THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO CASTOR OIL: BENEFITS, USES & WHY THIS ANCIENT REMEDY STILL WORKS TODAY

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO CASTOR OIL: BENEFITS, USES & WHY THIS ANCIENT REMEDY STILL WORKS TODAY

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO CASTOR OIL: BENEFITS, USES & WHY THIS ANCIENT REMEDY STILL WORKS TODAY

 

Castor oil continues to be one of the most effective and versatile oils in natural skincare. Extracted from castor beans, this thick, nutrient-rich oil contains a high amount of ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid responsible for most of its healing benefits.

Whether you're exploring castor oil for skincare, hair growth, wound healing, or castor oil packs, this guide breaks down what you should know. 


WHAT MAKES CASTOR OIL SO POWERFUL?

The real magic lies in its exceptionally high concentration of ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid shown to support skin repair, hydration, and inflammation reduction. This makes castor oil one of the most versatile natural remedies for both cosmetic and wellness use.

  • Moisturizing power

  • Anti-inflammatory effects

  • Skin barrier support

  • Gentle antimicrobial properties

  • Circulation-boosting qualities

  • Traditional detoxifying uses

This is why castor oil works exceptionally well as a:

  • Facial oil

  • Massage oil

  • Hair-strengthening treatment

  • Moisturizing balm

  • Brow & lash conditioner

  • Natural healing remedy

 

TYPES OF CASTOR OIL

Not all castor oils are the same. Quality matters, especially for skincare. The most common types include:

  • Cold-Pressed Castor Oil – Extracted without heat or chemicals,, preserving nutrients.
  • Hexane-Free Castor Oil – Made without chemical solvent contamination.
  • Certified Organic Castor Oil – Free from pesticides and synthetic additives.
  • Pressed Castor Oil – A general term covering both heat-pressed and cold-pressed varieties.
  • Black Castor Oil - Made by roasting castor beans before extraction. This creates a darker, thicker oil.

  • Standard or Solvent-Extracted Castor Oil - This version uses a chemical solvent, usually hexane.  Best to be avoided if seeking a clean oil high quality oil. 

 

For holistic skincare and wellness practices it's best to choose a castor oil that is organic, hexane-free and cold pressed for the best quality.


BENEFITS OF CASTOR OIL FOR SKIN   

Castor oil is rich in fatty acids that deeply nourish and protect the skin. Here are its most notable benefits:   


1. Deep Hydration for Dry & Sensitive Skin

The high fatty acid content helps lock in moisture, soften the skin, and calm irritation. A tiny amount goes a long way due to the oil’s thickness and purity.


2. Wound Healing Support

Ricinoleic acid can help soften damaged skin tissue and may support wound healing.  Scientific evidence showed that wound contraction rates were significantly higher compared to a commercially available topical cream after a time period of 21 days.

This makes castor oil especially useful for:

  • Minor cuts

  • Dry or cracked skin

  • Post-inflammatory healing

  • Irritated patches


3. Anti-Inflammatory and Soothing

Castor oil can help to naturally reduce inflammation, making it ideal for soothing irritated skin conditions such as:

  • Eczema

  • Dermatitis

  • Redness

  • Dry patches

  • Irritated skin from shaving or friction

Ricinoleic acid calms the skin gently without clogging pores.


BENEFITS FOR HAIR, BROWS & LASHES

The nourishing fatty acid profile can help:

  • Strengthen hair roots

  • Moisturize the scalp

  • Reduce hair breakage

  • Encourage healthier-looking growth

  • Condition lashes & brows

Use sparingly—castor oil is thick, so a little is enough.

CASTOR OIL PACKS: A NATURAL WELLNESS ROUTINE

Historically, and currently one of the most popular uses is the castor oil pack, which involves applying cold-pressed castor oil to the abdomen with a cotton flannel. Many people use this method to support: 

  • Relaxation 
  • Digestive comfort

  • Lymphatic flow

  • Digestive comfort

  • Menstrual cramping

  • Inflammation reduction

Castor Oil Packs:

A pack is made by warming a cloth soaked in castor oil and placing it on the desired area with mild heat.

  • For this practice, always choose cold pressed castor oil, ideally organic.  An organic cotton clothe or an organic cotton castor pack are both non toxic options that work well for this.

 

DIGESTIVE BENEFITS: BACKED BY RESEARCH

Castor oil has been traditionally used to relieve constipation, and research confirms that ricinoleic acid triggers intestinal movement, helping the bowels contract.

However, internal use requires caution because the amount of castor oil needed varies, and misuse can cause side effects.  Always consult your health care provider before taking castor oil internally. 

Labour:  Castor oil is sometimes used by medical professionals to induce labor in pregnant people and therefore should be avoided during pregnancy at all stages.

 

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS & SAFETY

Although castor oil is generally safe for most people, some may experience allergic reactions or sensitivity. Always do a patch test before applying it widely on the skin.

  • Allergic reactions

  • Irritation

  • Redness

  • Mild rash

  • Digestive upset if taken internally

  • Eye irritation if applied too close to the lashes

  • To help avoid issues:
    ✔ Always patch test
    ✔ Use high-quality oils
    ✔ Avoid chemically extracted oils
    ✔ Apply small amounts

 

HOW MUCH CASTOR OIL SHOULD YOU USE

Because castor oil is thick only a small amount is needed:

  • Face: 1–2 drops mixed with lighter oils

  • Hair/scalp: 1 tablespoon blended with a carrier oil

  • Lashes/brows: A tiny drop with a spoolie

  • Castor oil pack: 2–3 tablespoons

 

SHOPPING FOR CASTOR OIL

Castor oil can be widely avaible dependent on where you live.

  • Supermarket
  • Pharmacy
  • Health Food Store
  • Farmers Market 
  • Online

If you are interested in clean cold pressed castor oil and orther plant based products, we would truely love if you would become a part of our Natural Skincare Community.   We handcraft premium natural skin care products from organic and wildcrafted ingredients.