Jojoba oil is derived from the Jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis). This medicinal plant is used worldwide. The seeds and oil of this plant have been used in folklore for a long time to help manage various ailments. These include skin and scalp disorders, superficial wounds, sore throats, obesity, and cancer. Additionally, they are believed to help improve liver function, enhance immunity, and promote hair growth. While jojoba has a long record of folkloric uses in conditions ranging from obesity to cancer, these systemic applications remain unproven by allopathic medicine. The strongest modern evidence supports its topical benefits for skin healing, acne, and barrier repair.

Native to the southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico. It is also commercially grown in Argentina, Peru, Chile, Israel, and Egypt. Native Americans were aware of the benefits of jojoba long before it gained widespread recognition, using it to help manage burns, bruises, sores, wounds, sunburn, dandruff, hair loss, and inflammatory scalp conditions.  

Benefits of jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is rich in vitamin E, vitamin B complex, copper, and zinc, making it beneficial for the skin, hair, and nails. Some benefits include:

• Skin moisturizing
• Helping address acne may support skin balance
• Reducing inflammation
• Helping address psoriasis
• Anti-aging
• Scalp conditioner
• Help with dandruff
• Hair strengthener
• Hydrating nails and cuticles
• Helps control sebum production
• Help soothe sunburns

Jojoba oil remarkably resembles sebum, the natural oil produced by human sebaceous glands that helps lubricate and protect the skin and hair. As people age or when exposed to pollutants and environmental stressors, sebum production can decrease. In such cases, jojoba oil can effectively mimic sebum, providing a beneficial alternative for skin and hair care.

Jojoba oil and Ayurveda

While jojoba is native to the US and Mexico, its qualities and benefits can be well described through an Ayurvedic lens. In Ayurveda, jojoba oil is considered a twachya, or skin-supporting agent, thanks to its mild, cooling, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps balance all three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) and restore the skin’s natural oil balance. These attributes make it highly beneficial for soothing dry, inflamed, and acne-prone skin. You see, in Ayurvedic practice, individuals with a kapha-pitta dosha skin type are often prone to acne. 

Jojoba oil helps in multiple ways: its wax ester structure closely mimics human sebum, which allows it to dissolve excess sebum and prevent kapha imbalances linked to whiteheads and blackheads. At the same time, its anti-inflammatory and cooling nature calms pitta-driven redness and irritation. Clinical studies have documented its ability to reduce acne lesions through these moisturizing and wound-healing mechanisms.

For example, a 6-week pilot study observed people with acne-prone, lesioned skin who used a clay jojoba oil mask 2-3 times a week. 

• 54% mean reduction in total acne lesion count (including comedones, pustules, papules, cysts). 
• Reductions were seen in both inflammatory (pustules, papules) and non-inflammatory (comedones) lesions. 
• Quality of life improved (Dermatology Life Quality Index scores decreased). 

Reviews and articles from peer-reviewed medical journals note that jojoba oil penetrates deeply, dissolves sebum deposits, clears clogged follicles, and shows a significant anti-inflammatory effect when used as an adjunct or primary treatment for acne. Few adverse reactions were reported, making it safe for sensitive skin.

Recent studies using ex vivo human skin cultures (modeling living tissue) have found that jojoba wax reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) by approximately 30%. This anti-inflammatory activity resembles that of dexamethasone, a potent topical steroid. Promotes the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid, supporting wound healing and improved skin barrier function. 

In fact, jojoba is recognized as valuable for all three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha. Jojoba functions as a pacifier of all three doshas. The oil is appreciated for its deep penetration into the skin, leaving no greasy residue. Jojoba is suitable for various skin types, including those with oily and sensitive skin. 

Some other benefits of jojoba oil are:

• Non-allergenic
• Non-comdogenic
• Will not go rancid, even when heated repeatedly
• Won’t stain or remain in your towels

Additionally, the tridoshic effect of jojoba oil is supported by Western cosmetology: jojoba oil is rated zero on the non-comedogenic index, meaning it is least likely to clog pores.

In conclusion

Overall, jojoba oil’s natural compatibility with skin and hair, along with its balancing and soothing properties, makes it a valuable addition to Ayurvedic wellness practices, contributing to a healthy, radiant glow.

Want to try jojoba oil? Check out:

• MY24/7 face, lip, and body butter, JOJOBA LOVE, organic
• MY24/7 face, lip, and body butter, BARE, organic
• MY24/7 face oil, HAPPY ORANGE, organic

Click here to learn more about our guest author, Janny C.
Reviewed and edited by Petra N., CAP, NAMA

Note: this post is not considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified health practitioner if you have any health concerns or questions. 

Image by Karolina Grabowska, Pexels