Is jojoba oil good for seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes inflammation and flaking of the skin. While there are many treatments available, not all of them work for everyone. Some people may find relief by using jojoba oil as part of their treatment plan.

Jojoba oil is a liquid wax that is high in antioxidants and has a fatty acid profile that closely resembles our natural sebum. It doesn’t have anti-fungal properties but may help soothe and repair your skin. 

Let’s take a deep dive:

Is jojoba oil good for seborrheic dermatitis?

Jojoba oil is a natural compound that may help seborrheic dermatitis. It has been used to moisturize dry skin and hair for centuries. As it is liquid wax, the oil is shelf-stable and ideal as an ingredient in skincare products.

This stability also means that the chemical structure of jojoba oil does not change over time like other oils which can clog pores, making it a good option for people with acne-prone skin and seborrheic dermatitis.

Being a wax, applying jojoba oil to your skin results in a less greasy feeling and a matte appearance. As its lipid profile closely resembles natural sebum, the oil can also help regulate sebum production.

In rat studies, jojoba oil was shown to reduce inflammation.

Jojoba oil is a great source of fatty acids, which are beneficial in repairing skin cells. When used regularly, jojoba oil can help soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and promote healing.

More importantly, jojoba oil contains relatively low amounts of oleic acid which can feed Malassezia. This makes it a great carrier oil option for essential oil treatments.

Unlike some oils, jojoba oil easily washes away with shampoo, preventing scalp and hair build up. It is therefore a great hair oil option as well.

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Is jojoba oil anti fungal?

Many people claim that jojoba oil has anti-fungal properties but even though it shows some anti-bacterial action, jojoba oil doesn’t do anything to fungus, specifically Malassezia.

This doesn’t mean it’s not a good oil for SD. It is one of the safer oils for SD. But it does mean jojoba oil is likely not doing anything to treat SD.

Further reading: What is the best antifungal cream for seborrheic dermatitis?

How do I use jojoba oil for seborrheic dermatitis?

The most common way to benefit from jojoba oil is topically. The oil is a great way to moisturize and protect your skin. It can be applied directly, as an emollient after water-based products to lock in moisture.

You may also use jojoba oil as a carrier oil for essential oil treatment either for your face or scalp. Unlike other plant oils, jojoba oil is a safe carrier oil to use as it won’t feed Malassezia.

As jojoba oil rinses out easily, it can be used for hot oil treatments, or as a pre-shampoo hair treatment. You can also add it to your leave-in hair treatments but begin with small amounts.

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Jojoba oil is safe when used properly, but be cautious as too much oil is still too much oil.

Best jojoba oil skincare products for seborrheic dermatitis

Jojoba oil has become a popular ingredient in skincare products in recent years  thanks to its many benefits, There are a number of products on the market that use jojoba oil. The oil can help to soothe and moisturize the skin, which can help to reduce inflammation and irritation.

When looking for a product that contains jojoba oil, make sure that you select one from a reputable company. This is because not all products are made equal – some may contain harmful ingredients. By selecting a product from a well-known company, you can be sure that you are getting something that is safe and effective.

Paula’s Choice Calm Restoring Moisturizer

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This ultra-nourishing moisturizer uses jojoba oil as a base ingredient and also contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, vitamins C, E and oat extract to soothe and calm redness.

Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer

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This face moisturizer contains jojoba oil and aloe vera to soothe and hydrate skin without leaving an oily residue.

Lagom Cellus Deep Moisture Cream

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This intensive but light-weight moisturizer not only contains jojoba oil but also has citrus essential oils, ceramds and apple fruit water to moisturize and heal damaged skin.

Even though citrus essential oils may help treat SD, be aware that they are also potentially UV-toxic – meaning they can react with UV light to cause damage to your skin. Don’t use this moisturizer in the day time.

What are the side effects of jojoba oil for seborrheic dermatitis?

While jojoba oil is generally considered safe for use, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects. Some people may experience skin irritation or an allergic reaction after using jojoba oil.

Those with fine, flat, or oily hair should limit the oil’s usage as it can weigh down their hair. Jojoba oil can be used by all hair types but should be used minimally and only infrequently for those with finer strands.

If you have oily skin, consider using a water-based moisturizer instead of oil to hydrate your skin as it may cause clogged pores, worsen acne and trigger seborrheic dermatitis.

To wrap up

If you are suffering from seborrheic dermatitis, jojoba oil can help to soothe and calm the skin, while also restoring its natural oil balance. Just remember a little goes a long way.