results
No trial results found.
Effect sizes as reported
None.
Why this rating
No human trial of jojoba oil for hair or scalp found in the sources read.
Form and dose studied
Not applicable.
Who was studied
Not applicable.
Limits
Claims online outrun the research.
Why researchers looked
Jojoba is sold as a hair and scalp oil.
Traditional use
Jojoba seeds and oil have a folk history for skin and scalp problems and wounds, according to a 2021 review. We could not check how old or how local those uses are.
Proposed mechanism None found
None shown.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Jojoba oil can cause skin allergy in some people (case reports). Do a small patch test and stop if a rash appears. See the Safety tab.
Weight loss and eating jojoba (against)
Evidence againstNo trial in people shows jojoba helps with weight, and jojoba seed is not a food. Animal work shows the seed compound simmondsin cuts food intake and causes aversion, and one case report describes stomach and bowel symptoms after swallowing homemade jojoba seed butter.
5 studiesNot applicable. We give no advice on swallowing jojoba in any form.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
None in people. One case report of a patient who swallowed homemade jojoba seed butter and developed restlessness and gastrointestinal complaints, treated in hospital.
Results
Rats: simmondsin cut food intake (52% on the second exposure in one study) and caused aversion. Fat in the blood of mice rose 30 minutes after oil was applied to the skin, which is not shown to matter in people.
Effect sizes as reported
None in people.
Why this rating
Evidence is animal work plus one case report of harm. Simmondsin is documented in the seed meal; the sources read do not give its level in the oil.
Form and dose studied
Not applicable. We give no advice on swallowing jojoba in any form.
Who was studied
Rats and mice; one adult case.
Limits
Animal work and one case. Purified compound or defatted meal in feed is not the same as the oil.
Why researchers looked
Folk and online claims say jojoba seeds can help with obesity. The anti-hunger effect of simmondsin was studied in rats.
Traditional use
Jojoba seeds and oil have a folk history for skin and scalp problems and wounds, according to a 2021 review. We could not check how old or how local those uses are.
Proposed mechanism Animal research
In rats simmondsin cut food intake, and after experience the animals avoided it, resembling an illness-inducing agent.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Jojoba seed and oil are not for swallowing: see the Safety tab.
Connections to the rest of health
How Jojoba Oil connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy Skin | Very low certainty | Dry skin, moisturizing and the skin barrier: Reviews describe jojoba as a moisturizing oil that helps keep water in the skin. We found no trial of plain jojoba oil on dry skin or the skin barrier in the sources we read. What exists is reviews that pool several oils. | 3 1 21 18 | |
| Healthy Skin | Very low certainty | Water loss from the skin (a modified jojoba ingredient with glycerol): One small pilot study found a lotion with glycerol plus hydrolyzed jojoba esters lost less water through the skin than glycerol alone. Hydrolyzed jojoba esters are a modified ingredient, not plain jojoba oil. Acne-prone skin (a clay and jojoba oil mask): In one open study of 194 people, a clay and jojoba oil face mask was followed by fewer spots after 6 weeks. There was no comparison group and the clay is a second active ingredient, so it does not show jojoba oil clears acne. | 14 13 | |
| Breathing Support | Very low certainty | Itchy nose (oil applied inside the nose): A 2026 study of 46 men found nose-itch scores fell after jojoba oil was applied inside the nose. There was no comparison group, and no source we read advises putting oil in the nose. | 2 | |
| Healthy Skin | Not enough evidence | Wound healing: In a dish, jojoba wax sped up the closing of a scratch in human skin cells. No study in people was found. | 19 18 | |
| Healthy Skin | Not enough evidence | Skin inflammation and ageing signs (lab skin tissue): In pieces of human skin kept alive in the lab, jojoba wax lowered inflammation markers by about 30% and raised collagen and hyaluronic acid production. It was not tested on people's wrinkles. | 20 | |
| Anti Aging Support | Not enough evidence | Skin inflammation and ageing signs (lab skin tissue): In pieces of human skin kept alive in the lab, jojoba wax lowered inflammation markers by about 30% and raised collagen and hyaluronic acid production. It was not tested on people's wrinkles. | 20 | |
| Healthy Skin | Not enough evidence | Psoriasis (jojoba as a drug carrier): One study put the psoriasis drug tazarotene into a jojoba-wax microemulsion. People using it improved more than people using a marketed gel. The drug did the treating, so this is not evidence jojoba treats psoriasis. | 16 | |
