If you’ve been on social media lately, you’ve probably run across some posts about castor oil.
TikTok influencers say it can do everything from growing hair to easing abdominal complaints.
We always warn our customers to be cautious about social media beauty trends, as often they’re based on a lot of hype and little real research.
But in the case of castor oil, we can get behind those talking about its skincare benefits. Here’s why.
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil comes from a perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean, Eastern Africa, and India, as well as other tropical regions. It can grow up to 35 feet high and has glossy leaves and yellowish-green flowers. The seed of the plant is the source of the oil, which is pale yellow and odorless.
Humans have used this oil for a wide variety of things over the centuries. The ancient Egyptians were said to use it as a laxative—which it is still used for today, with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) approval—but its benefits don’t end there. Ancient people also used it to treat various skin issues, eye irritations, and stomach problems, as well as to cure leather and fuel oil lamps.
Castor oil has many components that make it useful to humans. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal agent, antioxidant, and pain reliever. Its emollient properties make it a popular ingredient in skincare products, as it helps moisturize, condition, and promote wound healing.
What makes the oil unique is its “ricinoleic acid (RA),” a monounsaturated, 18-carbon fatty acid. RA accounts for about 90 percent of the total makeup of oil, and has a laxative property, but is also effective at taming inflammation and easing pain.
Similar to capsaicin, the topical pain reliever that comes from peppers, RA helps reduce swelling and help wounds heal.
Photo by Christin Hume via Unsplash.
Why Is Castor Oil So Popular Now?
TikTok has elevated castor oil to the mainstream consciousness lately as countless beauty influencers have touted its benefits. We always caution our customers to do their research before following online trends, but in this case, we can say that in many situations, what these influencers are saying about this oil is true.
There are some exceptions. It is not recommended to put castor oil in your eyes. There is also no evidence to suggest that oil packs—compresses or cloths soaked in castor oil and applied to a part of the body—promote absorption into the bloodstream or have any benefits on internal organs.
Castor oil can be good for the hair, though, and has long been used as a natural hair treatment.
Though we have no concrete evidence that applying it to the scalp will promote hair growth, it may soften the scalp. It’s antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, as well, can help reduce bacteria and even dandruff, promoting overall scalp health.
It also absorbs dirt, which is an added benefit. It can help moisturize and hydrate hair strands, smooth the hair cuticle, add shine, protect hair from breaking, and may produce a thicker, more voluminous look.
Some influencers suggest applying castor oil to the eyebrows and eyelashes. The moisturizing properties can help condition and thicken the tiny hairs, while smoothing and holding strayways in place. Just be careful not to get any into your eyes. It could cause irritation, burning, pain, redness, and blurred vision, and may even damage the surface of the eyes.
Castor Oil is non comedogenic, which means it doesn’t clog pores. In fact, it is one of the most popular oils for those with acne prone, or oily skin.
Castor Oil Is Wonderful for the Skin
Castor oil is increasingly popular as a natural skin remedy. You’ll find it in our Restorative Skin Balm, where it helps soothe, smooth, and soften the skin while encouraging healing. We love it for all of the following reasons.
It Helps Balance Moisture in the Skin
Whether you have dry or oily skin, this oil will probably work for you. It’s one of those that sinks deeply into the skin to plump and hydrate. With its natural fatty acid content, it gives the skin what it needs to stay soft and moisturized all day long. But it’s not greasy, so in most cases, it won’t exacerbate oily skin.
It May Help Reduce Acne Breakouts
Castor oil is naturally antibacterial, which means that it can help minimize the bacteria present in your pores. Without bacteria, you can’t break out, so it may help to reduce acne, particularly when present in a formula like our Restorative Skin Balm. (Applying castor oil directly may not work as well.) Try spot-treating acne areas with a little bit of the balm to see how it works.
It Helps Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, this oil can help as it’s a natural anti-inflammatory. People with redness, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis can all benefit by applying our Restorative Skin Balm to areas of red and inflamed skin. It will help reduce the redness while softening and soothing dry and flaky areas. If you stayed outside too long and got sunburned, you can also use our Restorative Skin Balm to help prevent dryness and flaking.
Castor Oil Works Well as a Lip Balm
We often recommend that customers use our Restorative Skin Balm as a lip balm because it is such a good remedy for chapped lips. It combines hydrating moisture with a natural anti-inflammatory action that helps soothe dry lips while encouraging healing.
Castor Oil Banishes Cracked Heels and Elbows
With castor oil on your side, you no longer have to be embarrassed by dry and cracked heels and elbows. Apply a little of our Restorative Skin Balm to these areas at night and watch it work its magic by morning. It always helps to exfoliate the area first so that the oil can penetrate more easily. Use for a full week or more to see the best benefits.
It Can Help Infections Heal
Ringworm, rashes, athlete’s foot, and other types of skin infections may benefit from castor oil formulations. The powerful antibacterial action kills germs and helps encourage healing.
Reduces the “Ouch”
Cuts, scrapes, and abrasions calm down under the influence of castor oil. With its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties working together, it helps to ease pain while reducing redness. If you’re suffering from joint or muscle pain, you can also try rubbing some castor oil into the area for relief.
Have you tried castor oil for its skincare benefits?
Featured image by Chelsea shapouri via Unsplash.
