Jojoba oil

What is jojoba oil?

Jojoba oil comes from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis, a desert shrub native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Technically it is not an oil but a liquid wax: about 98% of it is wax esters, with small amounts of free fatty acids, alcohols, sterols and vitamins (Gad et al., 2021). That structure makes it unusually stable and similar to the natural waxy oils in human skin, which is why it is so common in cosmetics.

What the research says

A 2021 review described laboratory and some clinical research on jojoba oil for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, antipsoriasis, antimicrobial and antifungal activity, and noted its wide use in topical and transdermal products (Gad et al., 2021). Much of that work is preclinical. A 2022 review of sweet almond, evening primrose and jojoba oils concluded that these oils have skin care benefits for dry and aging skin, while cautioning that study designs are often weak and that formulation matters (Blaak and Staib, 2022).

We found no clinical trials showing that jojoba oil treats nail fungus. In nail and cuticle products, its realistic role is as a moisturizing, stable carrier that helps the blend spread and keeps the surrounding skin supple. Softer cuticles and a glossier nail surface can make nails look healthier within days, but that cosmetic change is not the same as clearing an infection, which shows only as a new, clear nail grows out over many months.

How it’s used in products

Jojoba oil appears in facial oils, moisturizers, hair products, lip balms, massage oils and nail and cuticle oils. Because it resists oxidation better than many plant oils, it can help extend the shelf life of oil blends. Product labels list it by its botanical name, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, and it is usually one of several carrier oils rather than the main ingredient.

Jojoba oil is generally well tolerated on the skin, and the 2021 review addressed its toxicity profile as part of its broad use in cosmetics (Gad et al., 2021). Occasional skin irritation or allergic reactions are possible, so test new products on a small area. It is meant for external use only and should not be eaten, because the wax is not digested normally. Keep it away from the eyes, and stop using any product that causes redness or itching. For nails that are thick, discolored or painful, see a clinician to find the cause rather than relying on moisturizing oils.