| Hair Support | Not enough evidence | Hair growth and scalp conditions: Folk use for hair and scalp is listed in reviews, but we found no trial of jojoba oil for hair growth or scalp conditions in the abstracts we read. | 9 3 | |
| Weight Management | Evidence against | Weight loss and eating jojoba (against): No trial in people shows jojoba helps with weight, and jojoba seed is not a food. Animal work shows the seed compound simmondsin cuts food intake and causes aversion, and one case report describes stomach and bowel symptoms after swallowing homemade jojoba seed butter. | 11 10 15 12 9 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Hair Beauty | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Dry skin, moisturizing and the skin barrier Studied for: Water loss from the skin (a modified jojoba ingredient with glycerol) | 3 1 21 18 14 13 19 20 16 9 |
| Respiratory System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Itchy nose (oil applied inside the nose) | 2 |
| Metabolism Weight | Biological association | Evidence against | Studied for: Weight loss and eating jojoba (against) | 11 10 15 12 9 |
C. Body parts and organs
E. Health conditions
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contact dermatitis | Low certainty | Case reports only (titles read). Preparation or compound: Jojoba oil on skin |
22 6 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin lesion counts (pustules, papules, cysts, comedones) | Biological association | Measured in trials: fell (before versus after a clay and jojoba oil mask, no control group). A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | ||
| Water loss through the skin (TEWL) | Biological association | Measured in trials: lower with glycerol plus hydrolyzed jojoba esters than glycerol alone. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | ||
| Nasal itch score (0 to 10 scale) | Biological association | Measured in trials: fell (before versus after, no control group). A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | ||
| Skin inflammation markers (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha), lab skin tissue | Biological association | Measured in trials: lower (about 30%) in the lab. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wax esters (liquid wax) | Biological association | Review | This is what makes jojoba a liquid wax, not a fat. Reviews call it a moisturizer and conditioner; no trial of plain oil was read. Preparation or compound: Seed oil |
9 1 |
| Sterols and vitamins | Biological association | Lab analysis | Not tested for effects in the sources read. Preparation or compound: Seed oil |
9 20 |
| Simmondsin (cyanoglycoside) | Biological association | Animal | Reduced food intake and caused aversion in rats. Preparation or compound: Seed meal (left after pressing) |
11 10 4 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).
The evidence
The research centre for Jojoba Oil. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We read the PubMed abstracts of 20 papers (two contact dermatitis reports have no abstract and were read by title only), the Poison Control page in full text, and checked the plant name in GBIF. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. One review is by authors from a skin-care company and is marked.
Study library: every study we checked 22
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdalla 2024 A Comprehensive Review of Plant-Based Cosmetic Oils (Virgin Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Argan Oil, and Jojoba Oil): Chemical and Biological Properties and Their Cosmeceutical Applications. ACS Omega · PMID 39524627 · DOI |
Narrative review review |
Literature on four plant cosmetic oils | Jojoba oil among four oils seed oil Not given here n/a · vs n/a |
The review calls jojoba oil an excellent moisturizer and conditioner and a liquid wax rich in waxes, vitamins and sterols. It says plant oils shield the skin surface and slow moisture loss. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Chemistry and cosmetic use Limitations: Narrative review of four oils; the abstract gives no trial data for jojoba. Its wording on jojoba's makeup ('over 98% triglyceride esters, pure waxes') differs from the 2021 review's 'about 98% wax', so we use the 2021 wording. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no competing financial interest. Read: abstract |
| Bariskan 2026 Evaluation of the Efficacy of Topical Jojoba Oil in the Management of Nasal Pruritus. J Craniofac Surg · PMID 42183630 · DOI |
Single group trial |
46 46 men with chronic nasal itching |
Jojoba oil applied inside the nose seed oil, intranasal Not given here Not stated in the abstract · vs None described (before and after) |
Mean itch score fell from 8.0 (SD 0.81) to 2.5 (SD 0.5), P<0.001. The authors report no serious side effects and that most men were satisfied. They call for larger randomized controlled trials. Itch score 8.0 to 2.5 (before to after, no control group) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Nasal itch score (0-10 visual scale), satisfaction, side effects Limitations: No comparison group in the abstract, so a placebo effect or natural change cannot be ruled out. Men only. The abstract does not give the length of treatment. Putting oil inside the nose is not an approved or advised use in any source we read. Funding and conflicts: The authors report no conflicts of interest. Read: abstract |
