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Written by Grove Collaborative

Jojoba oil uses and benefits for skin, hair, and your pets.

Last Updated: September 16, 2021


Plump skin, ultra-hydration, and better hair — is there anything jojoba oil can’t do? Take a deep dive and learn all about the benefits of this nourishing oil.

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Jojoba oil is a multitasking superhero in everything from softening cuticles to facial serums to beard oils. It’s a fantastic carrier oil for all your witchy concoctions and it’s an effective cold sore treatment, to boot.


Ready to toss every product you own that doesn’t list it as an ingredient? Us, too. Take a deep dive and learn all about the benefits of this nourishing oil.

So what is jojoba oil?

Jojoba oil, pronounced “huh-HO-buh,” is a golden liquid extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant. Contrary to its name, jojoba oil isn’t actually an oil — it's got the chemical composition of a wax with the consistency of an oil. Magical!


This desert shrub is native to the Southwestern United States and Mexico, and — get this — due to its hardy nature and drought tolerance, it can live for up to 200 years. Talk about longevity.


On ingredients lists, it also goes by Simmondsia chinensis, jojoba seed oil, and jojoba wax. They’re all the same thing, and if you see any of these monikers on your beauty and skincare product labels, that’s what you’re looking for.

Shop organic jojoba oil at Grove

If there were a popularity contest for cosmetic oils, Now Organic Jojoba Oil might take the crown. This certified-organic pure jojoba oil is derived from the seed of the jojoba shrub. Most commonly used to soften hair and skin, jojoba oil contains many nutritional compounds, like long-chain essential acids and fatty alcohols.


Eva W. says "Soaks up quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy feeling. Only soft-as-silk skin. Good for my sensitive skin."


Want more jojoba oil products? Check out this list of the 22 best jojoba oil products for skin and hair, organized by top-rated items reviewed by actual Grove members.

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4 jojoba oil benefits for skin

Improves the skin barrier

Jojoba oil is jam-packed with antioxidants like vitamin A to guard against sun damage and vitamin E for an anti-inflammatory effect that makes it great for skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.


It also contains omega-6 fatty acids that are essential for plump, hydrated skin.

Jojoba oil for acne

If you’re worried about breakouts and acne from using it — don’t be. Jojoba oil is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores.


It also has antimicrobial properties for treating acne, actually, that help prevent bacteria from taking over your skin.

Delays signs of aging

Vitamins A and E improve the skin barrier and protect the skin from free-radicals that cause damage and premature aging.


It is rich in amino acids that promote collagen production — or the stuff that keeps your skin looking supple and young.

Maximum moisturization

Jojoba oil is made up of wax esters that gently coat your skin to prevent water loss.


It is incredibly similar to the sebum (oil) our body produces, so it can penetrate deep beneath the top layer of all skin types for exceptional nourishment.

Go deeper with Dr. Dray, and get some pro-level insight on the benefits of jojoba oil:

Is jojoba oil good for hair?

It is excellent for all hair types, especially dry or curly hair. While most oils work by penetrating the hair shaft and moisturizing from within, jojoba oil lightly covers the surface of the hair to seal the moisture inside the shaft.


While there’s no evidence that directly links jojoba oil to hair growth, it’s full of vitamins B, C, and E, plus copper and zinc that’ll make your hair super strong, supremely shiny, and easier to manage.

Jojoba oil for beards

Give your beard some TLC with a jojoba oil treatment. It prevents breakage by moisturizing your beard hairs to make them softer, fuller, and healthier.


Rub a few drops between your hands, and massage it in for one good-lookin’ beard.

Jojoba oil hair mask

Deep condition your locks with a jojoba oil hair mask, like this one by Terra Beauty Bars — it’s infused with flowers and coconut oil for max hydration.


Apply it to your scalp, and work it down toward the ends of your damp hair. Let it do its thing for 20 minutes, then rinse!

Shop for jojoba oil products right here

Is jojoba oil good for skin?

Skin + jojoba oil = a match made in epidermis heaven.


Because it mimics human sebum, it’s non-irritating and absorbs easily. Use it on your face and body every day for soft, happy, and radiantly glowing skin.


Here’s how:

Use it with SPF

You can never be too safe when it comes to the sun. Jojoba oil may aid your sunscreen in doing its job due to the oil’s penchant for protecting skin from sun damage.


Apply a light layer of jojoba oil before you slather on the sunscreen.

Treat your lips

Dry lips? Not anymore. Use jojoba oil as a treat for your chapped kisser — massage a couple of drops of jojoba oil into your lips, cover ‘em with a nourishing balm, and repeat anytime they need little extra love.


We love this lip mask by Henne Organics, made with jojoba and rosehip oils to soften your pout and keep the cracks at bay.

Pair it with your actives

Remember how jojoba oil is really good at getting under your skin?


Try pairing it with any actives you use — like retinol, salicylic acid, and other chemical exfoliators — to help drive the product deeper into your skin for better penetration, increased hydration, and more defense against fine lines and wrinkles.

Shop natural products from Grove containing jojoba oil

More uses for jojoba oil

Makeup remover

Jojoba oil is great for removing makeup because of its ability to dissolve the oils commonly found in beauty products.


Slather a bit of jojoba on your visage, then wipe it off with a cotton pad or clean cloth for moisturized, makeup-free skin.

Cuticle oil

Soften up your nail beds with a cuticle treatment that contains jojoba oil.


It’s antibacterial and anti-fungal properties might even help ward off nail infections.

Cold sore treatment

Mix jojoba oil with a few drops of tea tree oil, which is known to stave off and help heal cold sores. Dab a little on the sore, and repeat a few times a day.


Bonus: Jojoba oil contains docosanol, an active ingredient in over-the-counter cold sore medications.

Massage oil

Whether you’re giving or getting, super-slippery jojoba oil makes for a great massage.


Just add 5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil to a bottle of jojoba oil, pour a little on your hands, rub them together for a bit to warm up and start rubbin’.

Carrier oil

If you like to make your own tinctures, tonics, creams, and concoctions — you need jojoba oil. It has a light aroma that doesn’t overpower fragrant essential oils, plus it’s got powerful moisturizing properties.


(Our ultimate guide on how to use essential oils has everything you need to know about how to use, diffuse, and distill these ethereal oils.)

Jojoba oil for dogs and cats

Jojoba oil is nontoxic and hypoallergenic, and it’s safe to use on your fur babies.


If your kitty or dog’s skin is dry and they suffer from excessive scratching, rub jojoba oil on their problem areas once or twice a day for natural itch relief.

Shop Grove for the best jojoba oil products

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