Including 4 easy DIY skin care recipes that make use of them!
Humans have been using the castor seed for thousands of years, for a variety of reasons. These useful seeds were even discovered in Egyptian tombs from as far back as 4000 B.C.E. In these ancient days, castor seed oil was used as fuel for lamps because of its slow burning speed. Even today, castor seed oil is used for a wide variety of purposes, from medicinal ones to industrial ones.
Best castor oil benefits
While the idea of using castor seed oil to fuel lanterns now seems a bit outdated, this natural seed oil is still relevant today. This oil offers a range of beauty benefits that make it a must-have in any bathroom cabinet. When used topically, castor oil has numerous benefits for in skin and hair care.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Castor oil is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful when it comes to fighting inflammation. This is great news for skin care enthusiasts because inflammation can have pernicious effects upon the skin, causing immediate symptoms such as redness and irritation, as well as long-term skin damage. The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil could also help to soothe inflammation in the scalp, leading to healthier hair follicles and boosted hair growth.
- Antimicrobial properties: Castor oil is also thought to have antimicrobial properties, meaning that it could help to eliminate harmful bacteria from your skin. This could make castor oil a strong DIY ingredient option for anyone with combination-type skin that suffers from acne breakouts in some areas and dryness in others.
- Moisturizing properties: Due to its fatty acid content, castor oil is an effective moisturizer for skin, scalp, and hair. Thanks to these fatty acids, castor oil works to bolster your skin’s defensive barrier, locking in hydration while it deeply moisturizes your skin. By delivering healthy fatty acids to your skin, castor oil may also help to boost your skin’s texture and radiance.
- Hair growth: Castor oil has also been used to promote healthy hair growth, probably due to a combination of the properties listed above. When applied to the hair and scalp, castor oil can help to condition and hydrate your individual hair shafts, keeping them hydrated and preventing split ends. Meanwhile, it can relieve irritation and promote scalp health, thereby stimulating hair growth and helping to minimize hair loss.
How to use castor oil for skin and hair
Castor oil is an excellent carrier oil, perfect to use in conjunction with other natural oils. This makes it an excellent ingredient for DIY recipes. It can be a bit difficult to work with because of its thick, sticky texture, so we recommend combining it with another carrier oil.
To make a DIY face serum, try combining ¼ tablespoon of castor oil, 1 tablespoon of another carrier oil (such as sweet almond oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, or argan oil), and 1-3 drops of an antioxidant-rich essential oil such as rosehip oil. Apply a thin layer of serum to your face in the evening, after cleansing and exfoliating.
To make a DIY skin moisturizer, try combining 2 tablespoons of castor oil, 4 tablespoons of plant butter (such as shea butter or cocoa butter), and 3-5 drops of a soothing essential oil such as chamomile essential oil. Apply this dreamy, creamy moisturizer wherever your skin needs some love.
To make a DIY hair mask, try combining ½ tablespoon of castor oil, 1-2 raw eggs, 1 banana, and 2-3 drops of a hair-healthy essential oil such as lavender oil. Use this hair mask once every week or two by massaging it into your hair and scalp, allowing it to sink in for about 1 hour, and then shampooing away.
To make a DIY eyelash and eyebrow serum, try combining ½ tablespoon of castor oil, 1 tablespoon of argan oil, and 1-2 drops of lavender oil in a sterilized, empty mascara tube. Apply to your eyelashes once or twice per week before bed.
Best castor oils for hair and skin
When shopping for a castor oil, it’s best to search for a high quality product that contains few or no filler ingredients, and only organic ingredients. You’ll want to steer clear of castor oils that contain harsh chemicals such as artificial preservatives. Search for an organic, cold-pressed castor oil that’s free of harmful chemicals.
Castor Oil from Sky Organics
- USDA-certified organic
- Cold-pressed
- Hexane-free
- Free from artificial additives
- Sourced from artisanal farmers in India
Recommended use:
- Rub onto chapped lips
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Rub onto scars and stretch marks
- Massage dry hands and crackled oils
- Condition eyelashes and eyebrows
100% Pure Castor Oil from Aria Starr
- Cold-pressed
- Hexane-free
- Triple-refined for highest quality grade
- Comes with dispenser pump for easy application
Recommended use:
- Apply on scalp to help relieve dry itchy skin or dandruff. Apply directly onto hair to reduce frizz and protect against split ends
- Can be used on eyebrows and eyelashes to thicken their appearance
- Apply on skin to help diminish dark eye circles
Organic Castor Oil from Namskara
- USDA-certified organic
- Cruelty-free
- Non-GMO
- Hexane-free
- Cold-pressed
- Comes with applicator kit
Recommended use:
- Massage into clean hair, scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and skin
- Apply on dry cuticles and brittle nails daily
Wild Nest Organics’ Castor Oil
- USDA-certified organic
- Hexane-free
- Cold-pressed
- Comes with applicator kit and e-book
Recommended use:
- Moisturize the whole body and hair
- Treat skin conditions such as acne, dry skin, and stretch marks
- Use on scalp conditions such as dandruff and hair loss
Organic Castor Oil from Heritage Store
- Cold-pressed
- Eco-friendly
- Cruelty-free
- Hexane-free
- USP pure
Recommended use:
- Cleanse and clear pores
- Massage into any area that needs softening or soothing
Castor Oil from Earth to You
- USDA-certified organic
- Non-GMO
- Cold-pressed
- Hexane-free
- Cruelty-free
- Made in small batches
- Two-year shelf life
- Comes with applicator kit
Recommended use:
- Use as a lip balm to promote glossy lips
- Improve scalp health
- Moisture skin to keep it soft and itch-free
Castor Oil from Pure Body Naturals
- Hexane-free
- Comes with applicator kit
Recommended use:
- Add to your conditioner and massage into hair and scalp
- Treat inflammation from sunburn, acne, and dry skin
Castor Oil from Aura Cacia Skin Care
- USDA-certified organic
- Made from sustainably sourced ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Hexane-free
- Cold-pressed
Recommended use:
- Preserve moisture in skin
- Nourish skin with fatty acids
Pure Castor Oil from Foxbrim Naturals
- USDA-certified organic
- Made from sustainably harvested ingredients
- Bottled in small batches
- Cold-pressed
- Cruelty-free
- Hexane-free
- Comes with applicator kit
Recommended use:
- Soothe acne, psoriasis, and eczema
- Help repair split ends
- Strengthen nails
- Help protect hair and skin from damage
Castor Oil from ArtNaturals
- Cold-pressed
- Hexane-free
- Cruelty-free
- non-GMO
- Ethically sourced
Recommended use:
- Massage scalp to improve blood circulation
- Moisturize damaged or dry hair
- Relieve chapped lips and dry skin
- Soothe acne, psoriasis, eczema
Castor Oil from Eve Hansen
- USDA-certified organic
- Cruelty-free
- Comes with applicator kit
Recommended use:
- Soothe sunburns
- Alleviate dry skin
- Deeply moisturizes skin
- Treat breakouts
Regardless of how you choose to use castor seed oil, you’re sure to see the powerful beauty benefits of this ancient ingredient. As with any ingredient, it’s important to read up on the potential concerns that accompany castor seed oil before including it in your beauty routine. You’ll be glad to have this multitasking natural ingredient in your bathroom cabinet to tackle any skin care or hair concern that might suddenly pop up.
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