| Blaak 2022 An updated review on efficacy and benefits of sweet almond, evening primrose and jojoba oils in skin care applications. Int J Cosmet Sci · PMID 34957578 · DOI |
Narrative review review |
Literature on three skin-care oils | Sweet almond, evening primrose and jojoba oils seed oils Not given here n/a · vs n/a |
The authors say benefits of the three oils are documented before and during clinical work, but also note discrepancies in some clinical data and questionable study designs. They conclude the oils are effective skin-care ingredients that strengthen stratum corneum integrity and recovery, and say more data on skin physiology are needed. They stress oil quality and stability. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Dry skin, ageing skin, atopic dermatitis, scalp conditions Limitations: The three oils are pooled, so the abstract does not show what jojoba alone does. Authors work in research and regulatory affairs at Kneipp GmbH, a company that sells skin-care products. Only the abstract was read. Funding and conflicts: Authors are from Kneipp GmbH (a skin-care company); no funding statement in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Cokelaere 1998 Reproductive performance of rats treated with defatted jojoba meal or simmondsin before or during gestation. Food Chem Toxicol · PMID 9487360 · DOI |
Animal study rat |
Female rats | Defatted jojoba meal (3% of feed) or simmondsin (0.15%) in feed defatted seed meal and purified compound Not given here 8 weeks before conception, or days 1 to 16 of pregnancy · vs Control and pair-fed rats |
Both treatments cut food intake by about 20% and slowed growth. Foetal and placental weights were lower, slightly more so than in pair-fed rats. The authors conclude the effects were due to the simmondsin in the meal. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Food intake, growth, reproduction Limitations: Rats fed defatted seed meal (the oil is removed). It is not about the oil and cannot be read as pregnancy safety data for jojoba oil on skin. Funding and conflicts: No statement in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Cokelaere 2001 Teratological studies in defatted jojoba meal-supplemented rats. Food Chem Toxicol · PMID 11278056 · DOI |
Animal study rat |
Pregnant rats, 20 per group | Defatted jojoba meal (3% of feed) during pregnancy defatted seed meal Not given here Pregnancy · vs Control and pair-fed groups |
Jojoba meal cut food intake by about 30%. Foetal weight and bone hardening were reduced; the bone delay was the same as in underfed (pair-fed) rats. Pups showed no other abnormalities and reproduced normally. The authors attribute the bone delay to lower food intake. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Foetal development and pup growth Limitations: Rat feeding study with defatted meal, not oil. Not a guide to jojoba oil used on skin. Funding and conflicts: No statement in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Di Berardino 2006 A case of contact dermatitis from jojoba. Contact Dermatitis · PMID 16842559 · DOI |
Case report |
1 One reported case |
Jojoba not stated Not given here n/a · vs n/a |
Only the title is available: a case of contact dermatitis from jojoba. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Contact dermatitis Limitations: PubMed holds no abstract, so we read the title only. We cannot say which product or how it was confirmed. Funding and conflicts: No abstract available. Read: title-only |
| Fagoaga 2026 Oxidative Stability and Kinetics of Oxidation of Rosehip, Sunflower, Olive and Jojoba Oils. Antioxidants (Basel) · PMID 42193267 · DOI |
Lab study lab-analysis |
Four plant oils tested in the lab | Rosehip, sunflower, olive and jojoba oils oils Not given here Heated tests · vs Compared with the other three oils |
At 373 K (100 C) in the Rancimat test, jojoba oil had the longest induction period, which means it resisted oxidation longest, followed by olive, sunflower and rosehip. The authors link this to fatty-acid makeup, and the differences followed polyunsaturated fat levels. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Resistance to oxidation (going off) Limitations: A heated lab test on single samples. It does not give a shelf life at room temperature or say how a bottle on a shelf behaves. Funding and conflicts: No statement in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| GBIF Secretariat 2026 GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Simmondsia chinensis (Link) C.K.Schneid. api.gbif.org · Source |
Database record n/a |
n/a | n/a n/a Not given here n/a · vs n/a |
