Is Jojoba Oil Comedogenic

“Don’t use oils—they’ll give you acne!” 

You may have heard this common refrain over the course of your skincare journey. After all, if oily skin during hot summer days can lead to heat acne and clogged pores on days like the summer, then skin oils must also cause breakouts…right? 

As it turns out, the answer is actually different than expected—especially for non-comedogenic oils like jojoba oil. 

Jojoba oil is a type of carrier oil and a longtime ingredient in skincare, often lauded for its rich moisture. However, you may wonder if this oil could be comedogenic, or pore-clogging? For most people, it is not. However, everyone’s skin has unique needs. To decide if jojoba oil fits into your routine, keep reading to learn about jojoba oil’s benefits and properties for skin.

What Is Jojoba Oil?

Jojoba oil, often called  "liquid gold," is made from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis, a plant native to North America [1]. For centuries, indigenous communities have harvested this natural wonder for its medicinal and cosmetic properties.

Despite its name, jojoba oil is not an actual oil—it’s actually a liquid wax. This unique chemical composition gives jojoba oil its remarkable properties, helping it resemble the natural oils produced by your skin (a.k.a., sebum). 

While there are other non-comedogenic oils such as safflower oil and rosehip oil, jojoba oil possesses its own enriching components. In fact, within jojoba oil, you’ll find these beneficial ingredients for skin [2]:

• Fatty acids (oleic acid, gadoleic acid, erucic acid)
• Nutrients (vitamin E, vitamin B-complex, zinc, copper, selenium)
• Proteins
• Antioxidants
• Wax esters

By mixing these compounds, jojoba oil provides moisture, nutrition, and strength to your skin.

Understanding Comedogenicity 

Comedogenicity means a substance's tendency to clog pores [3]. When considering any new skincare ingredient or product, it’s important to note its comedogenicity—otherwise, you may face some surprise pimples.

In skincare, comedogenicity is ranked on a scale of 0 to 5. Almost any skincare ingredient can be ranked along this scale: [4]

• 0 – Does not clog pores
• 1 – Low chance of clogging pores
• 2 – Moderately low chance of clogging pores
• 3 – Moderate chance of clogging pores
• 4 – Relatively high chance of clogging pores
• 5 – High chance of clogging pores

The Comedogenicity of Jojoba Oil

So, is jojoba oil comedogenic? Most likely, the answer is no.

Jojoba oil is a 2 on the comedogenicity scale [5]. This means it has a moderately low chance of clogging pores, making it a non-comedogenic oil and safe for most skin types including oily and dry skin. And this makes sense, as the skin-clearing properties of jojoba oil come from its [6][7]:,

• Sebum-like structure – Since jojoba oil chemically resembles the natural oils made by the skin, it can penetrate the skin without leaving a greasy residue on the surface—a recipe for clogged pores.  
• Non-occlusive nature – Jojoba oil is a wax, a known emollient that can fill the gaps between skin cells to better retain moisture and maintain skin health [8]. However, it’s not an occlusive, which creates a thick film on the skin’s surface to trap moisture. This means skin can breathe under jojoba oil, preventing clogged pores.
• Anti-inflammatory capabilities – The antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in jojoba oil can soothe inflammation on the skin. Since inflammation can trigger acne-prone skin, this may help prevent acne breakouts from forming.

Remember—everyone’s skin is different. While jojoba oil may be safe for many skin types, it may cause clogged pores or breakouts in others. Make sure to patch test any jojoba oil skincare product (or any new product for that matter) on your skin before fully using it.

Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Skin

Jojoba oil offers a plethora of benefits for the skin. With its unique composition and sebum-like properties, jojoba oil can be a powerful ally in achieving a healthy and radiant complexion. 

When applied topically, you may see these remarkable benefits:

• Moisturization – Jojoba oil is a humectant, or a substance that attracts water into the skin [9]. Because jojoba oil’s structure allows it to penetrate the skin, water can be drawn into the skin’s deep layers for more effective hydration. Want to know how to stop getting an oily face during the day? Consider applying a night cream that features jojoba oil, like PROVEN’s personalized night cream, to take advantage of this benefit and wake up to hydrated, refreshed, and radiant skin.
• Sebum regulation – Jojoba oil’s sebum-like composition can actually help regulate the skin's natural oil production. When applied, it signals to your sebaceous glands that you don’t need more sebum, balancing out your oil levels [10]. 
• Anti-aging – Thanks to its antioxidants, like vitamins E and B-complex, jojoba oil could help prevent wrinkles from settling. This is because wrinkles are often the result of lost collagen, an essential protein that maintains your skin’s structure and elasticity [11]. Topical antioxidants are shown to boost collagen levels, helping to keep your skin more youthful [12].

Refresh Your Skin and Your Skincare Routine with PROVEN

It’s safe to say that jojoba oil is a uniquely remarkable skincare ingredient. From its sebum-like properties to its antioxidant protection, this “liquid gold” could be the key to unlocking your most vibrant complexion—even if you have oily skin that is acne-prone.

However, the journey to healthier skin doesn't stop at jojoba oil. If you're seeking more natural solutions for your skin concerns, look no further than PROVEN Skincare. 

With PROVEN, you can finally receive skincare that’s tailored to your unique needs, whether you have dry, oily or sensitive skin. With natural, research-backed ingredients, we can create your custom three-step skincare routine featuring a facial cleanser, a daily moisturizer with SPF, and a night cream—all developed with your unique skin type, concerns, and goals in mind.  

Discover your personalized skincare routine by taking our skincare quiz today.

“Don’t use oils—they’ll give you acne!” 

You may have heard this common refrain over the course of your skincare journey. After all, if oily skin during hot summer days can lead to heat acne and clogged pores on days like the summer, then skin oils must also cause breakouts…right? 

As it turns out, the answer is actually different than expected—especially for non-comedogenic oils like jojoba oil. 

Jojoba oil is a type of carrier oil and a longtime ingredient in skincare, often lauded for its rich moisture. However, you may wonder if this oil could be comedogenic, or pore-clogging? For most people, it is not. However, everyone’s skin has unique needs. To decide if jojoba oil fits into your routine, keep reading to learn about jojoba oil’s benefits and properties for skin.