What Is Castor Oil?

As mentioned above, castor oil comes from the seeds of Ricinus communis. This tropical plant is grown in the areas of the Southeastern Mediterranean basin, East Africa, and India. ^[1] Where Does Castor Oil Come From: Origins, Extraction, and Distribution

Roughly 90% of the main compound in castor oil is ricinoleic acid, an odorless, non-essential fatty acid. Believe it or not, castor oil may be found in motor oil or used as a homeopathic treatment for constipation.

There are several forms of castor oil, including black castor oil, cold-pressed, and hydrogenated. A tablespoon of castor oil yields 120 calories and 14 grams of dietary fat.

While people consider castor oil for its cosmetic use, such as eyelash or hair growth, it also has industrial and medicinal uses. Some of these include wound healing, anti-inflammatory properties, and as a skin moisturizer.

It may be used in the manufacturing industry as a fabric softener, wetting agent, adhesive, or brake fluid. ^[2] Andre Taki The Chemistry of Castor Oil: Why It’s a Key Ingredient in Industrial Applications

The FDA has only approved the use of castor oil as a laxative, but other uses are under investigation. ^[3] Castor Oil - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

Castor Oil Benefits

Skin Moisturization

Dermatologists agree that castor oil may be used to improve skin hydration as it provides a barrier that prevents moisture loss in the skin. It also has humectant qualities that pull moisture in from the environment. ^[4] Goyal A, Sharma A, Kaur J, Kumari S, Garg M, Sindhu RK, Rahman MH, Akhtar MF, Tagde P, Najda A, Banach-Albińska B, Masternak K, Alanazi IS, Mohamed HRH, El-Kott AF, Shah M, Germoush MO, Al-Malky HS, Abukhuwayjah SH, Altyar AE, Bungau SG, Abdel-Daim MM. Bioactive-Based Cosmeceuticals: An Update on Emerging Trends. Molecules. 2022 Jan 27;27(3):828. doi: 10.3390/molecules27030828. PMID: 35164093; PMCID: PMC8837976.

Jennifer Nicole Bianchini, MS, RD, IFNCP, RYT, Functional Dietitian and Founder at Body to Soul Health (www.bodytosoulhealth.com) states, “One of the ways it works is by reducing transepidermal water loss, meaning it helps the skin hold onto moisture, maintain its skin integrity, and repair its protective barrier. “

A recent small study indicates that a facial cream containing castor oil may help reduce dark circles and wrinkles around your eyes. It also improved skin elasticity. ^[5] Parvizi MM, Saki N, Samimi S, Radanfer R, Shahrizi MM, Zarshenas MM. Efficacy of castor oil cream in treating infraorbital hyperpigmentation: An exploratory single-arm clinical trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 Mar;23(3):911-917. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16056. Epub 2023 Nov 5. PMID: 37927123.

Castor oil may be a preferred oil, along with MCT (medium-chain triglycerides), as part of a foaming agent in the treatment of dermatitis and other chronic skin conditions. ^[6] Bunk M, Daniels R. Influence of Oil Polarity and Cosurfactants on the Foamability of Mono- and Diacylphosphatidylcholine Stabilized Emulsions. Pharmaceutics. 2022 Jun 7;14(6):1212. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061212. PMID: 35745785; PMCID: PMC9230088.

Hair Health & Growth

Trying to grow your hair? A recent systematic review of studies suggests that castor oil did not significantly improve hair growth when compared to other oils, such as coconut oil. ^[7] Phong C, Lee V, Yale K, Sung C, Mesinkovska N. Coconut, Castor, and Argan Oil for Hair in Skin of Color Patients: A Systematic Review. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022 Jul 1;21(7):751-757. doi: 10.36849/JDD.6972. PMID: 35816075.

Castor oil may help moisturize hair due to its ricinoleic acid content and other compounds, according to recent research. ^[8] Mysore V, Arghya A. Hair Oils: Indigenous Knowledge Revisited. Int J Trichology. 2022 May-Jun;14(3):84-90. doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_189_20. Epub 2022 May 24. PMID: 35755964; PMCID: PMC9231528.

A 2022 review study found that ricin and ricinoleic acid in castor oil have antibacterial and antifungal effects that support hair shaft and scalp health. ^[9] Mysore, Venkataram; Arghya, Arpita Hair Oils: Indigenous Knowledge Revisited. International Journal of Trichology 14(3):p 84-90, May–Jun 2022. | DOI: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_189_20

Bianchini notes, “Although there is no direct link to castor oil proving it stimulates hair growth, the ricinoleic acid can help soothe a dry or irritated scalp, reduce flaking, and hold in moisture. When the scalp is healthier, hair usually looks shinier, feels softer and is less prone to breakage.”

Natural Laxative

Backed up? Castor oil is an FDA-approved laxative. It works by stimulating your bowels to push waste products through your GI tract. It may be used when constipation occurs from prolonged bed rest or recent hospitalization. ^[10] Alookaran J, Tripp J. Castor Oil. 2024 May 24. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 31869090.