GBIF API match on 2026-10-25: accepted species, family Simmondsiaceae, order Caryophyllales, usage key 5361949. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Accepted name and family Limitations: Name check only. Read: full-text |
| Gad 2021 Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. Polymers (Basel) · PMID 34073772 · DOI |
Narrative review review |
Literature on jojoba oil | Jojoba oil (liquid wax) seed oil Not given here n/a · vs n/a |
The review says jojoba seeds and oil have a long history in folk use for skin and scalp problems, wounds, sore throat, obesity and cancer, and lists many lab-reported activities (antioxidant, anti-acne, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and others). It says wax makes up about 98% of the oil, mostly wax esters, with a few free fatty acids, alcohols and hydrocarbons, plus sterols, vitamins, a few triglyceride esters, flavonoids, phenolic and cyanogenic compounds. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Chemistry, uses and toxicity of jojoba oil Limitations: Narrative review; the abstract lists many activities without saying which were shown in people. Only the abstract was read, so the toxicity section was not read. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Read: abstract |
| Lievens 2003 Simmondsin: effects on meal patterns and choice behavior in rats. Physiol Behav · PMID 12782222 · DOI |
Animal study rat |
Rats | Simmondsin mixed into food purified compound from jojoba meal Not given here Not stated here · vs Control diet |
Simmondsin cut food intake in a dose-dependent way, and more so after earlier exposure. Rats avoided simmondsin food and learned to dislike it. The authors say that after experience its action resembles an illness-inducing agent (lithium chloride). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Meal patterns and food preference Limitations: Rats; not about the oil on skin. Shows an effect of the isolated compound in feed. Funding and conflicts: No statement in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Lievens 2009 Disruption of the behavioral satiety sequence by simmondsin. Appetite · PMID 19501769 · DOI |
Animal study rat |
Rats | Simmondsin (a cyanoglycoside from jojoba meal), by mouth purified compound from the meal Not given here Not stated here · vs Control feed |
Simmondsin reduced food intake after oral dosing: not significantly (17%) at first contact, then by 52% the second time. The authors say it produced aversive reactions and hyperactivity from second contact and 'creates abnormal physiological effects'. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Food intake and behaviour Limitations: Rats given purified simmondsin, which comes from the seed meal left after oil is pressed. It does not show how much simmondsin sits in jojoba oil, and the abstract does not say. Funding and conflicts: No statement in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Matsumoto 2019 Acute Effects of Transdermal Administration of Jojoba Oil on Lipid Metabolism in Mice. Medicina (Kaunas) · PMID 31540183 · DOI |
Animal study mouse |
Hairless male mice | Jojoba oil applied to the back seed oil, on skin Not given here 30 minutes · vs Untreated control mice |
Blood non-esterified fatty acids rose significantly 30 minutes after jojoba oil was applied to the skin, and a fat-breakdown gene (Atgl) was more active in the liver. The abstract says the authors used jojoba because it is widely used as a carrier oil. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Blood fatty acids and gene activity Limitations: Mice, one short test. Not shown to matter for people. Funding and conflicts: No statement in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Meier 2012 Clay jojoba oil facial mask for lesioned skin and mild acne--results of a prospective, observational pilot study. Forsch Komplementmed · PMID 22585103 · DOI |
Observational pilot |
194 194 mostly female adults (mean age about 32) with acne-prone, lesioned skin; 133 gave complete lesion counts |
Healing clay and jojoba oil facial mask (a combination product), used at home 2 to 3 times a week jojoba oil in a clay mask Not given here 6 weeks · vs None (before and after, open) |
Total lesion count fell by a mean of 54% over 6 weeks. Pustules went from a median of 7.0 to 3.0, papules from 3.5 to 1.0, cysts from 2.0 to 0.5 and comedones from 26.5 to 16.0. The DLQI score fell from 5.0 to 2.1. Total lesion count down a mean of 54% (before and after, no control) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Skin lesion counts and a skin quality-of-life score (DLQI) Limitations: Open study with no comparison group and self-reported counts, so it cannot show the jojoba oil did anything: the clay is a second active ingredient. The authors call it preliminary. Funding and conflicts: No funding statement in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Meyer 2008 Evaluation of additive effects of hydrolyzed jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) esters and glycerol: a preliminary study. J Cosmet Dermatol · PMID 19146603 · DOI |
