Jojoba oil for oily skin is a debated idea. Cleveland Clinic says jojoba oil is not going to make skin too oily or block pores. Yet the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) tells people with oily skin to pick products labeled “oil-free” and “noncomedogenic.” No source we checked proves jojoba oil controls oil production.
Last updated 3 October 2026. This article summarizes guidance from Cleveland Clinic, the American Academy of Dermatology and a published review. Your own doctor remains the right person to ask about your skin.
Is jojoba oil for oily skin a good idea?
Using jojoba oil for oily skin may be fine for some people, but it is not a sure thing. Cleveland Clinic’s page on jojoba oil says that on acne-prone skin it is not going to overhydrate, make skin too oily or block pores. That is a dermatologist’s opinion, not a study of oily skin.
The AAD takes a cautious line for oily skin. It advises products labeled “oil-free” and “noncomedogenic,” and to avoid oil-based and alcohol-based cleansers. It also says to choose sunscreens without fragrance or oils. So the two sources point in different directions, and you should weigh both.
Does oily skin need moisturizer?
Yes, per both sources. If you use jojoba oil for oily skin, you still need moisture from somewhere. The AAD says oily skin still needs moisturizer. Cleveland Clinic says hydrated skin tends to produce less oil, and it lists moisturizer and sunscreen among its tips for oily skin.
Our guide to face oils for dry skin is aimed at the opposite skin type, but it shows how oils are usually used.
What helps oily skin most?
The basics matter more than any single oil. The AAD and Cleveland Clinic suggest:
-
Wash up to twice a day and after you sweat, with a gentle cleanser. Harsh products can trigger more oil, they say.
-
Do not scrub, and avoid rough exfoliants.
-
Use oil-absorbing papers by blotting, not rubbing.
-
Choose oil-free, noncomedogenic products and skip alcohol-based ones.
-
Do not touch your face.
-
Use sunscreen. The AAD points to zinc oxide and titanium dioxide formulas.
What does research say about jojoba oil on skin?
A 2021 review in the journal Polymers says jojoba oil could be used successfully for acne vulgaris. The acne evidence it cites is older clinical reports, a 1973 examination of acne patients and a study by Mosovich, with few details. The review does not study oily skin or oil control, so it does not settle the question. Our page on jojoba oil and acne covers it in more detail, and jojoba oil vs argan oil compares two popular choices.
Is jojoba oil safe to try?
Cleveland Clinic says the risk of allergy is very low and reports are uncommon, though hives and itching are possible. It suggests a small trial on a limited patch of skin before a new ingredient goes everywhere. If you have breakouts, see our page on grapeseed oil for acne as well. Remember that a bottle may hold other ingredients that matter more than the oil.
When to see a doctor
Cleveland Clinic says to see a dermatologist if over-the-counter remedies for oily skin do not help after one to two months. The AAD also says to see a board-certified dermatologist if oil production is still a concern or if blackheads or acne appear. Stop any product that causes a rash, swelling or burning.
Frequently asked questions
Can jojoba oil leave oily skin even oilier?
Cleveland Clinic says jojoba oil is not going to make skin too oily or block pores. The AAD still advises oil-free, noncomedogenic products for oily skin. Try a small area first, and stop if your skin gets shinier or starts to break out.
Should oily skin be moisturized?
Yes. The AAD says oily skin still needs moisturizer, even though it feels greasy. Cleveland Clinic says hydrated skin makes less oil. Look for products labeled “oil-free” and “noncomedogenic,” ideally with broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, as the AAD suggests. Ask a dermatologist if your skin stays shiny or breaks out.
Can jojoba oil control oil production?
We found no source that says so. The 2021 review discusses acne, not oil control. Cleveland Clinic says stress, hormones, genetics and other factors affect how oily skin gets. A dermatologist can suggest tailored care if over-the-counter steps fail, and a pharmacist can help you read product labels.
How do you test jojoba oil first?
Cleveland Clinic recommends starting small: put a little of any new ingredient on a limited area of skin before using it more widely. It says allergies to jojoba oil are very uncommon, but if hives or itching appear, stop using it and ask a pharmacist or doctor what to do next.
Sources (all checked 3 October 2026)
-
Cleveland Clinic, How Jojoba Oil Benefits Your Hair and Skin, published 26 July 2023.
-
Cleveland Clinic, 8 Tips for Getting Rid of Oily Skin, published 22 May 2023.
-
American Academy of Dermatology, How to control oily skin, updated 3 September 2024.
-
Polymers, Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity, 2021.
Written by the Dry Skin Tips editorial team. We do not claim medical review of this article. If you have a skin concern, see a qualified health professional.