Castor Oil for Skin: 6 Proven Benefits & How to Use

"Castor oil" is the common name used for the oil obtained from the seeds of the Ricinus communis L. plant.

According to popular beliefs, there are several ways to use castor oil to improve skin complexion. This product is rich in ricinoleic acid, a type of omega-9 acid that has anti-inflammatory and painkiller effects.

In this article, we discuss some options. Choose the one that best suits your needs and take advantage of them. Of course, keep in mind that, if you suffer from sensitive skin or have a skin condition, it’s best to consult with your dermatologist before starting to apply it regularly.

Ways to use castor oil

If you’re using castor oil, it’s important to do so in moderation, to avoid wasting the product or end up with too oily skin.

Ways to use to fight castor oil

1. As a make-up remover

Yes, castor oil can be used as a regular makeup remover. Its compounds not only easily remove the remains but also take care of this delicate skin area: the eyelids.

Wet a cotton pad with a little castor oil (don’t soak it) and proceed to remove your makeup. Then, rinse your face with mild soap and a lot of warm water.

If you wish, once you dried your face, you can apply a few drops of oil on your fingertips and gently pat it all over your face.

2. As a nighttime moisturizer

Just as you can use castor oil to easily remove all your remaining makeup without damaging your skin, you can also use it as a nighttime moisturizer, once your face is clean and dry.

Here, we propose a mixture that not only has a very pleasant aroma but will also hydrate your face in a natural way.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of castor oil (5 g)
• 1 teaspoon of almond oil (5 g)

Procedure

• Firstly, mix the two oils in a container with the help of a teaspoon.
• Take some of the oil mixture and apply it on your clean and dry face, performing gentle massages.
• You can also do this with a wet face but keep in mind that, afterwards, you’ll have to wipe a cotton ball to remove the excess moisture on your skin and it doesn’t absorb.
• Then, wash your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry with a soft cloth.
• Repeat every night for best results.

3. As a rejuvenating agent

Since it contains omega-9 fatty acids, castor oil can also be used as a “rejuvenating” agent, within an appropriate care routine. Below, we share a homemade recipe so that you can take advantage of it whenever you want.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of natural cream (200 g)
• 3 teaspoons of castor oil (15 g)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (16 g)

Preparation

• Firstly, mix the two oils with the cream and store it in a plastic container with a lid.
• Secondly, apply the cream every day in the mornings and evenings, instead of your regular cream.

4. To reduce recent scars

If you recently suffered a cut or popped a pimple, and you already have a scab, then you can use castor oil to hydrate the area and, thus, make the scar minimal (as the case may be, of course).

Some make the following recipe to take care of their skin when they have acne.

Ingredients

• 3 teaspoons of coconut oil (15 g)
• 2 tablespoons of castor oil (10 g)
• 3 teaspoons of aloe vera gel (15 g)

Preparation

• Mix the three ingredients and store the mixture in a small glass container with a lid.
• Then, every night, after cleaning your face, apply a little of this mixture using a circular massage.
• Once it dries, go to sleep and rinse the next day.

5. To eliminate dark circles

According to popular beliefs, castor oil can be used to reduce dark circles. One of the most popular recipes is the following, which contains aloe vera.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera juice (15 ml)
• 1 teaspoon of castor oil (5 g)

Utensils

• 1 small silicone mold or to prepare ice cubes.

Preparation

• Firstly, mix the two ingredients, add the mixture to the mold, and put it in the freezer until it solidifies.
• Subsequently, take the aloe vera and castor oil cube with a cotton ball and massage on your closed eyes.
• Then, blot up the excess water with a soft cloth.
• Finally, repeat this application every night.

If dark circles are a severe problem, prepare several ice cubes and use them every day for at least a month. The results are incredible, but remember that you also need to improve your sleep habits.

6. To promote eyelash growth

Are your eyelashes too short and are you tired of using mascara on a daily basis? Are your eyes sensitive and finding a mask that doesn’t cause irritation is difficult?

In that case, you’ll love the last of the castor oil uses to improve the appearance of your face. Its application is very simple and it’ll hardly involve any expense.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of castor oil (5 g)
• A vitamin E capsule

Preparation

• Firstly, mix the two ingredients and store then in a glass or plastic jar with a lid.
• Every night, after removing your makeup, take a cotton ball and moisten it with this mixture.
• Carefully apply this to your lashes, from root to tips.
• Finally, leave on and sleep.
• Rinse your eyes in the morning. Remember to be careful not to get water in them.

Before use, always do an allergy test

Before using castor oil to care for your skin, it’s advisable to do a test in a defined area, such as your forearm, to ensure that you tolerate the substance well.

In you have an adverse reaction, you must discontinue its use immediately.