Small pilot study |
Volunteers (number not in the abstract), lower leg | Lotion with 3.75% glycerol and 1.25% hydrolyzed jojoba esters (a modified cosmetic ingredient) hydrolyzed jojoba esters, not plain oil Not given here 8 to 24 hours · vs Lotion with glycerol alone |
The lotion with glycerol plus hydrolyzed jojoba esters had lower water loss than glycerol alone at 8 and 24 hours (P<0.05). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Water loss through the skin (TEWL) and clinical grading Limitations: A different ingredient (hydrolyzed jojoba esters), not plain jojoba oil, and combined with glycerol. The authors call it proof of concept. Number of people not in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: No statement in the abstract. The ingredient is a commercial product (K-20W); authors may have industry links. Read: abstract |
| Minckler 2017 Unusual etiology of gastrointestinal symptoms: the case of jojoba butter. Open Access Emerg Med · PMID 28223850 · DOI |
Case report |
1 One adult patient |
Homemade jojoba seed butter, swallowed seed butter Not given here Single ingestion · vs n/a |
The authors say jojoba butter is cyanogenic, that jojoba seeds have long been recognized as inedible, and that symptoms after eating them are not well documented. The patient had restlessness and stomach and bowel complaints after swallowing homemade seed butter, was watched in hospital and treated with fluids, lorazepam and diphenhydramine for symptoms. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Symptoms after swallowing Limitations: One case. It was homemade seed butter, not bottled cosmetic oil. The abstract does not say how much was eaten or the outcome beyond 'effective management'. Funding and conflicts: The authors report no conflicts of interest. Read: abstract |
| Nasr 2017 Jojoba Oil Soft Colloidal Nanocarrier of a Synthetic Retinoid: Preparation, Characterization and Clinical Efficacy in Psoriatic Patients. Curr Drug Deliv · PMID 27174314 · DOI |
Drug delivery study |
People with psoriasis (number not in the abstract) | A jojoba-wax microemulsion carrying the drug tazarotene jojoba wax as a carrier Not given here Not stated here · vs A marketed tazarotene gel |
The jojoba-based microemulsion with tazarotene was reported to reduce PASI scores by 68%, against 8.96% for the marketed gel, with no irritation. The authors conclude jojoba oil helped deliver the drug. PASI score down 68% (microemulsion) vs 8.96% (marketed gel) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Psoriasis severity (PASI score) and irritation Limitations: The medicine tazarotene did the treating: this tests a drug delivery system, not jojoba oil as a treatment. Number of people not in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: No statement in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| National Capital Poison Center (poison.org) 2026 Poison Control: Essential oils: Poisonous when misused poison.org · Source |
Authoritative guidance n/a |
General public | n/a n/a Not given here n/a · vs n/a |
The page says pure essential oils are potent and that diluting them in a carrier oil is the best way to avoid a bad reaction from direct skin contact. It says to stop at once and wash off if a rash or skin reaction occurs, that allergy to an essential oil is a real possibility and the most common reaction is a skin rash, and that oils must be locked up out of the sight and reach of children and pets. If someone swallows an essential oil product, call poison center 1-800-222-1222 (US). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Safe handling of essential oils Limitations: Written about essential oils; it does not name jojoba or say which carrier oil to use. Read: full-text |
| Pazyar 2013 Jojoba in dermatology: a succinct review. G Ital Dermatol Venereol · PMID 24442052 |
Narrative review review |
Literature on jojoba in skin disease | Jojoba liquid wax seed oil Not given here n/a · vs n/a |
The authors say the literature suggests jojoba has an anti-inflammatory effect and can be used for skin infections, skin ageing and wound healing, that it appears in sunscreens and moisturizers, and that it can improve absorption of topical drugs. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Skin infections, skin ageing, wound healing, cosmetics Limitations: A short narrative review; the abstract gives no numbers or trial list. 'Suggests' is the authors' word. Funding and conflicts: No statement in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Ranzato 2011 Wound healing properties of jojoba liquid wax: an in vitro study. J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 21211559 · DOI |
Cell study in vitro (human cells) |
Human skin cells (keratinocytes and fibroblasts) in a dish | Jojoba liquid wax seed wax Not given here Not stated here · vs Untreated cells |
