Jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis) is used as an emollient in the management of dermatitis, particularly due to its moisturizing properties and relative skin tolerability. Scientifically, jojoba oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in some in vitro and animal studies, and its composition—similar to human sebum—makes it less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions compared to other oils. Some small clinical studies and case reports have suggested that jojoba oil may help with symptoms of atopic dermatitis and other eczematous conditions by improving barrier function and reducing transepidermal water loss.

However, robust clinical evidence is limited. Most studies are preliminary, with few randomized controlled trials specifically evaluating jojoba oil as a sole intervention for dermatitis. Systematic reviews of complementary therapies for eczema often list jojoba oil as an ingredient in moisturizers but do not single it out as an evidence-based treatment. Its use is therefore supported by a combination of scientific plausibility and limited human data, rather than strong clinical trial evidence.

In summary, jojoba oil's use for dermatitis is justified by some scientific rationale and limited clinical data, but the evidence is not strong or conclusive, earning it a moderate evidence rating.