The Benefits of Castor Oil for Skin and Hair Health

Castor oil is a vegetable oil obtained by pressing the seeds or ‘beans’ of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). The seeds contain between 40% and 60% oil that is rich in triglycerides; the main constituents of natural fats and oils.

Castor oil has been used for thousands of years in both beauty and medicine and the seeds have been found in Egyptian tombs dating back to 4000BC. Cleopatra is reputed to have used castor oil in her skincare routine.

Castor Oil is in my top ten list of oils for soap making because it gives soap an abundance of fluffy lather and it is a must have ingredient for shaving soap.

It’s a really versatile oil for skincare and it has some amazing uses to pamper and improve both skin and hair in a very nourishing and natural way.

Boost Eyelashes

Eyelashes can naturally enhance your appearance making eyes look bigger and brighter. If you crave thicker and longer eyelashes but you don’t want to apply false lashes that can potentially damage your own, try coating your eyelashes in castor oil overnight to give them a natural boost. Use an old mascara brush to apply the oil from root to tip.

Promote Hair Growth

Castor oil is rich in fatty acids which encourage healthy hair growth. Used as an intensive conditioner the oil will promote new hair growth and keep split ends under control. It does have a thick consistency so mix with another oil like almond or olive and ideally leave on hair for a few hours or even overnight for maximum effect. The many nutrients will penetrate dry and damage hair leaving you with stronger locks and a healthy shine.

Treat Scalp Conditions

Castor oil can help to clear up dandruff and alleviate scalp conditions such as psoriasis. The oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and can be massaged into the scalp once or twice a week before washing your hair.

Skin Detox

Castor oil helps to break up oils on the face that can lead to clogged pores. Its anti-bacterial properties can help to disinfect the skin and may even kill bacteria that cause skin conditions such as acne. Massage a few drops of oil into the skin and leave for an hour before rinsing off the excess.

Foot Treatment

If you suffer from dry feet you have probably experienced the discomfort of dry and cracked heels at some point. Castor oil is great for treating sore heels as it is very easily absorbed into the skin. Apply before bed and wear socks to keep the moisture locked in.  

Please Remember

It is always advisable to do a patch test before introducing a new ingredient to your skin.