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Natural remedies such as plant extracts and herbs have long been used in traditional medicine. Today, around 75% of the world still relies on natural remedies for a variety of healthcare needs, according to ​​the World Health Organization, and many modern medicines are derived from plants[1]Pan SY, Litscher G, Gao SH, et al. Historical perspective of traditional indigenous medical practices: the current renaissance and conservation of herbal resources. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:525340. .

One common plant that’s utilized for its health benefits is the jojoba shrub, and more specifically, the oil it produces. Read on to learn more about jojoba oil, its benefits, how you can use it and its potential side effects.

Jojoba extract, or jojoba oil, comes from the seeds of the jojoba shrub. The oil makes up about 50% of the seed and is extracted by cold pressing, a method which helps the oil maintain its nutritional value, says Kelly O’Hara, a registered dietician at Lutheran Health Network.

Jojoba oil is made up of almost 98% pure waxes, as well as hydrocarbons, sterols and vitamins with few triglyceride esters[2]Gad HA, Roberts A, Hamzi SH, Gad HA, et al. Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. Polymers (Basel). 2021;13(11):1711. . Jojoba oil’s waxy substance, once applied to the skin’s surface, causes the outer cells of the skin to swell and create a moisture barrier, like sebum, explains Kirk Aronstam, owner of Oro de Sonora Pure Jojoba Family Farms in Brea, California. A highly sought commodity, jojoba oil doesn’t break down in the jar or on the skin, he adds.

The oil also has a variety of other uses, including pharmaceuticals, such as cosmetic, topical and transdermal products, and industrial applications like insecticides, lubricants and bioenergy.

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The benefits of jojoba oil are wide-ranging, says O’Hara, from collagen production to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. What sets jojoba apart from its competitors, she adds, is that it’s a wax ester instead of an oil, making it extremely shelf stable.

“It [jojoba oil] does a good job of preserving oils and is used as a preservative in a lot of formulas,” says Aronstam. “Especially ones with water in them. Jojoba is the simple, natural answer to keeping the moisture barrier intact.”

Jojoba is also hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic, meaning there’s a low risk of allergic reactions and clogged pores, adds O’Hara. Plus, it exhibits antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and contains Vitamin E.

When jojoba oil is placed on the skin, a signal is sent to the hair and sweat follicles notifying them that additional sebum—a mixture of lipids made by the sebaceous gland that help moisturize and protect the skin—is not needed. This keeps skin from producing excess oil, keeps pores clean and may help prevent acne.

“Jojoba oil can be a great and natural option to enhance your skin and hair care,” says O’Hara. People who struggle with sensitive skin, dry skin or hair, acne or dandruff may benefit from incorporating jojoba oil into their daily routine. Moreover, individuals living with skin ailments such as eczema can find relief in a jojoba oil product, she adds.

Jojoba oil may also help symptoms of eczema and can act as a hydration method for people whose sebaceous glands aren’t producing sebum normally, adds Aronstam. Given its water control properties, it can also improve the overall softness of the skin and contributes to improved skin movement, preventing cracks or tears that can develop on the surface.

It’s also found in a variety of over the counter beauty products, such as moisturizers, oils, conditioners and even lipsticks.

Jojoba oil has also been shown to help condition hair, and one study shows hair resulted in little protein loss, added protection and improved breakage resistance after jojoba oil was added to hair straightening products[2]Gad HA, Roberts A, Hamzi SH, Gad HA, et al. Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. Polymers (Basel). 2021;13(11):1711. . It may help improve the shine of hair as well, adds O’Hara.

Shampoo and conditioning products also utilize jojoba oil, claiming its properties help to clean and moisturize hair simultaneously. It’s also been noted to help make hair more manageable and reduce excess oil, thanks to its sebum-like features.

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“Jojoba oil can be rubbed directly onto the skin or hair as a part of your daily moisturizing routine,” says O’Hara. Additional ways of using jojoba oil to improve and maintain skin quality include:

If using jojoba oil for hair benefits, start by massaging a few drops into the scalp. The warmth created from the massage motions opens the pores and increases blood flow. To moisturize, work the oil through to the ends of the hair. Once the oil is adequately worked into the scalp and hair, wash with shampoo.

Research shows that jojoba oil can be effective in easing or treating common skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and dry skin with little to no side effects, such as itching or a rash. Since it produces an oil similar to that of our natural sebum, it absorbs easily without conflict.

As it absorbs into the skin quickly, jojoba oil can be used more than once a day for extremely dry skin, says O’Hara. If addressing exceptionally dry skin, she recommends applying the oil immediately after a shower on damp skin for the best possible results.

If you’re interested in adding jojoba oil to your daily routine, O’Hara says it’s important to be sure you’re purchasing a high-quality product. “Always look for 100% pure, organic, cold-pressed and unrefined jojoba oil,” she says. “Processed versions can irritate the skin and cause undesired side effects like eczema or allergic reactions.” You’ll know you have a quality brand when it has a yellow tint out of the bottle and absorbs quickly into the skin, she adds.

“There’s no real side effects to jojoba oil,” adds Aronstam. However, it’s important to note that the oil should not be ingested, and kept out of the eyes. Though studies report no acute toxicity when jojoba oil is ingested or applied topically, there could be potential for an allergic reaction. As with any health care product or supplement, check with your doctor or dermatologist before adding jojoba oil to your skin or hair routine.

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Erin Gregory has served the health and wellness industry in a variety of roles, including as a certified fitness instructor and team coordinator, varsity athlete and YMCA director. She is passionate about serving the community and educating readers about the importance of health in their everyday lives. She has shared her expertise as a writer for a variety of publications for the last 15 years.

Jessica is a writer, editor and media professional who has spent her career working with some of the most influential names in media. Prior to joining Forbes Health, Jessica was the manager of creative communications at Hearst, where she specialized in high-level production and project management. As a freelance writer, Jessica has written across a range of topics, including entertainment, travel and career. Her work can be found in Variety, Paste Magazine, The Muse and on her personal website (jessicamlester.com).