Scalp psoriasis can be hard to manage — and even harder to hide. The thick, itchy patches and scales often look like dandruff, and hair can make psoriasis difficult to treat. Some people wonder if jojoba oil, a natural oil from a desert plant, might help soothe their scalp.

While jojoba oil is not a medical treatment for psoriasis, some people use it at home to help with symptoms like dryness and itching. Natural products like this may be easier to get than prescriptions. But that doesn’t mean they work for everyone — or that they’re always safe.

If you’re thinking about trying jojoba oil for scalp psoriasis, here’s what you need to know.

What Is Jojoba Oil?

Jojoba oil (pronounced ho-HO-ba) comes from the woody jojoba shrub. This plant lives in dry places in Arizona, Southern California, and northern Mexico. Related plants or variations, sometimes also called jojoba, grow around the world.

The seeds of the jojoba plant hold oil, which helps protect them until they can start growing when scattered or planted. For centuries, people have extracted and used the oil for its healing properties. For example, Native Americans used jojoba oil to treat open sores, sunburns, sore throats, and more. More recently, jojoba oil has become a common additive in hair care and skin care products.

What Are the Health Benefits of Jojoba Oil?

Researchers have discovered several possible health benefits of jojoba oil, particularly for skin issues like acne and psoriasis.

Jojoba oil has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping fight viruses and bacteria. Jojoba oil is best known for its topical benefits, including its ability to moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation. These effects make it a useful ingredient in managing skin dryness and irritation.

Does Jojoba Oil Help the Skin?

Some people with psoriasis report that jojoba oil helps them feel better. “Nothing worked for me until I used jojoba oil,” wrote a MyPsoriasisTeam member.

One study found that jojoba oil helped lower immune system proteins in human skin. This means that jojoba oil could potentially help reduce skin inflammation. But while some preliminary studies suggest this effect, more research is needed in humans to confirm its impact on psoriasis.

Jojoba oil’s fatty acids help enhance skin hydration. Unlike many moisturizers, jojoba oil acts similarly to the natural moisturizer produced by the skin, rather than like a foreign substance. People with psoriasis and other skin conditions may find jojoba oil to be a helpful and nonirritating moisturizer.

Is Jojoba Oil Good for the Scalp?

Because the scalp is made up of skin, jojoba oil could be helpful for scalp psoriasis. Jojoba oil may also work as a natural leave-in conditioner for your hair. Several MyPsoriasisTeam members have found it useful.

“Since switching to jojoba, I have found some much-needed relief for my scalp!” shared one member. “I have long hair and do a slicked-back style in order to have it on my scalp for 24 hours. It’s not a miracle, but it does relieve the itching and dryness!”

Another said, “I have psoriasis in my hair. I have been using jojoba carrier oil with antioxidant vitamin E.”

If you have scalp psoriasis, jojoba oil may be one way to help calm itchy plaques. However, while jojoba oil may offer some symptom relief as a natural moisturizer, it should not replace treatments recommended by your dermatologist.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Jojoba Oil?

There are a few known risks or side effects of jojoba oil. Even in large doses, it does not seem to be toxic either on the skin or when ingested. However, it’s probably best not to ingest it or use it in your eyes, unless you are doing so under the care of your doctor or dermatologist.

Allergic reactions are possible but rare with jojoba oil. If you have other allergies or sensitive skin, do a patch test to see how a small area of affected skin reacts to it before applying it to a larger area.

How To Use Jojoba Oil Safely

There are many ways to use jojoba oil on the scalp. Before you try any of these approaches, talk with your dermatology expert to make sure that using jojoba oil is safe for you.

Massage It Into Your Scalp

After bathing, you can massage jojoba oil into your scalp and leave it there for several hours. You may choose to apply the oil only where you have psoriasis plaques or to your whole scalp as a preventive measure. You can use a product with jojoba oil, such as an ointment, an oil, or a cream, as long as it doesn’t trigger your psoriasis symptoms.

Some MyPsoriasisTeam members apply jojoba oil directly to their scalp, sometimes mixing it with other ingredients. One member said, “Mix up 4 ounces of jojoba oil. Put it on in small amounts and spread it naturally. Rub it on your scalp and wait for at least eight hours before washing your scalp/hair, etc. Try it for at least five to seven days. That’s when my sores started softening and drying out.”

“Give yourself a stimulating scalp massage with jojoba oil,” suggested another member. “It may help you to relax and feel a bit better.”

If you worry about oily hair, use jojoba oil when you’re at home. You could try this overnight method: Apply the oil to your scalp at night, wrap your head in a towel, and wash out the oil in the morning.

You can also try just a few drops of jojoba oil at a time. This way, the oil goes exactly where it’s needed on your scalp, and it’s less likely that all your hair will look oily.

Try a Shampoo or Conditioner With Jojoba Oil

A few shampoos and a wide variety of conditioners and cream rinses contain jojoba oil. Your healthcare provider may be able to help you select a product if you aren’t sure which to choose.

Be sure to follow the instructions on the label or from your doctor. Generally, you’ll apply the product, leave it on for several minutes, and then rinse it out. You may need to step out of the shower and wrap your head in a towel for a while to let the jojoba oil penetrate into your scalp. It may take some time, but using jojoba oil may slowly help your scalp heal.

Join the Conversation

On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you tried essential oils like jojoba oil for your scalp psoriasis? Did you notice any unwanted side effects or safety red flags? Let others know in the comments below.