You may have heard about Castor Oil, but its capabilities go far beyond your regular vegetable oil. As a natural moisturiser for healthy, strong hair, Castor Oil is a versatile, effective carrier oil with impressive abilities across skin and hair care.
The Castor plant is native to the Mediterranean region and tropical regions of Africa and India. Castor Oil is one of the most versatile carrier oils for therapeutic purposes and has been utilised ever since Ancient Egypt around 4000 B.C. Traditionally, Castor Oil has a rich history as a laxative, and has been seen to be effective at treating skin inflammations, alleviating headaches, inducing labour and even removing cysts, growths and warts.
Now, Castor Oil is used in soaps, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics due to its anti-inflammatory and moisturising qualities.
What is Castor Oil?
Made from cold-pressing the seeds of the Ricinus Communis plant, Castor Oil has a thick and somewhat sticky consistency and is pale in colour. To prolong the shelf life of Castor Oil it is recommended that it is stored in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight.
Despite its medium consistency, Castor Oil easily penetrates into the skin and is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types. With anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, emollient and antioxidant properties, Castor Oil is known to cleanse and protect both dry and oily skin. It is also known to boost skin complexion, build moisture retention, assist with skin conditions, and alleviate muscle pain.
Benefits of Castor Oil
As a carrier oil, the main compounds of Castor Oil include oleic, linoleic (Omega 6), alpha-linolenic (Omega 3) fatty acids, stearic and palmitic acid, and ricinoleic acid. Combined, these compounds work together as a rich source of anti-inflammatory, emollient and antibacterial properties. In other words, it’s a goldmine to smooth, soothe, nourish and cleanse the skin and hair.
When used in aromatherapy, some popular benefits of Castor Oil may include:
- Stimulates hair growth and fights against dandruff
- Softens and hydrates while repairing breakage
- Builds moisture retention in hair and skin
- Cleanses the hair to remove dirt and excess oil
- Soothes skin irritations, swelling, inflammation and even fungal infections
- Balances hormones and supports the lymphatic system
- Reduces signs of ageing such as, fine lines and wrinkles
- Soothes acne breakouts and encourages wound healing
- Cleanses and softens the skin
- Enhances skin elasticity while boosting collagen production
- Reduces the appearance of minor scarring and blemishes
- Boosts circulation
- Eases inflammation of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
Common Uses of Castor Oil
Castor Oil is deeply nourishing with powerful healing, detoxifying and cleansing properties, and is best used as a base to dilute your favourite essential oils. Here are some popular ways to use Castor Oil:
Castor Oil For Hair
Castor Oil for Hair
Rich with essential fatty acids, Castor Oil is great for locking in moisture and encouraging the growth of healthy, thick hair.
Castor Oil for Hair Growth
- The emollient and moisturising properties in Castor Oil stimulate the hair to grow thicker and longer naturally.
- Castor Oil is great for conditioning the hair and preventing hair loss by lubricating and strengthening the hair shaft to protect it from breakage.
- It is also known to promote the growth of eyelashes and eyebrows.
Castor Oil for Scalp Care
- Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Castor Oil may help to reduce dandruff and flakiness on the scalp by moisturising dry and irritated skin.
Castor Oil For The Skin
Castor Oil for Skin
Rich in fatty acids, natural emollient properties and antioxidants, Castor Oil is known to be extremely versatile within the skincare industry.
Castor Oil for Dry Skin
- Castor Oil is filled with ricinoleic acid and anti-inflammatory properties, and is known to help ease irritations from skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
- Its natural moisturising properties work to build in moisture to smooth and soften the skin.
Castor Oil for Nail Care
- Castor Oil is great for nourishing nail cuticles as it helps prevent brittle nails and breakage.
Castor Oil For The Face
Castor Oil for Face
With emollient, cleansing and protective properties, Castor Oil is a popular choice for smoothing the complexion and helping prevent acne.
Castor Oil for Anti-ageing
- The fatty acid content reduces the appearance of fine lines, blemishes and wrinkles.
- The hydrating properties of Castor Oil work to boost collagen production, smooth out skin tone and promote soft, supple and hydrated skin.
Castor Oil for Acne
- With stearic acid and ricinoleic acid, Castor Oil fights against bacteria that cause acne while also helping to relieve and calm inflamed acne-prone skin.
- Its natural cleansing and detoxifying properties work to purge dirt, toxins and excess sebum from the skin.
Castor Oil For Pain and Inflammation
Castor Oil for Pain and Inflammation
- With a high content of ricinoleic acid, Castor Oil is known to soothe inflammation from sunburn.
- Ricinoleic acid is also known to ease inflammation from joint pain, arthritis and sore muscles when used as a massage oil.
- Castor Oil is also filled with antimicrobial properties that have been seen to encourage wound healing.
- In addition, it is also known for its warming abilities that work to boost circulation when used as a massage oil.
How To Apply Castor Oil
Massage: Dilute a few drops of your favourite essential oil in Castor Oil to create a soothing and hydrating massage oil.
Directly on the Skin: Apply directly onto the skin to receive the many skin benefits of Castor Oil.
Diluting with Essential Oils: Castor Carrier Oil makes a great base for diluting essential oils. You can also add this oil in to a lot of skincare formulations such as skin serums and moisturisers.
Hair Mask: Apply this carrier oil to the scalp to create a nourishing hair mask.
Is Castor Oil Safe?
Castor Oil is generally considered safe for topical use on most skin types, however, there are some considerations to take into account.
Castor Oil may trigger allergies and should be avoided by those with nut allergies.
Before using Castor Oil, perform a skin patch test on a small area of the skin to check for a reaction. Those with sensitive skin should perform the test over at least 48 hours to give the body ample time to respond.
Our products are formulated for aromatherapy purposes are not food grade. Castor Oil should not be ingested or consumed internally or used for culinary purposes.
Castor Oil and Pregnancy
Castor Oil is generally safe for topical use to experience its therapeutic benefits. With this being said, some medical practitioners use castor oil to induce birth, women who are in any stage of their pregnancy should avoid consuming Castor Oil.
If you are pregnant, we recommend reaching out to your GP or healthcare practitioner to discuss any concerns you have about implementing Castor Oil into your skin or haircare routine
Where To Buy Carrier Oils?
While carrier oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores, it is important to keep in mind that the quality and purity of these carrier oils will vary. This is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO we have a wide selection of carrier oils and organic carrier oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities our costs are significantly less, which allows us to offer high-quality products at affordable prices. We are also based right here in Australia!