Castor oil is something of an oddball in the world of plant-based oils. It is thicker, more viscous and has a characteristic appearance, but because of that it also has properties other oils do not have. The film-forming action of ricinoleic acid creates a protective layer that genuinely holds back moisture loss, and that makes it particularly suitable for specific uses. It is rarely used pure; combine it with jojoba oil for a better texture and distribution. Here are 7 ways castor oil is traditionally used.
Cleansing with the oil cleansing method
With the oil cleansing method you use oil as a cleanser: oil dissolves oil, including sebum, dirt and make-up. Mix one part castor oil with two parts jojoba oil or argan oil. Massage over the dry face for two minutes and remove with a warm, damp cloth. Castor oil is the "drawing" oil here, jojoba or argan oil the balancing base. Good to use as a daily cleansing method, or as a deeper weekly cleanse.
Evening care on dry or more mature skin
Pure castor oil is too thick for the face. Diluted, it works excellently as evening care on dry or more mature skin. Mix one drop of castor oil with two drops of jojoba oil in your palm and apply to lightly damp skin after rose water. The film-forming layer of ricinoleic acid holds the moisture in all night. Particularly popular for use around the eye zone. Read more uses in our blog on castor oil for more mature skin.
Hydrating hair oil and scalp treatment
Castor oil is one of the most widely used hair oils for dry, damaged or coarse hair. Mix with jojoba oil or argan oil (castor oil is too heavy to use pure on the shaft) and apply to the scalp and hair length. Let it absorb for thirty minutes to overnight and rinse thoroughly, sometimes two shampoo rounds are needed. Once a week as a treatment for dry or damaged hair. Read more tips in our blog on castor oil for hair and scalp.
Caring for lashes and eyebrows
Castor oil is the most widely used oil for lashes and eyebrows. The film-forming properties give lashes an optically fuller and shinier appearance. Dilute with jojoba oil for a more fluid texture, apply in the evening with a clean mascara brush to the lashes and eyebrow hairs. Let it absorb overnight and rinse off in the morning. Read more about use in our blog on oil for lashes and eyebrows.
Care for curly and coarse hair
People with curly or coarse hair use castor oil as a protective hair oil that counteracts moisture loss in the hair shaft. Castor oil forms a layer around the hair that helps retain moisture, which is why it is so popular with type 3 and 4 hair. Always diluted with a lighter oil to prevent weighing the hair down. Read more about oils for curly hair in our blog on oils for curly hair.
Caring for nails and cuticles
On cuticles, castor oil works particularly well because of its rich, petroleum-jelly-like texture. A small amount massaged in before sleeping keeps the cuticles supple and prevents them from drying out and tearing. Also suitable for caring for dry nails. Once a day before sleeping is enough.
Massage oil and bath additive
Castor oil diluted in a lighter base oil, such as jojoba or argan oil, can be used as a massage oil. The rich texture gives good glide and the oil absorbs more slowly than light oils, which makes it pleasant for a longer massage. A few drops added to the bath water gives the skin a more supple feel after the bath.
Want to know which of these uses suits you best? Take a look at our castor oil collection or read more in our blog on 8 ways to use castor oil on more mature skin.
Also take a look at our castor oil, our jojoba oil and our hair oil range.
Frequently asked questions about castor oil
What are the benefits of castor oil?
Castor oil consists of 85-90% ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid responsible for the film-forming, protective action. It is used for hair cleansing (oil cleansing), evening care on dry skin, hair treatment, lash and eyebrow care, cuticle care and massage. The thick texture makes it different from other oils, always use it diluted with a lighter oil such as jojoba.
Buying castor oil: what should you look for?
Choose organically certified, cold-pressed castor oil without solvents (hexane-free). Good castor oil is golden yellow to light yellow in color and has a characteristic, slightly nutty scent. Check the label: one ingredient (Ricinus communis seed oil) and no additions. Our organic castor oil is cold-pressed at a maximum of 35°C and supplied in dark glass.
Should you always dilute castor oil?
For use on the face and hair almost always yes, castor oil is too thick and sticky to use pure. On cuticles and lips a small amount can be used pure. On the body and in the hair you mix castor oil with jojoba oil or argan oil in a ratio of 1 to 2. That makes the texture more pleasant and the distribution over the skin easier.
How do you rinse castor oil out of your hair?
Castor oil is harder to rinse out than light oils because of its thick texture. Apply shampoo to the dry or lightly dampened hair before you step into the shower, this way the shampoo picks up the oil better. Sometimes two shampoo rounds are needed. Use lukewarm water; water that is too hot can damage the hair shaft.
Is castor oil suitable for sensitive skin?
Castor oil is generally well tolerated, but ricinoleic acid can cause a mild reaction in some people. Always do a patch test with sensitive skin: apply diluted castor oil to the inside of the wrist and wait 24 hours. When in doubt, jojoba oil is the safest starting point for sensitive skin.
