Can Jojoba Oil Really Help Clear Up Acne?
Facial oils are popular for good reason. Not only is the application process of massaging one into your skin incredibly soothing, but face oils also give your complexion an instant and very satisfying glow while helping to lock in moisture. Among the plethora of oil blends on the market right now, one humble oil is sometimes forgotten: jojoba oil. Often marketed as a good option for people with acne-prone skin, this scent-free oil acts as an emollient that helps to smooth and moisturize. According to the experts we spoke to, yes. "It may help acne by normalizing your skin's own oil production, and it has anti-inflammatory properties," says Michele Farber, a board-certified dermatologist based in Philadelphia, adding that "additional acne-fighting ingredients may also be necessary for acne treatment." My personal experience with using jojoba oil during an acne breakout is that the lightweight facial oil feels soothing to apply and gives me immediate relief during particularly angry flare-ups. Plus, it gives my skin an instant and satisfying glow and feels luxurious enough to make me feel like I'm showing my skin a bit of extra love when it needs it. It's always good to be armed with the facts when introducing a new ingredient or product into your skin-care regimen, particularly if you have sensitized or acne-prone skin. Ahead, we're breaking down exactly what jojoba oil is, what it does, and whether it'll likely be a good fit for your daily routine and acne-fighting arsenal. The first thing to know about jojoba oil is that it technically isn't an oil at all. "Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax, which is why it feels less greasy on skin compared to oils," says cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson of BeautyStat. Specifically, jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis plant and earns its classification as a wax because of how it chemically differs from other oils. Jojoba oil is composed of 98 percent pure waxes, mainly fatty acids, alcohol, and hydrocarbons, unlike a true oil. "For this reason, it can help provide moisture on the skin's surface without clogging the pores," explains Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.