All about castor oil

Castor oil might just be the beauty secret you didn’t know you needed. This thick and ultra-nourishing oil is a natural product packed with benefits: whether you’re looking for a brow boost, a treatment for damaged hair, or just something natural to pamper your skin, this could become your new favorite ally.

Why is everyone talking about castor oil?

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Castor oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the castor plant. At first glance, it might seem like just another one of many natural oils out there, but it actually has a long and fascinating history. Back in Ancient Egypt, it was considered a true treasure: it’s said that Cleopatra used it as a natural makeup remover, while in traditional medicine it was used to treat minor digestive and skin issues thanks to its soothing properties. Castor oil also holds a strong place in the medical traditions of India and Africa. In India, it’s known for its purifying properties and is commonly used in Ayurvedic treatments. In Africa, it’s often used for skin and hair care, and also for various ailments, including digestive troubles. Over time, this oil has traveled across continents, cultures, and centuries, going from a "grandma’s remedy" to a beauty routine essential.

The benefits of castor oil for hair

Wondering why so many people are obsessed with castor oil? The answer is simple: it has a ton of benefits. To begin with, it’s a real game changer for hair. Thanks to its high concentration of ricinoleic acid, castor oil helps to stimulate growth, strengthen strands, and deeply moisturize. It’s especially great for dry, brittle hair prone to breakage. Used consistently, it can even make a difference with split ends: apply it to your lengths or directly to the ends before shampooing to create a protective barrier that helps seal the hair and prevent breakage. A few drops go a long way to nourish and add shine without weighing hair down. The same goes for eyebrows: applied nightly with a cotton swab or clean spoolie (like a mascara wand), it can help them become thicker, longer, and more defined over time. However, it’s not recommended to apply directly on the lashes, as its dense texture could cause irritation or unwanted reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin or delicate eyes.

Castor oil for skin

It has moisturizing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for tackling dryness, redness, and minor skin imperfections. According to Barbara O’Neill, a popular Australian naturopath, castor oil has a unique quality that sets it apart: "It penetrates deeper than any other oil, breaking down lumps, nodules, and any kind of congestion or adhesion." Because of this, it's often used in warm compresses, especially for beauty treatments like cellulite or to improve skin texture on key areas like thighs, buttocks, and stomach. It helps the skin become firmer, smoother, and softer thanks to its deeply nourishing and stimulating action. Applied with a gentle lymphatic massage, possibly with the help of a gua sha, it can become a true detox ritual to enjoy at home - the perfect way to care for yourself after a long day.

Other uses

A growing trend among women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is to apply a few drops of castor oil to the belly button, especially before going to bed. This practice is based on the belief that the navel is an energy point connected to internal organs, and that applying natural oils there can help relieve tension and pelvic pain. While there’s no strong scientific evidence to support this, many people describe it as a small wellness ritual that helps relax and provides natural relief.