Castor Oil

$8.95

Castor oil, cold pressed from the seeds of Ricinus communis, is a thick, glossy carrier prized for its ricinoleic acid content and staying power. Use it in small amounts to soften dry skin and hair, condition lashes and brows, and give essential oils a rich, clinging base.

Castor oil is the densest carrier in most cabinets, and that thickness is the point. Cold pressed from the seeds of Ricinus communis, it is pale gold, distinctly viscous, and slow to move from the bottle. It does not vanish into the skin the way jojoba does. It sits, seals, and leaves a soft shine. Almost ninety percent of the oil is ricinoleic acid, a rare fatty acid that gives castor its ability to readily penetrate deep into the surface layers of the skin. People keep it for dry patches that have not responded to lighter oils, for the ends of the hair, and for lashes and brows that want a simple overnight condition. On the body, a thin film after bathing can make rough heels and elbows feel markedly more comfortable by morning. This is not an all-over face oil for everyone. It is too heavy and too glossy for that. Used with a light hand—or blended with a thinner carrier so it spreads—it becomes one of the most useful bottles you can own. The aroma is mild and faintly nutty. The feel is unmistakable. Castor oil is strength, not speed. Warm it first. Use less than you think you need.

Ricinus communis (Castor)

Product Details

Botanical Name - Ricinus communis
Common Name - Castor Oil
Origin - India
Plant Part - Seeds
Extraction Method - Cold pressed
Texture - Very thick, viscous, glossy
Aroma - Mild, faintly nutty
Color - Pale yellow to golden
Skin Feel - Occlusive, cushioned, slight shine
Best For - Dry patches, hair, lashes and brows, overnight care, rich dilutions

Why People Use It

Unusually high in ricinoleic acid, which gives the oil its thickness and slip
Helps very dry skin feel softer, smoother, and better sealed
A traditional overnight oil for lashes, brows, and hair ends
Comforts rough elbows, heels, and weather-worn patches
A clinging carrier when you want essential oils to stay put
Stable and long-wearing compared with many lighter seed oils
Most effective in small amounts

These statements describe cosmetic use. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Safety & Storage

For external use only. Do not swallow.
Keep out of reach of children.
If pregnant, nursing, or under medical care, consult a physician before use. Castor oil taken internally is a different product and a different concern.
Patch-test before regular use. Discontinue if irritation occurs.
Avoid getting oil in the eyes.
May feel too heavy for very oily or easily congested skin.
Store tightly capped in a cool, dark place. Best used within 1–2 years of opening.

How to Use

Castor oil may be used on its own or as a base for essential oils. Patch-test a new bottle. Warm the bottle in your hands or in a cup of warm water so it pours more easily.

Face
Use only a drop or two at night on dry areas, or mix a little into a lighter moisturizer. Not ideal as a standalone daytime face oil if your skin congests easily.

Body
Massage a thin layer into still-damp heels, elbows, knees, or other rough patches. A pea-sized amount is often enough for one area.

Hair
Work a small amount through the ends, or massage a thin film into the scalp, leave 20–30 minutes, then shampoo well. Castor oil is stubborn; one thorough wash may not remove it all.

Lashes and brows
Dip a clean spoolie into a drop of oil, wipe off the excess, and brush through lashes or brows at night. Keep it out of the eyes.

As a carrier
Because castor is so thick, many people use it as part of a base rather than the whole bottle: