Castor Oil

Castor oil is a thick, rich oil extracted from castor seeds, prized for its moisturizing and softening properties. However, it comes with a few important nuances to keep in mind.

What does castor oil do, exactly? The secret behind castor oil is ricinoleic acid, which makes up about 90% of its composition. It's responsible for most of the benefits of castor oil: powerful hydration and nourishment, added shine for hair, care for lashes and brows, and softening rough skin.

How to use it

You can use castor oil at any time of day and year, at any age. You'll find it in creams, serums, and other skincare products.

Suitable for

Any skin type.

Things to know

Castor oil isn't used in its pure form in facial products, though it works well as part of hair, lash, and brow oils.

As for how to use castor oil safely during pregnancy, studies and opinions are conflicting: taken internally in its pure form, it's strictly contraindicated.

In hair and skincare products, though, it's considered safe (unless the manufacturer specifically advises against use during pregnancy).

Evidence

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Ingredient Overview

INCI name Ricinus Communis Seed Oil

Function Fragrance, skin conditioning, perfuming

CAS number 8001-79-4

Chemical formula -

Common use Face care, body care, hair care

Castor Oil alternatives

Shea Butter Squalane Coconut Oil

FAQ

1. Does castor oil help with wrinkles?

Indirectly, yes—castor oil isn't a substitute for Botox or other clinically proven anti-wrinkle treatments. Castor oil on face acts as a powerful occlusive moisturizer. It forms a film on the skin that helps prevent moisture loss. Well-hydrated skin, in turn, looks plumper and smoother—one of the key castor oil benefits—which can make fine lines less noticeable.

2. Is castor oil good for eczema?

Yes, castor oil is potentially good for eczema, but there isn't enough research specifically confirming its effectiveness. The theoretical benefits of castor oil come from its main component, ricinoleic acid: as an emollient, it softens and hydrates dry skin, and it may also have anti-inflammatory effects that help calm itching and irritation.

3. Does castor oil help with inflammation?

Yes, castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its high concentration of ricinoleic acid. This is why it can help soothe irritated, itchy skin from eczema or psoriasis, as well as reduce redness and swelling. That said, it works as a soothing agent, not as a treatment for the underlying cause of inflammation.