Castor oil. It’s a pretty common ingredient when you read the labels of your bath and beauty products. It’s a vegetable oil that comes from the castor bean which kind of blew my mind because who would’ve thought it came from a bean. Obviously, I’m easily shocked and awed.
What’s it Made Of?
Castor oil, or Ricinus communis if we are using Latin names, is a fixed oil. It is comprised mostly of fatty oils. Its structure is made up of roughly 90% ricinoleaic acid with small amounts of oleic acid and linoleic acid thrown in. This allows it to be both hydrophilic and lipophilic which in proper English means water loving and fat loving! The end result is it penetrates into the skin much better than most vegetable oils.
Okay, But How Does That Help My Skin?
It is known for its ability to dry down and form a barrier that contains water binding properties. It is capable of both moisturizing and protecting your skin while preventing water loss. It helps your skin heal, protects against fungus (thank God!) and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Can It Be Used in Soap?
It is known for its lathering capabilities, so don’t be surprised if you find it all over your bath products. It’s particularly popular in soap and bubble bath bars! It is often used at around 5% in cold process soap and anything over 10% is discouraged as it can cause the bar to become sticky! Be careful when incorporating it into your soap recipes as it can speed up trace. If you are trying to find a substitute for Castor oil in soap making, increasing your Coconut oil usage is probably your closest dupe though there really is no replacement for castor oil.
What About the Lips?
This oil can also add a shiny and glossy texture to your lips when used in lip products. I won’t lie, I like my lips shiny and healthy!
Castor Oil Will Help Me Grow Out My Hair, Right?
Urban myth alert, despite the widespread claims, there is no actual scientific evidence to suggest that castor oil aids in hair growth. Although it can’t help you grow your hair, it can nourish, condition, soften it and give it shine, so don’t completely abandon using it in your haircare routine!
Sounds Too Good to Be True! What are the Cons?
I know, that if you are anything like me, you’re reading this thinking, “OMG, where has this ingredient been all my life?! I’m going to run to the pantry and use this STAT!”. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Castor oil is thick, gooey and can leave a sticky residue. On top of that, it has an odor that is more on the unfavorable side. Furthermore, it’s just flat out messy and if you get it on your clothes or bedsheets it can be a pain to get out since it is, in fact, an oil. You might want to keep rubbing alcohol or an aerosolized stain remover around to get out any accidental stains if you choose to use the straight oil route. I’d recommend looking for castor oil in something that has been used in a formulation already. Yes, I’m telling you to shop the beauty shelves for this ingredient!
Additional Notes
Castor oil runs from about $4.75 to $10 for 16 oz. You can expect this to last 2 years before it expires.
Products that have Castor Oil
- Paula’s Choice – Lip and Body Treatment Balm
Photo from Mountain Rose Herbs
Very informative! I’ve never known castor beans exist. This is $16,000 question knowledge!
Right?! I assumed castor oil just came from…somewhere. But a bean?!