Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil may have an oil-like consistency, but it might surprise you that this ingredient is not technically an oil. On a molecular level, jojoba oil is made up of about 98% pure waxes,¹ classifying it as a wax ester (or “liquid wax”), rather than a standard oil or fat. Not only this, but jojoba oil functions as both an emollient and humectant for your skin. Emollients are cosmetic ingredients that help soften and smooth the skin, while humectants help the skin remain properly hydrated by holding onto moisture.

In skincare, jojoba oil is primarily used in moisturizing products like body lotions, face moisturizers, face oils, and cleansing balms. This ingredient can be used daily as part of your moisturizing skincare routine, and is often combined with other gentle ingredients—like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide. Always apply jojoba oil by following the instructions on the product label, or as directed by a board-certified dermatologist, for best results.

Jojoba oil’s benefits for skin are highly sought after for a number of reasons. This ingredient can help maintain a healthy skin barrier and help your skin retain moisture by preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This makes jojoba oil a great option for dry skin. When applied topically, it can help leave your skin feeling nourished with moisture, soft, and comforted. Rich in both vitamin E and flavanoids, jojoba oil also provides antioxidant benefits. According to research, antioxidants play an important role in helping to combat oxidative stress from the environment that may accelerate visible signs of skin aging.²

There are jojoba oil face products suitable for all skin types, including both oily skin and acne-prone skin. In fact, jojoba oil may help balance sebum (oil) production in your skin, due to its similarities with the oil naturally produced by your body. At least one study has found that using skincare products containing jojoba oil may be helpful in the prevention and management of mild acne blemishes.³ When in doubt, seek the advice of a board-certified dermatologist for the best advice on jojoba oil and your skin type.

One of jojoba oil’s benefits for skin is that it’s “non-comedogenic,” meaning that it won’t clog your pores. It’s important to remember that the effects of any skincare ingredient can vary based on each unique individual and their skin type. The pore-clogging potential of any product will also be impacted by the other ingredients in the formula. This is why all jojoba oil-formulated CeraVe products are non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and developed with dermatologists to help maintain your skin’s protective barrier.

Yes, jojoba oil’s skin-soothing, moisturizing properties make it suitable for use on both the face and body. Jojoba oil is generally well-tolerated by all skin types, with a low chance of irritation or allergic reaction. Always apply products containing jojoba oil per the instructions on the product label, avoiding direct contact with your eyes, and check to determine if the product is meant for use on your face, body, or both.

The manner and frequency in which jojoba oil is used can vary from person to person, based on your skin type, skincare goals, and types of products chosen. A well-formulated product featuring jojoba oil should ideally be developed with dermatologists, gentle on the skin, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free. CeraVe’s face products with jojoba oil cover all these bases and more, and are suitable for daily use to support a radiant, healthy-looking complexion.

Reaping the benefits of jojoba oil comes down to choosing a gentle product that’s suitable for your skin type. CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm, a hydrating face cleansing balm for all skin types, features jojoba oil to help retain skin moisture as you cleanse—leaving your skin feeling nourished with moisture, soft, and comforted long after cleansing. For a moisturizing eye cream option, we recommend CeraVe Eye Repair Cream. This ophthalmologist-tested, non-greasy eye cream is formulated with jojoba esters and works to minimize the appearance of dark circles and eye puffiness.

If you’re looking for a gentle body cleanser option that softens and smoothes skin, without disrupting your skin’s protective barrier, try CeraVe SA Cleanser Bar for Rough & Bumpy Skin. This dual exfoliation salicylic acid cleanser bar provides both chemical and physical exfoliation, and is formulated with spherical jojoba beads to gently sweep away dead skin cells and improve the look and feel of rough, bumpy skin. To learn more, check out our guide to exfoliating without disrupting your skin barrier for expert tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tiffany Clay.

1. Gad, Heba A et al. “Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity.” Polymers vol. 13,11 1711. 24 May. 2021, doi:10.3390/polym13111711
2. Lobo, V et al. “Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health.” Pharmacognosy reviews vol. 4,8 (2010): 118-26. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.70902
3. Meier, Larissa et al. “Clay jojoba oil facial mask for lesioned skin and mild acne--results of a prospective, observational pilot study.” Forschende Komplementarmedizin (2006) vol. 19,2 (2012): 75-9. doi:10.1159/000338076