Jojoba Oil

Also known as: Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, jojoba wax, liquid wax

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Plant-derived liquid wax used topically. Limited evidence for skin benefits; often used as a carrier or placebo in studies.

What it does

Jojoba oil is a liquid wax pressed from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis shrub. It is most commonly used as a topical skin ingredient and as a carrier oil in drug delivery formulations. A...
Evidence quality

Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
Clinical dose

No established dose
Found in

Zest of Moringa 2-in-1 Shampoo-Conditioner, Now Foods Solutions Facial Oil, Balancing

See full breakdown ↓ Methodology →

What the Science Says

Jojoba oil is a liquid wax pressed from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis shrub. It is most commonly used as a topical skin ingredient and as a carrier oil in drug delivery formulations. A small clinical trial found it may reduce nasal itching when applied inside the nose, and it has been used as a vehicle to deliver psoriasis medications more effectively to the skin.

What It Doesn't Do

Not proven to reduce pain or improve skin integrity on its own. No evidence it works better than other oils for preventing perineal tears during childbirth. Not a proven treatment for psoriasis by itself — it was the drug carrier, not the active ingredient. No evidence for any internal health benefits when taken orally.

Evidence-Based Benefits

May reduce nasal itching when applied topically inside the nose.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established dose

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 42183630

Enhances skin penetration of topical medications like retinoids when used as a carrier.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established dose

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 27174314 PMID 29448838

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown for systemic use. As a topical agent, it penetrates skin and has been shown to enhance drug delivery into skin layers. At high concentrations, cell culture data shows dose-dependent cytotoxicity to nasal epithelial cells.

Red Flags to Watch For

Cell culture studies show jojoba oil kills nasal epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner — high-concentration nasal use may not be safe long-term
Most studies use jojoba oil as a placebo or carrier for other drugs, not as the active ingredient — marketing claims often overstate its standalone benefits
The nasal pruritus trial had no control group and only 46 male participants — results cannot be generalized
No standardized dosing exists for any topical or oral application

Products Containing Jojoba Oil

See how Jojoba Oil is used in these analyzed products:

Zest of Moringa 2-in-1 Shampoo-Conditioner

Supplement

Mostly Legit

Now Foods Solutions Facial Oil, Balancing

Supplement

Mostly Legit

View all product reviews →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jojoba Oil do?

Plant-derived liquid wax used topically. Limited evidence for skin benefits; often used as a carrier or placebo in studies.

What is the effective dose of Jojoba Oil?

No established dose

Is Jojoba Oil safe?

Cell culture studies show jojoba oil kills nasal epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner — high-concentration nasal use may not be safe long-term

What doesn't Jojoba Oil do?

Not proven to reduce pain or improve skin integrity on its own.

Research Sources

PubMed
NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25