Jojoba oil is commonly used in skincare, including acne management, based on both its traditional use and emerging scientific evidence. It is a liquid wax ester extracted from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis plant. Jojoba oil's composition closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to moisturize without clogging pores (non-comedogenic). Laboratory studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, which can be beneficial for acne-prone skin. A notable small clinical study published in 2012 (Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Jojoba Oil Face Mask: A Randomized Controlled Trial, doi:10.1159/000342424) found that a jojoba oil-containing facial mask helped reduce skin lesions in mild acne.

However, high-quality clinical trials are limited, and most evidence is from in vitro or animal studies, or small human trials. Jojoba oil is also valued for its soothing and balancing effects, which may help regulate skin oil production, potentially reducing the likelihood of clogged pores and acne formation. Overall, while the use of jojoba oil for acne has some scientific support, particularly for its anti-inflammatory and non-comedogenic properties, the evidence is not robust or extensive. Further, large-scale clinical studies are needed to confirm its efficacy for acne treatment.