Jojoba Oil for Acne: How to Use It, Benefits, Risks and More

• Jojoba oil is commonly found in skin care products due to its many beneficial qualities
• The makeup of jojoba oil is so similar to the sebum naturally produced by the skin that they both work in tandem to regulate oil production
• This oil is an antioxidant with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
• Organic jojoba oil is generally considered safe and has a low incidence of side effects.

Jojoba is a liquid wax (commonly referred to as jojoba oil) that is made from the jojoba bean. It is a natural, noncomedogenic oil that is effective in alleviating symptoms of mild acne. It’s found in a number of over-the-counter (OTC) skin care care products, and has been scientifically shown to reduce acne symptoms in some people. 

What Is Jojoba Oil? 

Jojoba oil is an ingredient that’s commonly found in skin care products such as cleansers and creams. This oil contains minerals, vitamins and nourishing properties that smooth and moisturize skin. 

In addition to these benefits, jojoba oil has been proven to minimize visible signs of aging and to aid in wound healing due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. 

All these work together to effectively fight acne and can be an excellent addition to your anti-acne skin care routine. 

Best type of jojoba oil for skin 

When choosing jojoba oil, 100% organic, unrefined jojoba is best. Organic products are produced without chemicals, herbicides or insecticides and are therefore healthier and safer for your skin.  

Unrefined jojoba oil is naturally golden in color, hasn’t been filtered or processed, and contains no additive ingredients. In contrast, processed jojoba oil may be refined, bleached, decolorized and deodorized. 

In addition to organic, unrefined jojoba oil, you should also seek out a low oleic acid formula as this acid is comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores. Comedogenic ingredients can worsen acne and cause breakouts, particularly if your skin is sensitive. 

Does Jojoba Oil Help Clear Up Acne?

Yes, this oil has been proven to successfully treat and clear acne breakouts. One study showed that face masks made with jojoba oil are effective in healing mild acne and lesions on the skin.

One important attribute of jojoba oil is its ability to help the skin self-regulate, in part because its formulation is so similar to the sebum that is naturally produced by human skin. Once applied, it helps moisturize your skin, while also signaling the skin to not produce excess sebum. 

Can jojoba oil remove acne scars?

Jojoba oil is high in vitamin E which contributes to collagen and elastin production. This serves to strengthen the skin and help heal acne and soften existing scars. However, there is little evidence to support vitamin E’s role in eliminating scars altogether. If you have acne scars, minimally invasive procedures such as laser skin resurfacing would be a more effective choice.

How to Use Jojoba Oil for Facial Acne

There are many ways to incorporate jojoba oil into your regular skin care routine.  It can be used by itself or as an ingredient in skin care products formulated for acne. 

As a makeup remover or a facial cleanser

Sleeping in makeup can clog pores and make your acne worse, so it’s crucial to remove your makeup every night.To use it as a makeup remover, apply a pea-sized drop to a makeup sponge, then swipe gently over your face. 

Jojoba oil is also a gentle, effective facial cleanser. Message a small amount of the oil into your skin, starting from the center of your face and working your way out and around. Rinse off with a soft washcloth and lukewarm water; pat dry and finish with your regular skin care routine. 

Jojoba oil face mask

Jojoba oil can easily be made into a DIY face mask. Use two to three times per week for best results. 

1. In a small bowl combine jojoba oil and bentonite clay at a ratio of 1:1
2. Stir until smooth
3. Carefully apply to your face
4. Let rest for 10–15 minutes
5. Gently rinse off with warm water
6. Finish with your regular skin care routine

In a face mask, jojoba oil helps to moisturize and regulate the skin’s oil production. Bentonite clay helps to gently exfoliate the skin and tighten pores. 

Jojoba oil moisturizer 

Jojoba oil may be combined with aloe vera gel to create a nourishing skin moisturizer. Combine equal parts aloe vera and jojoba oil in an empty cosmetic bottle (tube or pump) and use as needed. 

Combined with other products

Jojoba oil is commonly found in OTC skin care product formulations, most often as a featured ingredient in moisturizers and cleansers. In one study, jojoba oil and glycerol were found to be an effective combination for moisturizing skin. 

Other Benefits of Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil has a host of other health benefits in addition to treating mild acne such as helping to: 

• Alleviate symptoms of psoriasis
• Ease inflammation
• Fight infection
• Heal minor, superficial injuries
• Lighten skin and address hyperpigmentation
• Moisturize, condition and protect hair
• Protect skin against razor burn
• Reduce minor signs of aging (some wrinkles, fine lines)

In addition to it’s high vitamin E content, jojoba oil is rich in zinc and copper. Zinc provides strong anti-inflammatory effects to target inflammatory acne and related scarring. This mineral fights damaging free radicals, supports collagen production, and helps heal and rejuvenate skin. 

Copper’s strength lies in its ability to contribute to firm smooth skin, and reduce lines and wrinkles. This mineral does so by promoting collagen and elastin, and helps protect and repair skin.

Potential Risks of Using Jojoba Oil

In general, jojoba is considered a safe oil to use on the skin. Like any topical ingredient or product, jojoba oil should be patch tested on a small area of skin before use. Stop use immediately if you experience irritation, a rash or signs of an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions to jojoba oil are uncommon but do sometimes occur.

Jojoba oil isn’t safe to ingest. 

Can jojoba oil irritate the skin?

Some individuals have reported skin irritation after long-term use. To avoid this, combine jojoba oil with other ingredients when applying to the skin as a leave-on moisturizer. If you’re using pure jojoba oil to cleanse your face, be sure to rinse well before moving on to the next steps in your skin care routine.

Can jojoba oil cause breakouts?

Jojoba oil is noncomedogenic and won’t clog pores so it’s unlikely to cause breakouts. However, If you have sensitive skin, use caution.

Alternative Oils for Treating Acne

If you wish, there are other natural oils available for fighting acne. Some alternatives to jojoba oil are essential oils that include: 

• Clary sage, an antimicrobial oil that may be used for minor skin injuries and infections
• Juniper berry, an antimicrobial, antibacterial oil that can effectively reduce acne breakouts
• Lavender, a soothing oil known for its relaxing properties as well as its ability to heal minor skin irritations and kill microbes
• Tea tree oil, known for its antiseptic qualities, contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can effectively soothe active acne

Essential oils should always be diluted 1:1 in a carrier oil such as grapeseed oil before they’re applied to skin. They should never be applied undiluted. 

Takeaway

Jojoba oil may help fight mild acne in some people and is not likely to cause severe side effects. Because of its noncomedogenic makeup and its similarity to sebum, it can help regulate oil production in addition to treating and preventing breakouts. 

Jojoba oil can be used to make at-home acne treatments, or it may be found in commercially available, OTC skin care products. You can choose among makeup removers, facial cleansers, face masks and moisturizers.

It’s possible to experience an adverse reaction to jojoba oil, although it isn’t likely. If you do experience irritation or signs of a reaction, discontinue use and contact your doctor. 

If jojoba oil isn’t right for you, alternative oils include clary sage, juniper berry, lavender and tea tree oil – all of which can provide skin-boosting benefits.