If you’ve been on social media lately, you’ve probably come across posts about castor oil.
TikTok influencers say it can do everything from hair growth to easing stomach discomfort.
We always warn our clients to be careful with beauty trends on social media as they are often based on a lot of hype and little real research.
But in the case of castor oil, we can side with those who talk about its skincare benefits. This is why.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil comes from a perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean, East Africa and India, as well as other tropical regions. It can grow up to 35 feet tall and has glossy leaves and yellow-green flowers. The seed of the plant is the source of the oil, which is pale yellow and odorless.
People have used this oil for a wide variety of things over the centuries. It was said that the ancient Egyptians used it as a laxative – for which it is still used today, with approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but the benefits don’t stop there. Ancient people also used it to treat various skin problems, eye irritations and stomach problems, as well as to heal leather and fuel oil lamps.
Castor oil has many components that make it useful to humans. It is a natural anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant and pain reliever. Its soothing properties make it a popular ingredient in skin care products as it helps hydrate, condition and promote wound healing.
What makes the oil unique is the ‘ricinoleic acid (RA)’, a monounsaturated fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms. RA accounts for about 90 percent of the oil’s total composition and has a laxative property, but is also effective in taming inflammation and relieving pain.
Like capsaicin, the topical painkiller derived from peppers, RA helps reduce swelling and help wounds heal.
Photo by Christin Hume via Unsplash.
Why is castor oil so popular now?
TikTok has elevated castor oil into mainstream consciousness lately, as countless beauty influencers have touted its benefits. We always warn our customers to do research before following online trends, but in this case we can say that what these influencers say about this oil is true in many situations.
There are some exceptions. It is not recommended to put castor oil in your eyes. There is also no evidence that oil packs – compresses or cloths soaked in castor oil and applied to any part of the body – promote absorption into the bloodstream or have any benefit to internal organs.
However, castor oil can be good for the hair and has long been used as a natural hair treatment.
Although we have no concrete evidence that applying to the scalp promotes hair growth, it can soothe the scalp. The antibacterial and antifungal properties can also help reduce bacteria and even dandruff, promoting overall scalp health.
It also absorbs dirt, which is an added benefit. It can help hydrate and moisturize hair strands, smooth the hair cuticles, add shine, protect hair from breakage and can produce a thicker, more voluminous look.
Some influencers suggest applying castor oil to the eyebrows and eyelashes. Its moisturizing properties can help condition and thicken tiny hairs while smoothing stray hairs and keeping them in place. Be careful not to get anything in your eyes. It can cause irritation, burning, pain, redness, blurred vision and can even damage the surface of the eye.
Castor oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores. In fact, it is one of the most popular oils for people with acne-prone or oily skin.
Castor oil is great for the skin
Castor oil is becoming increasingly popular as a natural skin remedy. You’ll find it in our Restorative Skin Balm, where it helps soothe, smooth and soften skin while promoting healing. We love it for all of the following reasons.
It helps balance the moisture levels in the skin
Whether you have dry or oily skin, this oil will probably work for you. It is one that penetrates deep into the skin to volumize and hydrate. Thanks to its natural fatty acid content, it gives the skin what it needs to stay soft and hydrated all day long. But it is not greasy, so in most cases it will not aggravate oily skin.
It can help reduce acne
Castor oil is naturally antibacterial, meaning it can help minimize bacteria in your pores. Without bacteria you can’t break out, so it can help reduce acne, especially when it’s present in a formula like our Restorative Skin Balm. (Applying castor oil directly may not work as well.) Try treating acne areas with a little bit of balm to see how it works.
It helps sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, this oil can help as it is a natural anti-inflammatory. People with redness, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis can all benefit by applying our Restorative Skin Balm to areas of red and inflamed skin. It will help reduce redness while softening and soothing dry and flaky patches. If you’ve been outside too long and got sunburned, you can also use our Restorative Skin Balm to help prevent dryness and flaking.
Castor oil works well as a lip balm
We often recommend that customers use our Restorative Skin Balm as a lip balm because it is such a good remedy for chapped lips. It combines hydrating moisture with a natural anti-inflammatory effect that helps soothe dry lips and promote healing.
Castor oil banishes cracked heels and elbows
With castor oil by your side, you no longer have to be ashamed of dry and cracked heels and elbows. Apply a little of our Restorative Skin Balm to these areas in the evening and watch the magic work in the morning. It always helps to exfoliate the area first so that the oil can penetrate more easily. Use it for a full week or longer to see the best benefits.
It can help heal infections
Ringworm, rashes, athlete’s foot and other types of skin infections can benefit from castor oil formulations. The powerful antibacterial effect kills germs and promotes healing.
Reduces the “ouch”
Cuts, abrasions and abrasions soothe under the influence of castor oil. Because its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties work together, it helps relieve pain and reduce redness. If you are experiencing joint or muscle pain, you can also try rubbing some castor oil into the area for relief.
Have you tried castor oil for its skincare benefits?
Featured image by chelsea shapouri via Unsplash.