According to Kellie Blake, RDN, LD, IFNCP, Founder of www.nutrisensenutrition.com, “Although castor oil is approved for and sometimes used as a laxative, human research is limited and there are more effective options for relieving temporary constipation.“ ^[10] Alookaran J, Tripp J. Castor Oil. 2024 May 24. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 31869090.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Ricinoleic acid in castor oil has shown anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in animal models. Blake states, “Castor oil may have anti-inflammatory benefits. A 2021 small randomized paired eye trial in 26 people with clinical blepharitis (chronic eyelid inflammation) found that 100% cold-pressed castor oil applied to one eyelid twice daily for 4 weeks led to significant improvements in eyelid redness, dryness, thickening, and crustiness.” ^[11] Wang MTM, Craig JP. Randomized trial of topical periocular castor oil treatment for blepharitis. Ocul Surf. 2021 Jan;19:145-150. doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2020.05.007. Epub 2020 May 15. PMID: 32422285

May Promote Wound Healing

Can castor oil help heal wounds? A study done in Nigeria suggests that a castor oil-based nano gel may be preferred for antimicrobial wound healing compared to an antibiotic-based ointment, as it is less greasy. ^[12] Okafo, S. E., Avbunudiogba, J. A., Ochonogor, E. A., Iwetan, B. B., & Anie, C. O. (2024). Evaluation of the Physicochemical, Antimicrobial and in vivo Wound Healing Properties of Castor Oil-Loaded Nanogels. Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research , 8(5), 7292-7300. https://doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v8i5.35

According to Blake, “Although castor oil is a component of Venelex (an ointment used to treat skin ulcers and wounds), human studies confirming the benefits of castor oil for wound healing are not available.” ^[13] Venelex (balsam peru/castor oil): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews  More research is needed.

Common Uses of Castor Oil

Moisturizer for dry skin

• Castor oil may be less expensive and “more natural” than traditional skin care moisturizers.

Hair and scalp oil

• Castor oil can be used as a natural moisturizer for hair or as a scalp oil.

Eyelash/eyebrow serum

• To date, there is no research to support the growth of eyelashes or eyebrows with the use of castor oil. Some people may experience eye irritation with castor oil. ^[14] Castor Oil.pdf

Makeup remover

• Castor oil should be tried on a non-sensitive skin area first before being used as a makeup remover.

Natural laxative

• A teaspoon or two of castor oil could be used to treat occasional constipation, but should not be used regularly.

Nail and cuticle softener

• Castor oil is safe to use as a nail and cuticle softener.

Carrier oil for essential oils

• Castor oil mixes well with essential oils due to its fatty acid content. It may enhance absorption given its moisturizing properties.

Castor oil packs (for abdominal pain/inflammation)

• There isn’t good research to support the use of castor oil packs for abdominal pain or inflammation. Most reports are anecdotal.

How to Use Castor Oil Safely

Topical use: do a patch test first. 

• A patch test involves testing castor oil on a non-sensitive area of skin, such as your forearm. Avoid applying castor oil on your face until you do a patch test.

Oral use: follow dosage instructions strictly (1–2 tsp for adults max).

• When using castor oil for constipation, follow dosage instructions and don’t use more than 1 to 2 tsp per day.

Avoid eye contact and ingestion unless advised by a physician.

• Castor oil may be irritating to your eyes. ^[15] Ophthalmologists: Castor oil shouldn’t be rubbed in the eyes, no matter what they do on TikTok It may cause nutrient malabsorption if too much is consumed. Follow your doctor’s advice for dosage.

Not recommended during pregnancy without medical supervision

• Castor oil usage is not advised during pregnancy without medical supervision.

Side Effects and Safety Considerations

• Castor oil could cause digestive distress, including cramping and diarrhea.
• Individuals with sensitive skin may experience rash or itching when using castor oil. ^[16] Inventory of Food Contact Substances Listed in 21 CFR
• Ingesting too much castor oil may lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
• The toxin known as ricin is NOT present in processed castor oil, but may be in unprocessed versions. The FDA lists castor oil as GRAS (generally recognized as safe). ^[14] Castor Oil.pdf

Choosing the Right Castor Oil

• Look for: Cold-pressed, hexane-free, organic. This is a higher-grade castor oil, free from impurities.
• Dark bottle packaging is preferred to prevent oxidation and degradation of castor oil.
• Avoid blends with synthetic additives. Castor oil may contain dyes, fragrances, or other unwanted ingredients.

When to Consult a Doctor

If pregnant or breastfeeding

• Castor oil is not advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women unless advised by a physician. Castor oil has been used to induce labor with mixed results.

Using castor oil internally long-term

• Long-term use of castor oil as a laxative is not recommended due to the risk of fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies and electrolyte abnormalities.

If you have chronic skin conditions or gut issues

• Consult your doctor if you have chronic skin conditions like eczema or gut issues such as IBS before using castor oil.

If taking other laxatives or medications

• Castor oil should not be combined with other laxatives. It could lead to dehydration or nutrient deficiencies.

Conclusion

Castor oil has been used for centuries and is a potent natural moisturizing oil with a wide range of uses. However, it should be used with caution to prevent unwanted side effects such as gastrointestinal distress or eye irritation.

Unfortunately, it does not live up to its promise of helping your hair or eyelashes grow. But it may help moisturize your skin and scalp and reduce the look of dark circles around your eyes.

When purchasing castor oil, choose high-quality products without unwanted ingredients and follow dosage guidelines. Discuss the use of castor oil with your healthcare provider if considering castor oil for medical use.

Don’t believe all the hype and make informed choices backed by research. Check out www.gonutrigo.com for more informative articles.