Toxic effects on the cells were extremely low. The wax notably sped up closing of a scratch in the cell layers and raised collagen I production in fibroblasts. The authors suggest it could be used for wounds in clinical settings. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cell toxicity, scratch-wound closure, collagen Limitations: Cells in a dish only. No animal or human wound study is in this abstract. Funding and conflicts: No statement in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Tietel 2024 Topical application of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.) wax enhances the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid and reduces inflammation in the ex-vivo human skin organ culture model. Front Pharmacol · PMID 38344180 · DOI |
Ex vivo lab study ex-vivo human skin |
Pieces of human skin kept alive in the lab | Four cold-pressed jojoba wax preparations seed wax, on skin tissue Not given here Not stated here · vs Untreated skin; dexamethasone as a positive control |
In skin pieces stimulated to become inflamed, jojoba wax lowered release of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha by about 30% compared with untreated skin. The effect was bigger when a detergent (Triton X-100) was added. Collagen III and hyaluronic acid production rose. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Inflammation markers and collagen and hyaluronic acid production Limitations: Skin tissue in a dish, not people. It says nothing about wrinkles or any result a person would notice. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no commercial or financial relationships that could be a conflict of interest. Read: abstract |
| Vaughn 2018 Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science. Am J Clin Dermatol · PMID 28707186 · DOI |
Narrative review review |
Literature on plant oils and the skin barrier (olive, sunflower, coconut, jojoba, oat, argan) | Natural plant oils seed and fruit oils Not given here n/a · vs n/a |
The authors say oils with more linoleic acid relative to oleic acid have better barrier-repair potential, that oils with more of the irritating oleic acid may harm the barrier, and that cold pressing is the preferred extraction method. Jojoba is one of six oils covered; the abstract gives no jojoba-specific result. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Skin-barrier repair Limitations: The abstract does not say what the review found for jojoba. Only the abstract was read. Funding and conflicts: No statement in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Wantke 1996 Contact dermatitis from jojoba oil and myristyl lactate/maleated soybean oil. Contact Dermatitis · PMID 8789240 · DOI |
Case report |
People with contact dermatitis (number not in the record) | Jojoba oil and a cosmetic ester/soybean oil ingredient seed oil, on skin Not given here n/a · vs n/a |
Only the title is available: a report of contact dermatitis (an allergic or irritant skin rash) linked to jojoba oil and to another ingredient. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Contact dermatitis Limitations: PubMed holds no abstract for this paper, so we read the title only. We cannot say how many people were affected or how it was confirmed. Funding and conflicts: No abstract available. Read: title-only |
What we do not know yet
- What the evidence supports: very low for dry skin, acne-prone skin and itchy nose, insufficient for wounds, skin ageing, psoriasis and hair, against for eating or weight loss.
- No trial of plain jojoba oil against no oil on dry skin or acne.
- No rate of skin allergy, and no source read on pets, comedogenicity or the simmondsin level in bottled oil.
- SCCS, CIR, Health Canada and LiverTox were not read.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any rating or safety wording.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Other 4
Skin lesion counts (pustules, papules, cysts, comedones)
Fell (before versus after a clay and jojoba oil mask, no control group) in trials
A count of spots on the face by type, done by the person or a clinician.
Results and what it means
Why it was measured
A simple way to track acne-prone skin over time.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Total lesions down a mean of 54% after 6 weeks; pustules 7.0 to 3.0, papules 3.5 to 1.0, cysts 2.0 to 0.5, comedones 26.5 to 16.0. | 133 people with complete counts | Clay and jojoba oil mask, 2 to 3 times a week for 6 weeks |
Water loss through the skin (TEWL)
Lower with glycerol plus hydrolyzed jojoba esters than glycerol alone in trials
How much water evaporates from the skin surface, measured by a device. Lower values mean the surface holds water better.
Results and what it means
Why it was measured
A standard way to compare moisturizers.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Significantly lower water loss than glycerol alone at 8 and 24 hours (P<0.05). | Volunteers, lower leg (number not in the abstract) | Lotion with 3.75% glycerol and 1.25% hydrolyzed jojoba esters |
Nasal itch score (0 to 10 scale)
Fell (before versus after, no control group) in trials
The person rates how itchy the inside of the nose is on a scale from 0 to 10.
