What are the benefits of jojoba oil for the skin?

The cosmetic value of jojoba oil is largely due to its particular chemical composition. Unlike conventional vegetable oils composed of triglycerides, it is technically a liquid wax made up of long‑chain wax esters. This composition is analogous to human sebum, which gives it exceptional biomimetic properties. Lightweight and non-comedogenic, it reinforces the hydrolipidic film without clogging the pores and may help to regulate sebum production in oily skin. Furthermore, several studies have shown that jojoba oil has antibacterial properties, which may be useful in reducing blemishes. These are partly linked to the proliferation of the bacterium Cutibacterium acnes, which is very prevalent in inflammatory lesions.

Several clinical data have highlighted the relevance of jojoba oil for blemish-prone skin.

A pilot study conducted on 194 participants evaluated the effectiveness of applying clay and jojoba oil masks over a six-week period. The results showed an average reduction of 54% in the total number of lesions. More specifically, inflammatory lesions were the most affected, with a decrease of 49.4% for pustules, 57.3% for papules and up to 68.6% for cysts. Non-inflammatory lesions also decreased by 39.1%.

These results should, however, be approached with a certain degree of caution. This study did not include a control group to isolate the effect of jojoba oil from that of the clay or from the natural course of time. In addition, lesion counts were carried out by the participants themselves, which introduces a degree of subjectivity compared with a professional clinical examination.

Despite these methodological limitations, this work provides initial encouraging evidence of the effectiveness of jojoba oil in supporting skin prone to blemishes.

Jojoba oil also stands out for its remarkable emollient properties, which can increase the suppleness of the skin. Its chemical structure, similar to human sebum, gives it an excellent moisturising capacity without leaving a greasy or sticky finish. Jojoba oil thus helps to reduce transepidermal water loss.

Suitable for oily skin, jojoba oil is also a good option for dry skin.

The effectiveness of jojoba oil on dry skin has been clinically validated. A study compared the effect of several vegetable oils, specifically sweet almond oil, coconut oil and jojoba oil, with that of petrolatum in 32 patients suffering from xerosis, that is, severe skin dryness. After two weeks of twice-daily application, the results showed that jojoba oil significantly increased hydration of the stratum corneum, proving to be as effective as petrolatum in restoring the skin barrier. The study highlights another advantage: participants greatly preferred the natural oils to petrolatum, which was considered less pleasant to use.

Jojoba oil can also help the skin to heal more effectively. At the cellular level, the process of healing relies on the ability of keratinocytes and fibroblasts to migrate towards the damaged area to rebuild the tissue. In vitro studies conducted on human cell lines have shown that this liquid wax significantly speeds up wound closure. By stimulating specific signalling pathways, such as the PI3K/AKT pathway, jojoba oil activates the biological mechanisms required for epidermal repair. In addition to promoting this cellular migration, jojoba oil also plays an important structural role in rebuilding the extracellular matrix. Research shows that it stimulates the synthesis of type I collagen by fibroblasts, a protein that is essential for the strength and elasticity of the new scar tissue.

Although further studies are still needed, jojoba oil appears to promote epidermal regeneration after an injury, without, however, replacing appropriate treatment in the case of a serious wound.

Oxidative stress is a biological phenomenon that occurs when free radicals, generated during metabolism but also under the influence of various external aggressions such as UV radiation, pollution or tobacco, exceed the body’s natural defence capacities. In the skin, this imbalance results in oxidation of the lipids in cell membranes, triggering an inflammatory cascade, premature degradation of structural support fibres such as collagen and elastin, and apoptosis, that is to say programmed cell death.

Oxidative stress is one of the main drivers of premature skin ageing and loss of complexion radiance.

Jojoba oil is a natural source of vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties. While most vegetable oils are rich in alpha-tocopherol, jojoba oil stands out for its high gamma-tocopherol content, which accounts for nearly 79% of its total vitamin E content.

Vitamin E acts as a shield by neutralising free radicals before they can damage cell membranes. By protecting the integrity of epidermal lipids in this way, jojoba oil may help to limit inflammation and slow down skin ageing.

Several experimental models have shown that jojoba oil can reduce inflammation. This natural ingredient inhibits the production of certain inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins like PGE2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α. This mechanism of action of jojoba oil suggests that this oil may help to soothe redness and sensations of heat.

The anti-inflammatory efficacy of jojoba oil has been demonstrated in various studies, including one in a murine model which showed that its application significantly reduces the formation of oedema and lowers the level of nitric oxide, a gas involved in vasodilation and inflammation. The researchers also observed that jojoba oil reduces the activity of myeloperoxidase, a marker of neutrophil infiltration, thereby protecting tissue integrity against histopathological alterations. These findings suggest that jojoba oil, beyond its moisturising properties, acts as a soothing shield capable of combating inflammation in several forms.

Note : Jojoba oil may be beneficial as a supportive care option for skin prone to inflammatory dermatoses, such as rosacea, eczema or psoriasis. However, although its excellent tolerance makes it a promising treatment, clinical studies are still required to confirm its effectiveness for these conditions.

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