Castor oil is a multi-purpose vegetable oil that has been used for thousands of years. It’s made by extracting oil from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. In ancient Egypt, castor oil was used as a natural remedy for skin ailments and today it is very popular with natural beauty products. Castor oil is packed with nutritionally beneficial ingredients. With ricinoleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid), omega-6, 9 additional fatty acids, vitamin E, and minerals castor oil is really healthy for hair and skin.
Benefits of Castor Oil Include:
Controls Hair fall
Encourages Hair Growth
Minimizes Dandruff
Reduces Split Ends
Thickens Hair
Naturally Conditions Hair
Darkens Hair
Increases Shine
Protects Hair from Damage
There are 2 types of castor oil that are most often used for hair care — Organic castor oil and Jamaican black castor oil.
Organic/Cold Pressed Castor Oil
Extracted directly from the castor seed with no heat involved; a process called expeller pressing.
The cold pressing ensures there is no degradation of any of the nutrients present in the seed.
It is pale yellow in color.
If you have curly hair and an itchy or dry scalp that is prone to irritation, unrefined castor oil would be your best option.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Initially roasted and then pressed for oil.
The ashes of the roasted castor seeds are added to the oil, which gives it its black color.
If you have straight hair and a healthy scalp, Jamaican Black Castor Oil is likely your best choice.
Castor oil is an amazing ingredient to treat hair loss and boost hair growth but, its texture and strong smell might not appeal to some. In this case, you can combine castor oil with other beneficial oils to create a hair oil solution that is optimal for your need. An example is when you combine Organic Castor. Oil with Organic Jojoba Oil you will help to get results faster. Jojoba oil is more alkaline and it helps to clarify and open cuticles so the Castor Oil can penetrate into hair faster. It will also modify the scent.
Benefits to Hair
Many people use castor oil as a natural hair conditioner. Dry or damaged hair can especially benefit from its intense moisturizing properties.
Benefits to Eyebrows & Eyelashes
Along with the hair on your head, Castor Oil has been used to nourish and strengthen both eyebrows and eyelashes. We tend to damage our lashes and brows and this can cause trauma to the hair follicle (the base of the hair) so it’s no surprise that people of all ages are seeking ways to grow thicker, more lush lashes and brows. When your hair isn’t growing, it’s either resting or well, dead. If it’s dead there is nothing that can bring it back. If it’s resting, we have a chance to stimulate the follicle back into a growth
phase through the use of essential fatty acids. You can use straight castor oil but it’s typically more effective when combined with other natural oils.
Benefits of Face Wrinkles
Apart from being a great emollient, castor oil also helps tackle signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. The ingredient sinks into the skin and amps up the production of collagen and elastin, which make the skin look plump and youthful.
Since the oil is mildly comedogenic, it’s best to spot and treat the concerned areas if you are prone to acne or blackheads. Use your fingers or a cotton bud to apply it on your forehead, laugh lines, and the outer corners of your eyes.
Benefits to Skin
The natural fats in castor oil act as humectants and can be used to moisturize the skin. Humectants retain moisture by preventing water loss through the outer layer of the skin.
Castor oil promotes hydration so it’s no surprise that it’s often used in natural lotions, makeup, and cleansers. Castor oil also has been to known to reduce inflammation-related symptoms associated with acne. Castor oil has antimicrobial properties that may also help fight bacterial overgrowth when applied to the skin.
Castor oil is thick and has a strong scent so it’s frequently mixed with other skin-friendly oils like almond, olive, and coconut oil to make an ultra-hydrating moisturizer.
A word of caution: Castor oil is generally considered safe for use on your skin but it can cause an allergic reaction to some so it’s important to test on the skin prior to consistent use. Choose a small area on your skin and/or scalp and apply castor oil. Wait about 12 hours and check to see if you have had any skin irritation, if not, proceed.