Results and what it means
Why it was measured
A simple way to measure a symptom only the person can feel.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Mean 8.0 to 2.5 (P<0.001). | 46 men with chronic nasal itching | Jojoba oil applied inside the nose |
Skin inflammation markers (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha), lab skin tissue
Lower (about 30%) in the lab in trials
Chemical messengers that rise when skin is inflamed, measured in pieces of skin kept in the lab.
Results and what it means
Why it was measured
Used to test whether a substance calms inflammation in tissue.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | About 30% lower release than untreated inflamed skin. | Human skin organ culture (not people) | Cold-pressed jojoba wax on skin tissue |
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 3
- Do not swallow jojoba oil or seed butter: it is not a food oil. A 2017 case report says jojoba butter is cyanogenic and that jojoba seeds have long been recognized as inedible. One patient who swallowed homemade seed butter developed restlessness and stomach and bowel symptoms and was treated in hospital with fluids and symptom medicines. In rats, simmondsin, a compound from the seed meal, cut food intake and caused avoidance and 'abnormal physiological effects'. The sources we read do not say how much simmondsin is in bottled jojoba oil. So do not swallow it, and do not give it to children or pets. Case report and animal 15 11 10 9
- Skin allergy is possible. Case reports link jojoba oil to contact dermatitis, an itchy skin rash (two papers, read by title only because PubMed holds no abstract). We found no figure for how often it happens. Poison Control says the most common reaction to oils is a skin rash and to stop at once and wash off if one appears. A small patch test on a patch of skin before wider use is sensible. Case report 22 6 17
- A carrier oil does not make an unsuitable essential oil safe. Poison Control says diluting essential oils in a carrier oil is the best way to avoid a bad reaction from direct skin contact. Jojoba is widely used as a carrier, but it does not remove the risks of the essential oil mixed into it. Read the page for each essential oil you mix it with. Authoritative guidance 17 12
Side effects 3
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact dermatitis (itchy red skin rash) Both papers were read by title only. | Not known; only case reports found | mild to moderate Not described in the records we could read | Case report 22 6 |
| Restlessness and stomach and bowel complaints after swallowing homemade jojoba seed butter Seed butter, not bottled cosmetic oil. | One case report | needed hospital watching and symptom treatment The report describes effective management | Case report 15 |
| Reduced food intake, aversion and 'abnormal physiological effects' (animals, from the seed compound simmondsin) Purified compound or meal in feed, not the oil. | Rats | Not applicable Not described | Animal research 11 10 |
Liver
No source we read describes liver injury from jojoba oil. LiverTox was not searched for this page.
How often. Not known.
Monitoring. None found in the sources read.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Jojoba Oil supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 2
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription and over-the-counter medicines prescription | No interaction was described in the sources read. | None documented in what we read. One review notes jojoba can enhance absorption of topical drugs; a drug-delivery study used jojoba wax to carry tazarotene. | Insufficient Not enough evidence 18 16 | If you use a medicated skin product, ask your pharmacist or doctor before mixing it with oil. |
| Essential oils mixed into jojoba other | Jojoba acts as the diluting carrier; the essential oil keeps its own risks. | Poison Control: dilution helps avoid reactions from direct skin contact. | Authoritative guidance Low certainty 17 | Check the safety page of each essential oil. |
Who should check first 6
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Past skin reaction or rash to jojoba or a product containing it | Do not use it again without advice from a doctor or dermatologist. | Case report 22 6 |
| Eczema or broken, inflamed skin | No safety study on jojoba oil for eczema was found. Ask a clinician first. | Insufficient 3 |
| Swallowing, or giving to children or pets | Do not. It is not a food oil and the seed is described as inedible. Keep oils locked up out of reach of children and pets. | Case report 15 17 |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | No human data on jojoba oil on skin were found. In rats, defatted jojoba meal (not oil) in the diet cut food intake; foetal weight and bone hardening were lower, the bone delay matching underfed rats, and pups were otherwise normal. This does not show anything about skin use. Ask your doctor or midwife first. | Animal research 4 5 |
| Babies and children | No data found on jojoba oil on children's skin. Never give it by mouth. Keep oils locked away from children. | Authoritative guidance 17 |
| Inside the nose or near the eyes | No source we read advises it. The nose-itch study is one small uncontrolled study. | Insufficient 2 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. Jojoba seed contains the cyanoglycoside simmondsin and is described as inedible. The sources we read do not state how much is in bottled oil. Swallowing homemade seed butter caused gut symptoms in one case.
Animal. Rats fed simmondsin or defatted meal ate less and showed aversion; pregnant rats given defatted meal had smaller foetuses, linked to eating less.
Human doses studied. Oil inside the nose (46 men), a clay mask on the face for 6 weeks, a drug microemulsion on psoriasis. Amounts are in the papers.
High dose or long term signals. Not found for oil on skin.
Overdose response. Not described for oil. For a swallowed oil product, call a poison centre (Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 in the US).
Genotoxicity. Not read.
Toxic or hazardous parts. Seed meal and seed butter: cyanogenic compounds (simmondsin) described. Oil: not stated in the abstracts read.
No study of adulteration, pesticides or heavy metals in jojoba oil was found. In a lab heating test, jojoba oil resisted going off longer than rosehip, sunflower and olive oils.
Resistance to going off (oxidation). In a heated Rancimat test, jojoba oil had the longest induction period of four oils (jojoba, olive, sunflower, rosehip). 7
Refined, cold-pressed and modified ingredients. A 2018 review says cold pressing is preferred for plant oils because it keeps beneficial lipids. Cosmetic labels may also list hydrolyzed or modified jojoba ingredients, which are not the same as the oil. 21 14
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Poison Control (National Capital Poison Center) (United States) | Guidance on essential oils: dilute in a carrier oil for skin contact; stop and wash off after a rash; keep locked away from children and pets; call poison centre if swallowed. source | 2026 |
When to get medical help
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or face, wheezing or trouble breathing after using it: call emergency services now.
- Spreading rash, blisters or severe itching after using it: stop, wash it off and get medical advice.
- Anyone, especially a child or pet, who has swallowed jojoba oil or seed butter, or an essential oil blend: call a poison centre (US 1-800-222-1222) or a vet.
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is jojoba oil good for skin?
Is jojoba oil an essential oil?
No. It is a liquid wax from the seed, used as a carrier oil to dilute essential oils.
Does jojoba oil help acne?
One open study of a clay and jojoba oil mask saw fewer spots over 6 weeks, but it had no control group and the clay is also an active ingredient. It does not show the oil alone clears acne.
Will jojoba oil clog my pores?
We found no source that tested jojoba oil for pore-clogging, so we cannot say. Ratings online are not backed by a source we read.
Can jojoba oil cause an allergy?
Can I swallow jojoba oil?
Does jojoba help with weight loss?
Does jojoba oil grow hair?
No trial was found. Reviews list folk use for hair and scalp, which is not proof.
Is jojoba oil safe in pregnancy?
Does it go rancid?
All oils can spoil. In a heated lab test jojoba oil resisted oxidation longer than olive, sunflower and rosehip oils. Keep it closed, cool and out of sunlight and stop if it smells sour.
Is jojoba oil safe for dogs or cats?
We found no source on pets and jojoba oil. Poison Control says to keep oils locked up out of reach of children and pets. Call a vet if a pet swallows some.
Does diluting an essential oil in jojoba make it safe?
Poison Control says dilution in a carrier oil is the best way to avoid a bad reaction from direct skin contact, but it does not make an unsuitable essential oil safe. Check the essential oil's own page.
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-25
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-25
- How we research
- We read the PubMed abstracts of 20 papers (two contact dermatitis reports have no abstract and were read by title only), the Poison Control page in full text, and checked the plant name in GBIF. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. One review is by authors from a skin-care company and is marked.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown.
Sources 22
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Abdalla S, Aroua MK, Gew LT. A Comprehensive Review of Plant-Based Cosmetic Oils (Virgin Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Argan Oil, and Jojoba Oil): Chemical and Biological Properties and Their Cosmeceutical Applications.. ACS Omega. 2024. PMID 39524627. DOI 10.1021/acsomega.4c04277. (abstract)
- Bariskan S, Bayar Muluk N, Yesilova M et al. Evaluation of the Efficacy of Topical Jojoba Oil in the Management of Nasal Pruritus.. J Craniofac Surg. 2026. PMID 42183630. DOI 10.1097/SCS.0000000000012914. (abstract)
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