Jojoba (pronounced “ho-ho-ba”) seed oil comes from the nut produced by the plant of the same name, a hearty perennial that grows in the deserts of the U.S. Southwest and northwestern Mexico. Indigenous peoples in those regions began using it long before the arrival of Europeans in the 18th century, much in part for its natural antioxidant properties that are said to help heal and condition skin and hair. Now, centuries later, jojoba has its place among the ever-expanding list of buzzwords pertaining to modern-day natural skincare supplements in many places around the world. 

Here we’ll explain the potential skincare benefits of jojoba seed oil and share tips on how to incorporate it into your skincare, should you choose to do so.

How to use jojoba oil on the face

Arguably one of the most important things to know about jojoba oil for face care is that it can be applied directly to the skin without dilution, making it a quick and easy alternative to ingredients that need to be mixed with a carrier oil. Here are some of the ways you can incorporate jojoba oil into your skincare and hair care routine: 

• May help reduce the signs of aging:¹ Apply jojoba seed oil directly to your face as your last step after cleansing and before bed for added moisture. This may help reduce the look of lines and wrinkles. You can also add it to your favorite products for extra hydration. 

• May help treat acne:² Use a cotton round to gently swipe a few drops of jojoba seed oil over your face after cleansing and toning but before any creams or heavier products. It’s also a great carrier oil, so it can help dilute acne-fighting oils like tea tree oil. 

• Hydrate lips: Apply jojoba seed oil directly to your lips, or use a product like Curology’s hydrating and nourishing lip balm, which contains jojoba seed oil, to soothe dry, cracked lips. Need some sun protection, too? Curology’s SPF lip balm contains jojoba esters, a form of jojoba oil.

• Help condition hair: Add jojoba seed oil to dry hair in small amounts for softness and shine. You can also try adding it directly to your conditioner or use it as a deep conditioning mask for a few hours or overnight. Remember, it’s an oil, so if you decide to use it overnight, be sure to protect your pillowcases and bed sheets. 

• Help remove makeup: Lightweight and non-greasy, jojoba seed oil is a great makeup remover. Massage a few drops onto your face and use a soft wet washcloth to gently wipe your makeup off. Pro tip: Leave it on for a few minutes before wiping it off, and remove your eye makeup last, so the oil has more time to sit.

Jojoba seed oil benefits 

Potentially helpful for addressing skin concerns and conditions like dryness, acne, eczema, and psoriasis, jojoba seed oil is gentle enough to be used alone as a topical treatment or combined with other oils. Another win: Its natural chemical composition allows it to remain shelf-stable for longer than some other face oils. It’s also an antifungal and emollient,³ helping to moisturize dry areas and protect them from certain microbes. Plus, it's so lightweight you’ll barely know it’s there. 

As far as jojoba oil benefits for the skin go, here are a few of the biggies: 

• It’s moisturizing: Jojoba seed oil can help the skin retain moisture and stay hydrated. 

• It’s an antioxidant: Jojoba seed oil is an antioxidant that contains natural forms of vitamin A and vitamin D. It helps to fight oxidative stress caused by exposure to pollutants and toxins in the environment, such as air pollution. 

• It’s antibacterial: Jojoba seed oil can kill some (but not all) bacteria and fungi.

• It’s non-comedogenic: Let’s shout it from the rooftops: Jojoba seed oil doesn’t clog pores! It’s unlikely to build up and cause breakouts, a common worry when it comes to using face oils. 

• It’s anti-inflammatory: Jojoba seed oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe the dryness, itching, and flaking associated with skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It may also help fight scalp conditions.⁴ 

• It may help fight acne:⁵ Jojoba seed oil’santimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may help prevent new acne breakouts and accelerate the healing of current pimples. 

What to consider before using jojoba seed oil

While jojoba seed oil is generally considered safe to apply to your skin, some people may experience irritation, rash, or an allergic reaction when using it. These reactions are rare, but even so, it’s important to start your jojoba seed oil journey slowly, especially if you have sensitive skin. Do not ingest jojoba seed oil and avoid getting it in your eyes. If you have any doubts, touch base with your dermatology provider to see if jojoba seed oil is right for you.

Choosing the right jojoba seed oil for your skin 

At Curology, we believe incorporating natural treatments like jojoba seed oil is fine, depending on your skin type and goals. But they’re completely optional. Nothing should replace washing and moisturizing your face twice daily, in the morning and evening, and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more as the last step of your morning skincare routine. If you decide to supplement your routine with jojoba seed oil, you might want to look for a cold-pressed product. Cold pressing involves crushing the jojoba seed without heat, which removes oil through pressure to preserve its nutritional value. High-quality jojoba seed oils absorb quickly and have a yellow tint. A few of our favorite products containing jojoba seed oil include the following: 

• The Curology Lip Balm: Designed by dermatologists, this lip balm contains jojoba seed oil and is formulated to stop moisture loss and soothe dry, cracked lips. It comes in five unique options: mint, vanilla, passionfruit, unflavored, and SPF, and new Curology members can add it to their free trial box at no added cost. 

• Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil: This non-GMO cold-pressed oil is ideal for moisturizing drier areas. 

• Art Naturals Organic Jojoba Oil: Sustainably sourced and certified USDA organic, this jojoba oil helps replenish and revitalize dry dull skin. It’s also a popular option for keeping hair smooth and moisturized.

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If Curology is right for you, we’ll pair you with one of our in-house licensed dermatology providers, who will create a personalized prescription formula to meet your specific skincare goals. We’ll send you a dermatology provider-designed skincare routine that contains a mix of the ingredients that might be right for you. The best part? Your first box is free* (just pay $4.95 plus tax to cover shipping and handling) and comes with any of our recommended skincare products at no extra cost.

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1. Lin, T. K., et al. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International journal of molecular sciences. (2017).

2. Meier, L., et al. Clay jojoba oil facial mask for lesioned skin and mild acne--results of a prospective, observational pilot study. (2012).

3. Gad, HA., et al. Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. Polymers (Basel). (2021)

4. Blaak, J., Staib, P., An updated review on efficacy and benefits of sweet almond, evening primrose and jojoba oils in skin care applications. Int J Cosmet Sci. (2022).

5. Gad, HA., et al. Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. Polymers (Basel). (2021)

Meredith Hartle is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Curology. She earned her medical degree at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO.

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Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Meredith Hartle, DO