Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.
Castor oil is one of the most useful oils, with wonderful benefits to the skin. It is made of essential fatty acids that can deeply penetrate the skin, improving such skin conditions such as acne and wrinkles. It even has the ability to pierce scar tissue and pump it out.
Ricinoleic Acid (Fatty Acid)
Castor oil is derived from pressed seeds of the castor oil plant. These little seeds contain a beautiful oil that is rich in ricinoleic acid, an unsaturated omega 9 fatty acid.
The main fatty acids that Castor oil contains are:
- ricinoleic acid 85 – 95%
- oleic acid 2 – 6%
- linoleic acid 1 – 5%
source – Wikipedia
Unique from other oils
Castor oil is unique from other oils because it contains ricinoleic acid, and it is rarely found in other plants. This fatty acid makes up 90% of the oil. Research has been ongoing in learning the benefits of this unique oil. Anti-inflammatory treatments, accelerated tissue regrowth, digestion, ringworm and much more.
- Triglycerides found in Castor oil helps to fight skin infections.
- Castor oil slows the growth of harmful microbes. The ricinoleic acid helps to protect the skin against invading viruses and bacteria.
Collagen and Elastin
Castor oil has the ability to stimulate collagen and elastin, two very important tissues found deep in the skin. When the rate of these cell tissues decline, we develop wrinkles and fine lines. Topically, castor oil will stimulate and hydrate the tissues, improving smoothness and plumpness.
Using castor oil as a preventative to wrinkles will reduce the signs of aging skin.
Hydration
Fatty acids are essential to hydration. When used in skincare, fatty acids are soaked up deep into the skin layers. Castor oil can be used as a nourishing moisturizer. When our skin is well hydrated we see fewer lines and dryness. Skin is more supple and smooth.
Acne
Castor oil is on the list of non-comedogenic oils, (non-pore clogging) making it safe to use for people who struggle with acne.
Ricinoleic acids fight the bacteria that contribute to acne breakouts. People who suffer from acne have low essential fatty acids within the layers of the skin, so supplying the skin with a non-comedogenic oil, rich in fatty acids will help improve breakouts.
Sun Burn
Having sunburned skin can be painful and damaging. Castor oil will improve the skin by healing the damaged tissues.
It helps increase cell turn over, promoting new skin layers, as well as providing the skin with nourishment for healing. Castor oil will also relieve the pain of a burn with its analgesic relieving properties.
Scars
Although scars are a lengthy process to improve, castor oil is wonderful for treating and breaking up scar tissue. If used daily, the scar tissue will slowly break down.
Castor oil can penetrate through tough, hardened skin, promoting cell turnover and new tissue formation to the area. You can soften and fade scar tissue naturally.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungus that affects the skin, scalp, and nails. it is regularly treated with castor oil. Castor oil contains undecylenic acid, which has germicidal and disinfectant properties. Compound undecylenic acid belongs to the group of medicines called antifungals. Massaging the oil on the affected area will begin to treat this fungus. Continue daily until the affected area is cleared.
Sebaceous Cysts
These cysts can be painful and uncomfortable to treat. You do not want to squeeze a sebaceous cyst, it can become infected and be far more difficult to clear. Using a castor oil pack on the cyst will help kill bacteria, calm inflammation and pull out the fluids that fill the cyst.
Make a castor oil pack
When applying castor oil to the face, I like to apply the oil over the skin and place a hot, damp face cloth over the whole face. This is very relaxing and will help the oil penetrate deeper as it is heated.
Healthy Skin
Castor oil is an effective, affordable oil that improves many skin concerns. Using a small amount topically on the skin will reduce itchy dry skin, promote cell turn over, plump and smooth, as well as nourish, hydrate, soothe, and fight bacteria.
Here is a video about 10 Castor Oil Benefits:
Castor Oil Applications
- Be sure to always wash your face before applying any product.
- Wash with warm to hot water to open the pores.
- Apply a small amount directly to the face.
- Try to apply a few hours prior to bed. Castor oil is sticky, and you do not want to have a fresh layer right before bed.
- Allow the oil to soak in (Use a hot wet face cloth if you have time. Place the face cloth directly over the applied area.)
- Apply a toner after half an hour. You can pat dry any residue.
You can use a small amount of castor oil prior to makeup application if you allow half hour absorption time. Mist a toner right before makeup application and pat dry. This will eliminate some of the tacky residue castor oil can leave behind.
Castor oil is a must-have, at home oil. You will continue to find useful skincare remedies. Many people have improved uncomfortable skin conditions using it.
I have two suggestions for the best organic castor seed oils
Cammile Q Cold Pressed Organic Castor oil
A small sized cold-pressed castor oil, that will be great for small application. The eyedropper will allow easy application for your desired amount. Use on the eyelashes, or for spot treatments, as well as a moisturizer.
See it on Amazon
Home Health Cold Pressed Castor Oil
A much larger, pure castor oil for a higher volume of use. Home Health castor oil is a best seller. I have used this brand for a long time. I chose the larger size for other home remedy uses. I recommend this brand for castor oil heat packs and pain relief packs.
See it on Amazon
Products We Love Containing Castor Oil:
What have you used Castor oil for? Let’s start the conversation!
You can get both of these recommended brands from amazon.com. My trusted shopping choice.
To a bright and beautiful you,
Maria.
very informative article..nicely explains how to use it for skin benefits
Thanks Abi 🙂 We try to be as informative as possible!
Great article! Castor oil is the traditional cure for all kinds of skin problems. Its unusually high ricinoleic acid ratio makes it beneficial to skin. It works wonderfully for many skin and hair problems.
You are right Ben 🙂 Thanks for stopping in!
Is it true that it is effective to use and grow your eyelashes and eyebrows? how safe it is to use on lashes and brows? Thanks
I have seen castor oil in many lash growth serums, such as Plume, so it must be safe to use around the eyes.
There is no end of the benefits of castor oil for skin. I have used it and it helped me to get rid of acne prone skin. It keeps the skin smooth and supple as well.
That is so good to hear! Thanks for stopping in 🙂
I make my own face cream using beef tallow. Do you think that adding castor oil to my recipe would help to improve my ageing skin? Thank you for so much good information on the benefits of castor oil.
Hi Gina, thanks for your question. I think adding castor oil would be a great addition for your agigng skin, but don’t completely replace the beef tallow with it. I find castor oil on its own to be slightly drying.