With all the options of different oils potentially used in skincare products, castor oil is probably the most mysterious agent full of intrigue. Coming from the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis L.) mainly from India or South America, the castor bean is cold pressed until it disguises itself as a simple pale yellow vegetable oil, almost colorless, yet its true identity is quite spectacular. We fondly look at it as the Special Agent of the beauty world, silently getting its undercover job done while all of us carry on with our day to day plans. Often used in beauty products as a carrier oil similar to coconut oil, it’s natural ingredients are actually quite surprising… and nothing at all like coconut oil!
Castor oil is having its moment right now, especially for the sensitive skin crowd, but that hasn’t always been the case. If you’re familiar with this Special Agent at all, you might only remember it as that heavy-weighted, sticky oil, that was used internally as a medicinal laxative in mid-century America. Part of why castor oil is so unique at its intelligence mission, is indeed because of its larger molecular weight, making it so heavy and viscous when compared to other carrier oils, that when applied topically, it easily penetrates into the skin and hair follicles. Many have passed over this beauty-intelligence operative, thinking it was just too sticky and icky and heavy to be of any use – but of course, the best spies use their seemingly innocuous traits to their benefit. We now know that its heavy molecular weight actually increases the effect of its natural ingredients.
Benefits of Castor Oil – Nature’s Original Glass Skin Look
Thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt, our Special Agent was used in a multitude of ways we are just now finding scientific evidence for. It was used in cosmetics, remedies and ancient healing arts, as well as for lighting lamps. Historically used for a variety of medicinal purposes throughout the Western world as well, many of castor oil’s potential benefits are still applicable today in our modern skincare routine, and even overall health and wellness. Having a repertoire of anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil also has a high concentration of Ricinoleic Acid at 90%, as well as anti-oxidant Vitamin E to fight those pesky free radicals that cause aging. We know our spy is capable of sending cyphers and codes to our cells through its Ricinoleic acid, however the exact mechanism it uses to do this when repairing our skin (or muscle inflammation etc.) is still unknown. But rest assured, if you desire that Glass Skin Look, our Special Agent can take care of that, too!
Our spy, while still not fully understood, has quite a historical reputation. Castor oil was referred to as, “the Palm of Jesus,” for its many healing benefits (wow!). It was discovered in a tomb that was dated back to 5,000 BC, and was termed, “the Oil of Healing.” Talk about a long-lasting career!
Growing up, my mom enthusiastically encouraged me to use it as an all-over moisturizer on the face before bed – much like the popular new trend called, “slugging,” (who comes up with these names?!?) going on right now. The key to maximizing its benefits is to layer it over your other anti-aging products like Retin A, or even Vitamin C, so that they are locked in and more effective, lasting longer while you get your beauty sleep – literally!
Instead of this new trend of slugging with Aquaphor or petroleum jelly-based Vaseline, however, I’ve been encouraging our customers to simply use organic, cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil as their, “slugging,” replacement. Petroleum jelly contains ingredients that can clog pores and cause acne; its aromatic hydrocarbons are considered carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and warned against in Europe when used on the lips and face. While it is still relatively a small amount, not many people realize slugging with petroleum jelly is putting free radicals on their face at night, making their skin age faster. Talk about sabotaging your mission! So if you are going to, “slug,” your skin, stick to castor oil for a natural, rejuvenating alternative that fights free radicals. And believe me, the reduction of fine lines when you wake up truly does feel like a miracle!
Castor oil has the ability to plump like filler, increase collagen production, act to reduce pore size, discoloration, speed up the healing of scars, and increase skin firmness. Because of its antibacterial properties, it naturally clears up pores, making a big difference in the texture and feel of those with acne-prone skin. Even though it is a thick, viscous oil, it is still non-comedogenic – meaning it won’t clog your pores! Beneficial for any skin type, castor oil acts as an emollient that not only prevents water loss from the skin, but works to reduce swelling and puffiness and is especially moisturizing for dry skin.
Interestingly, its been used by doctors in “castor oil packs” since the late 1800’s, and even now many doctors will recommend these packs and admit that we don’t really understand why or how our Secret Agent works to decrease pain and inflammation, yet it does. Castor oil also has been caught in espionage schemes, helping ease menstrual cramps, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis, among other joint and inflammation and skin conditions. It is even known to soothe sunburns, easing the burning sensation and pain while preventing extensive skin peeling. Working overtime seems to be its, “thing,” if you know what I mean. Castor oil is truly dedicated to its job!
Personally I wonder if we’ll ever fully understand how our Special Agent gets so much done in such their mysterious way, yet we can understand why this oil out of so many other oils, and for thousands of years, has been utilized continuously. It gets the job done, quietly and staying mostly under the radar for thousands of years.
The Perfect Brow
Maybe someday enough research will be done to understand why it is used in so many medical practices holistically, but for now, we only know a small part in that scientists have found it acts on the same receptors as those found in the uterus and intestines (contributing to uterine contractions and bowl movements when ingested). This would explain why midwives have used it to induce labor, or why it was such a common laxative for thousands of years.
And as if it didn’t already have enough missions under its belt, scientists have also mysteriously found that it acts on the same type of prostaglandin inhibitor receptors that increase hair growth and astonishingly, can reverse hair loss! Castor oil hair masks are becoming quite a common beauty routine for thick, luscious hair, as well as for growing out the perfect brow or lash line.
“One of the best oils for eyelash growth is castor oil.”
Dr Manish Shah board-certified plastic surgeon
Can Castor oil just calm down for a moment, please? Does it really have to always be such a dramatic over-achiever?
Who knew that you can grow the perfect brow by simply being a dedicated user of this seemingly miracle oil? I continue to be in awe at how so many of the best products for anti-aging or improving skin tone are often things found in nature – let’s all have a pause to think about how so many things were given to us as gifts! Another win for the Natural Beauty crowd!
We need to make a note here that castor oil is best used as a night-time addition to your skincare routine. Like many of its colleagues, it operates best in the dark. Besides, it is so thick and viscous, that wearing it during the day-time completely blows its cover. And we wouldn’t want to do that, would we? I’m sure not many of us would want to be caught out running our errands or be seen at work, slathered up like a glazed donut. Although we would, if castor oil tasted that way! Joking!
Warnings on the Use of Castor Oil
Because castor oil is just so good at its job of extracting important information, taking it in and analyzing it, you wouldn’t want to purchase a bottle that is made of plastic. It is capable of extracting the toxic chemicals in the plastic its stored in, and then you’d be putting those toxins right on your face to be deeply absorbed – not good! It needs to be stored in a dark, amber glass bottle, hexane-free, extra virgin (preferably) and cold-pressed. This is the one currently recommended online and with 100’s of 5 star reviews (here).
And allergic reactions to castor oil are actually more common than you’d think, so we’d recommend always doing a patch test and look for signs of skin irritation so that you know to discontinue use of it.
The potential side effects of doing external packs too often before your body adjusts to its effects include abdominal cramps, loose bowls or diarrhea, and upset stomach/nausea. And external use on your face or lash line can cause blurry vision or eye infections if it is applied too close to the cornea. Again, most people have no trouble with using it to grow fuller lashes, but eye infections are still a risk to be aware of.
Another caution of using castor oil is its ability to stimulate the smooth muscle contractions in one’s uterus and abdominal wall, so it is not considered safe for pregnant women at any stage of their pregnancy (and is not recommended for inducing labor).
Aside from all the warnings, most people have no problem using castor oil, and are able to benefit from its wonderful properties for a lifetime.
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