The baobab oil offers a broad range of benefits for hair. Among these, it is often said to have an anti-dandruff effect. Discover what research shows in this article.
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Baobab oil: an anti-dandruff agent?
Summary
- Dandruff: what is it?
- Does baobab oil have anti-dandruff properties?
- Directions for use and precautions
- Sources
Published January 9, 2024,
updated on July 7, 2025,
by
Marie, Scientific Editor
—
4 min read
Dandruff: what is it?
Dandruff flakes are a scalp concern affecting one in two people in France. They are small scalp fragments called scales that detach, spread in hair, or fall on shoulders. They result from excessive scalp shedding. This condition is benign but can affect appearance. In some cases, dandruff includes itching and scalp irritation. There are two types of flakes: dry flakes and oily flakes.
Mechanism : The development of dandruff results from an acceleration of cell turnover in the scalp epidermis, associated with abnormal shedding. A healthy scalp sheds dead cells invisible to the naked eye every day. This cell turnover follows a regular 28-day cycle. During this cycle, epidermal cells complete maturation, separate from one another, and detach one by one, rendering them invisible on the surface. Several factors promote dandruff development, such as the presence of the Malassezia fungus on the scalp, genetic predisposition, sebum production, and external factors.
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Does baobab oil have anti-dandruff properties?
To date, no studies investigate the effects of baobab oil on dandruff or the Malassezia fungus. Additional research is needed to confirm and support these findings. However, a study on baobab hydroalcoholic extract showed the extract has a antifungal activity against Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli. This suggests the oil could help reduce dandruff.
Baobab oil has an anti-inflammatory effect:
First, baobab oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help fight inflammation by reducing skin inflammation markers, recruiting anti-inflammatory cells, and signaling factors. These properties stem from its fatty acid profile, which, along with its other components, provides soothing properties. These soothing properties calm irritation and itching associated with dandruff.
Baobab oil exhibits hydrating properties:
Secondly, vitamin A and essential fatty acids in baobab oil penetrate the scalp and hair fibers to support hydration by preventing dryness and water loss. This restores epidermal balance and reinforces the surface hydrolipidic film, making it richer and resistant to dandruff.
Baobab oil affects sebum production:
Moreover, the oil’s high content of essential fatty acids enables it to regulate sebum production by sebaceous glands. The mechanism is unclear, but several sources suggest it may balance sebum levels and prevent excess. It could therefore affect dandruff development.
Directions for use and precautions
To optimize the benefits of baobab oil, follow precise application guidelines. A patch test is recommended before use to prevent allergic reactions. On hair, apply the oil as a pre-shampoo treatment. Massage into the scalp with gentle pressure. Add a few drops to shampoo during washing. A few drops are enough to avoid weighing down the scalp.
Sources
Wikramanayake T et al. Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review. Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology (2015).
YUSUF A et al. Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of baobab (Adansonia digitata) leaf and stem bark extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Journal of Biosciences and Biotechnology (2017).
BASIRAT A. et al. African Oils in Dermatology. Dermatologic Therapy (2021).
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