Some of the best things in life are the simplest. Castor oil is one of them. This thick, golden oil has been kept in bathroom cabinets and on dressing tables for generations. Today it’s enjoying a quiet comeback as more of us look for natural, uncomplicated ways to care for ourselves.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is pressed from the seeds of the castor plant, Ricinus communis. Organic castor oil comes from plants grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. Look for “cold-pressed” on the label. It means the oil was extracted without high heat, which helps keep its natural character.
Castor oil is noticeably thicker and richer than most other plant oils. This is mainly due to a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid, which makes up most of the oil. That richness is exactly why people love it for beauty routines: a little goes a long way.
For your skin
Castor oil is a wonderful moisturiser, especially for dry areas such as elbows, knees, heels and hands. It helps to soften the skin and leave it feeling smooth and nourished. Because it’s so thick, many people like to mix a few drops with a lighter oil, such as sweet almond or jojoba, before applying it. It also makes a lovely, slow-gliding massage oil.
A simple evening ritual is to warm a few drops between your palms and smooth it over dry hands, then pop on a pair of cotton gloves overnight. In the morning your hands feel softer.
For your hair
Castor oil is a popular conditioning treatment for hair, particularly dry or coarse hair and the ends. It helps to condition and add shine, and can leave hair feeling softer and more manageable.
To use it as a pre-wash treatment:
- Mix a teaspoon of castor oil with a little lighter oil.
- Massage it gently into the scalp and work it through to the ends.
- Leave it for 30 minutes to an hour, or wrap your hair in a warm towel.
- Shampoo well. Because it’s thick, you may need two washes.
For lashes and brows
Many people use a tiny amount of castor oil to condition their eyebrows and lashes, applied with a clean mascara wand or cotton bud. If you’d like to try this on your lashes, choose a product that says it is suitable for use around the eyes, use only the smallest amount, and take great care to keep it out of the eyes themselves.
For nails and cuticles
A drop of castor oil massaged into the cuticles helps to keep them soft and moisturised, and nails look healthier and more cared for. It’s a nice thing to do while you unwind in the evening.
Choosing a good castor oil
When choosing castor oil, look for:
- Certified organic
- Cold-pressed
- Hexane-free (no chemical solvents used in extraction)
- Packaged in a dark glass or sturdy bottle to protect it from light
Our own Organic Roll On Castor Oil is cold-pressed and hexane-free, in a handy roll-on bottle that makes it easy to apply just a little. It’s £15 with free tracked delivery, and there’s a discount if you buy two or more.
A few sensible safety notes
Castor oil is generally well tolerated on the skin, but everyone is different, so please keep these points in mind:
- Patch test first. Apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist or elbow and wait 24 hours to check for any redness or irritation before using it more widely.
- Keep away from the eyes unless the product specifically states it is suitable for use around the eye area. If any gets into your eyes, rinse well with water.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please speak to your doctor or midwife before using castor oil.
- Follow the label. Always use the product as directed on its label.
- Stop using it if any irritation develops.
- Keep out of reach of children, and store in a cool, dark place.
A little care goes a long way
There is something comforting about taking a few quiet minutes to look after yourself, whether that’s massaging oil into tired hands at the end of the day or giving your hair a gentle weekend treatment. These small routines remind us that our bodies are a gift worth caring for and we should remind ourselves we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
We hope you enjoy discovering this simple, natural oil for yourself. If you have any questions about our products, please do get in touch via our contact page.
This product is for external cosmetic use only. Always read the label before use.