Castor Oil is a carrier oil that is cold pressed from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. The benefits of castor oil for skin are really amazing. It's frequently used as a replenishing moisturizer for all natural skincare.
Castor Oil is a key ingredient in many hair growth serums, eyelash lengthening remedies, and dandruff shampoo. When you use 100% pure oil, it easily absorbs into your skin, lashes, and brows to boost hair growth. It can help your skin and hair retain moisture so they don't get dry during the day.
Learn all about castor oil plus get DIY Castor Oil Recipes below!
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is obtained by cold-pressing castor seeds and then applying heat. Historically, this oil has been used as a laxative, as well as to induce labor.
Today, castor oil is widely used as an ingredient in cosmetics. It can be used on the face and body. Castor oil is thick, it is best to mix it with another carrier oil before putting it on your face, like jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or coconut oil. It has been cherished for its cosmetic value and healing properties for a long time.
This oil is known for its strong purging and detoxing properties. It is an effective acne remedy that helps increase cell turnover. It can be a bit too drying for some skin types due to its ricinoleic acid content.
Can I Use Castor Oil as a Carrier Oil?
Castor oil is indeed a carrier oil. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils before topical application. This is important because undiluted essential oils can cause skin irritation, redness, and burning.
Carrier oils “carry” the essential oil onto the skin and help to reduce its potency. In other words, they help to make sure the essential oil does its job without causing any unwanted side effects.
Carrier oils also have their own set of benefits that can be helpful for the skin. For example, carrier oils can help to moisturize the skin, reduce inflammation, and fight acne.
The most common carrier oils are coconut oil, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil. But there are many other carrier oils out there that can be just as effective, including castor oil.
Benefits of Using Castor Oil as a Carrier Oil
Castor oil has several benefits that make it a good choice for use as a carrier oil. First of all, castor oil is very thick and viscous. This makes it ideal for use as a massage oil because it will not drip or run off the skin like some other carrier oils (such as jojoba oil) can.
Castor oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful for reducing redness and swelling associated with some skin conditions. And finally, castor oil has natural antibacterial properties that can help to fight bacteria on skin.
Need Castor Oil? Look for an oil that is 100% pure, cold-pressed castor oil. Here is an organic brand we recommend:
Castor Carrier Oil Spotlight
| Botanical Name | Ricinus communis |
| Skin Type | Best for oily skin |
| Comedogenic Rating | 1 |
| Shelf Life | 5 years |
| Consistency & Absorption | Very thick and sticky consistency. Castor oil can be drying and should be diluted by mixed with other carrier oils before using on skin. |
How to Use Castor Oil for Skin and Nails
Castor oil is an excellent moisturizer, it can help to hydrate dry skin and keep it looking healthy and radiant. Here are 5 ways to use castor oil for skin and nails:
1. Strong Nails
Castor Oil can help your nails grow and get stronger. It is also able to nourish your cuticles and dry hands, especially nice during the harsh winter months. Rub a few drops of oil onto cuticles, nails, and hands.
2. Lip Nourishing
Castor oil can be found in several popular lip gloss and lipstick blends. For dry lips, use castor oil. To use castor oil for your lips, simply apply a small amount to your lips as you would any other lip balm or moisturizer. Try mixing with coconut oil to improve taste, make it less sticky, and prevent drying.
You can also add a drop or two of castor oil to your favorite lip gloss or lipstick to give your lips an extra boost of hydration.
3. Sunburn Relief
Castor oils' anti-inflammatory properties make it a smart choice for sunburned skin. Its moisturizing abilities can also decrease peeling. Apply to skin after sun by mixing castor oil with lavender essential oil, aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, and castor oil in a dropper bottle. Read more about lavender for sunburns.
4. Natural Moisturizer for Skin
Applying castor oil on your body not only moisturizes the skin but also locks in that moisture. Castor oil is full of healthy fatty acids. Fatty acids are essential to maintaining good skin health. It can be a bit too drying for some skin types due to its ricinoleic acid content, to combat this dilute with other carrier oils before applying to your skin.
5. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Castor oil is high the fatty acid known as ricinoleic acid. It has been shown to help reduce pain and inflammation in test-tube and animal studies.
Castor Oil for Hair
This popular oil is great for hair too. Dry or damaged hair can especially benefit from an intense moisturizer like castor oil. Here are some uses and benefits of castor oil for hair:
Castor Oil for Hair Growth
Help grow thicker and longer hair naturally. Castor oil has powerful therapeutic properties and is frequently used in hair growth and eyebrow growth serums. This helps promote natural hair growth without the harmful effects from toxic chemicals.
Castor Oil as Conditioner
Use castor oil as a natural hair conditioner to diminishes hair loss by lubricating to the hair shaft, increasing flexibility and reducing breakage.
Castor Oil for Dandruff
Due to castor oil’s ability to reduce inflammation, it may be an effective treatment for dandruff that is caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis (an inflammatory skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the scalp). To reduce dandruff, massage a few drops of castor oil onto your scalp to help moisturize dry, irritated skin and may help reduce flaking. Use in a hot oil treatment for dry brittle hair.
Castor Oil for Eyelashes
Use a mascara applicator for eye lashes and brow lines to promote eyelash growth and eyebrow growth. You can apply a tiny amount directly on your lashes before bedtime to promote growth. Stimulates hair growth including eyebrow and eye lash growth.
DIY Castor Oil Recipes
Castor oil is a great carrier oil for essential oils. Get your DIY on with these castor oil and essential oil recipes to beautify your skin and look radiant.
Rosemary Hair Growth Serum |
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Rosemary essential oil is well-known as a natural hair growth oil. It can also help with dandruff issues (including itching) when massaged into the scalp.
Directions: Add all recipe ingredients to the dropper bottle. Shake to blend together, use on hair before or after washing depending on your preference. Get a couple of drops on your fingertips and apply to hair by smoothing oil over the middle to ends of hair, either wet or dry. Or you can use this blend as a weekly scalp massage oil. |
Healthy Scalp Treatment Oil |
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Perfect recipe to help with dandruff, dry scalp and hair, and flaky scalp.
Directions: Place castor oil and coconut oil together in a glass bowl, then place bowl in a double broiler and warm up the mixture but don't overheat (warm enough to melt coconut oil but not to hot you can't apply to scalp. Add essential oils to warm oil, then apply the warm blend to scalp and massage gently. Leave on for 30 minutes to 1 hour (or even overnight if preferred). Wash out of hair with your normal shampoo and conditioner. |
Nourished Lips Roller Blend |
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Castor oil is a versatile and affordable natural remedy that you can use for a variety of purposes, including keeping your lips healthy and hydrated. In addition to its hydrating benefits, castor oil can also help to heal cracked and chapped lips. So, whether you’re looking for a natural alternative to conventional lip balms or you’re simply trying to achieve healthier-looking lips, give castor oil a try!
Directions: Add all recipe ingredients to the glass bottle. Shake to blend together, roll onto lips as needed, especially before bedtime for overnight nourishing. |
Castor Oil and Coconut Oil Mix for Skin
What are the benefits of mixing castor oil with coconut oil? This combination can help to moisturize your skin, reduce inflammation, and fight bacteria. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of this mixture and how to make your own.
The Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another natural ingredient that's often used in skincare products. It's known for its ability to hydrate and nourish your skin. Coconut oil is also rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect your skin from damage caused by pollution, UV rays, and other environmental stressors.
- Moisturize your skin
- Reduce inflammation
- Fight bacteria
- Assist with healing skin issues
- Improve the appearance of scars
- Give you a healthy glow
How to Make Your Own Castor Oil and Coconut Oil Mixture
Making your own castor oil and coconut oil mixture is easy! All you need is:
- 1/4 cup of organic virgin coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of organic castor oil
- Glass jar with lid
Directions: Warm up the coconut oil until it melt. You can do this by putting the coconut oil into the jar with lid and placing the jar in a warm water bath. Once melt, add in the castor oil and blend together well in the glass jar. For additional benefits you can add your favorite skin loving essential oils like lavender or frankincense.
Final Thoughts on Castor Oil Uses and Benefits
Castor oil is a good choice for use as a carrier oil because it has some beneficial properties as noted. If you are looking to use castor oil as a carrier oil you may want to mix it with another carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil for best results.
Where to Buy Essential Oils?
Essential oils are great because not only do they make you feel good physically but mentally as well. I love having them around since they have so many benefits like clearing the air of bad odors and improving moods by releasing calming scents in your home or office!
We are frequently asked what essential oil brand we like, here are some of our favorites:
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