Jojoba ester gel on irritated hands: water loss down 53% at 14 days; less redness, scaling and cracking
Rheins 2008, J Cosmet Sci · Source
Jojoba
Simmondsia chinensis seed · certified organic
Not technically an oil but a liquid wax that closely resembles skin's own sebum, so it absorbs beautifully and rarely irritates.
53%less water loss through irritated skin in two weeks
Hypoallergenicin allergy and pore-clogging tests
Skin-likewax esters similar to skin's natural oils
Why we love it
Jojoba stays stable without going rancid and is very unlikely to irritate. With coconut oil, it gives the Salve its silky base, and it's the base of the Nourishing Bath & Body Tonic.
What does the research show?
Skin barrier
In 14 health-care workers with hands irritated by constant sanitizer use, a gel with jojoba esters cut water loss through the skin by 53% over two weeks, and cracking, redness and dryness improved in all of them.
Low irritation
Testing for clogged pores, light sensitivity and allergy reported jojoba as non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.
Calming effects (lab and animal)
Jojoba reduced swelling and inflammatory markers in animal models, and sped up wound closure in skin cells in the lab.
Blemishes
In an open study of 133 people, a clay and jojoba mask used two to three times a week reduced acne lesions by 54% over six weeks. There was no comparison group.
Studies
Human study tested in people Lab study a starting point, not proof
Clay and jojoba mask: acne lesions down 54% over 6 weeks
Meier 2012, Forsch Komplementmed · Source
Jojoba reported non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic
Arquette 1998, J Cosmet Sci · Source
Reduced swelling and inflammatory markers, including when applied to skin
Habashy 2005, Pharmacol Res · Source
Faster wound closure and more collagen in skin cells; very low toxicity
Ranzato 2011, J Ethnopharmacol · Source
Jojoba applied to infected wounds lowered inflammation markers (IL-1 and IL-6)
Elbatouti 2023, J Pure Appl Microbiol · Source
Jojoba in dermatology: a review of its skin uses, from moisturizing to wound healing
Pazyar 2013, G Ital Dermatol Venereol · Source
Jojoba's chemistry, pharmaceutical uses and safety
Gad 2021, Molecules · Source
How has it been used traditionally?
Jojoba is native to the Sonoran Desert, and has a long history of traditional use on skin and hair there. Today it is widely used in cosmetics.
Is jojoba safe on the vulva?
Allergy to jojoba is rare. Like other oils, it can weaken latex condoms, so if you use them, apply after sex instead of before.
Last reviewed: November 2026.
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Reviewed by the Momotaro Apotheca medical team, including OB-GYNs and naturopathic doctors. Educational information, not medical advice. All ingredient research