While we’ve heard endless praise about other natural oils (think argan oil, olive oil, and coconut oil), castor oil has long been kept under the radar. No more! This vitamin and nutrient-filled remedy boasts a ton of beauty benefits for your hair and skin. Derms, aestheticians, and makeup artists alike have been adding castor oil into their skincare routines, both for their patients and themselves. Below, we break down everything you need to know about this well-kept beauty secret.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a vegetable oil pressed from castor beans. It's well-known as a source of ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, says Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. This means it has high emollient properties and is often found in skincare products like moisturizers and serums for moisturizing dry skin. Even better, its anti-inflammatory properties mean that castor oil can act as a soothing ingredient to dry skin, too.
In addition to being a hot ingredient in your skincare products, castor oil has other well-known uses. It's said to boost hair growth, and is generally considered a safe and effective laxative. It's also widely used in an attempt to induce labor in pregnant women, says Dr. King. However, there is not sufficient data to show whether or not it is effective in helping to actually dilate the cervix or induce labor.
The Benefits of Castor Oil
1. It’s Super Moisturizing
This is where the essential fatty acids (mentioned earlier) come in. They help to strengthen your skin's natural protective barrier, which seals in moisture and helps replenish and soothe your skin, says Tammy Fender, holistic skin guru, esthetician, and owner of Tammy Fender Spa and Skincare. Castor oil is especially good for super dry skin, adds Dr. King.
2. It’s Amazing for Fine Lines
Increasing the moisture content of skin can definitely improve its appearance, says Dr. King. Castor oil plumps up your skin, which helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines helps smooth out your skin's texture.
3. Flyaways? Frizz? Never Heard of ‘Em
Due to its incredible moisturizing abilities, castor oil helps condition hair, which can smooth and soften your strands and improve the flexibility of the hair fiber. It has also been shown in a study to increase hair luster, says Dr. King. Using a little bit on dry hair can reduce flyaways or frizz around the hairline.
4. It Boosts Brow (and Eyelash) Growth
Yup, it's true–castor oil's hydrating capabilities can help nourish your eyelash and brow growth. It's also thought that the ricinoleic acid can help speed up your lash and brow hair growth. While there isn't any scientific data to show efficacy, it’s safe to use as long as you are not allergic to castor oil. And, as Dr. King warns, you'll want to be careful not to get it in your eyes!
5. It Soothes Your Skin
As an all-star emollient, castor oil may help relieve the symptoms of dryness and itching in conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also beneficial for these skin conditions.
How to Use Castor Oil
For Your Skin:
Get smooth, healthy skin by applying a few drops of BRIOGEO HAIR CARE B. Well Organic + Cold-Pressed 100% Castor Oil anywhere your skin needs it—on your face, elbows, hairline, cuticles, and more. This multi-tasking can also be used on your brows (with a Q-tip) and lashes (on a clean mascara wand); just remember, a little goes a long way for these areas.
For Your Hair:
Castor oil can be especially great for thick, coarse hair and curly girls. QHEMET BIOLOGICS Amla & Olive Heavy Cream nourishes and softens strands, and adds shine, with organic Ayurvedic herbs and a blend of olive and castor oils. Use a small dollop and evenly distribute on either damp or dry hair for the best results.