Castor Oil : Virtues and Uses
Summary of recipes
What are the properties of castor oil?
Castor oil is a very dense, viscous oil with a sticky texture. It is a beauty treatment with amazing and super-powerful properties. It was already known in ancient times; it is even said that Cleopatra used it as a make-up remover!
When applied to the skin, it’s ideal for moisturising, softening and repairing the skin during your skincare routine, and also helps to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
On the hands, it strengthens and hardens the nails and softens the cuticles. Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, it helps prevent infections by eliminating bacteria and impurities. It is also used effectively against nail fungus. Its fortifying and nourishing actions help to accelerate the growth of eyelashes, eyebrows, hair, beard and nails while strengthening them. It’s a real wonder to include in your skincare routine!
Castor oil also has laxative properties, and some people use it to treat constipation. However, ingesting castor oil is not recommended. It alters the intestinal mucosa and can trigger severe diarrhoea, which can be dangerous to your health.
- nourishing, strengthening: strengthens and nourishes nails, eyelashes, eyebrows, hair and beard
- healing: promotes the restoration of skin
- purifying : removes impurities from the skin
- hydrating: binds water to the skin for better hydration
- anti-inflammatory, analgesic: calme les inflammations de la peau et des articulations, et réduit la douleur.
- antiviral, antibactérien : calms skin and joint inflammation and reduces pain
- digestive, laxative: accelerates the digestive process to help evacuate stools
How to use Castor oil?
All the recipes in this article are intended for external use. In fact, this vegetable oil is only recommended for use on the skin nails, hair, beard, eyelashes and eyebrows.
For local use, dilute it with an equivalent quantity of a lighter vegetable oil such as Argan, Macadamia or Jojoba.
This oil is perfectly suitable for all skin types, from dry and mature to oily, blemished and combination. Everyone can use it.
To apply to hair, follow these steps:
- Apply the oil to dry hair to easily penetrate the scales
- Do not hesitate to dilute it to make application easier, or if you have fine hair - this will prevent the oil from weighing it down
- Brush your hair before and after applying the castor oil to ensure better distribution throughout
What are the precautions for use and dangers of castor oil?
Castor oil is suitable for normal to very dry skin, as its comedogenic index is 1 out of 5, i.e. it is not very comedogenic. It can be used by all as a skin care product. Although not very allergenic, some people may be at risk of allergy to castor oil when used externally. The allergy is manifested by itching and redness. If you have sensitive skin with a tendency to allergies, do not hesitate to test a small area of your skin. Apply a small amount to the hollow of your elbow or the back of your hand and wait 24 hours. If your skin does not react, you can use it without risk.
Castor oil is not dangerous for your eyes, but due to the viscosity of the product, the sensation is not necessarily very pleasant and a cloudy veil may form on the surface of your eyes. We reassure you that this does not last, you simply have to let your body remove the substance. Castor oil can be dangerous when taken orally, and it is strongly recommended that you do not ingest it without a doctor's prescription. Even when purified of its ricin, castor oil acts as a violent purgative. The ricinoleic acid it contains alters the intestinal mucous membrane, which can cause excessive water and trace element losses. It must be kept away from heat and light.
How to use castor oil for brittle, split or soft nails
Often abused on a daily basis (repeated application of nail polish, cleaning products, stress, fatigue...), our nails can become weak and brittle. Nourishing and moisturizing, castor oil acts in depth to strengthen and treat the nails. Weakened nails are then strengthened and better protected against possible cracks.
Diluted application :
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From 12 years old  |
Dilute 4 drops of Atlas cedar essential oil in 1 teaspoon of castor oil. Massage your nails and cuticles with a drop of this mixture every night at bedtime for at least 6 weeks.
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From 15 ans years old |
Dilute 2 drops of Atlas cedar essential oil with 1 drop of rosemary camphor or cineole essential oil in 2 drops of castor oil. Apply this mixture by massaging the cuticles and nails or directly with a small brush, every other night at bedtime. Use as a 3-month treatment. Do not use Rosemary Camphor or Rosemary Cineole essential oils in case of cardiovascular disorders such as high blood pressure or heart arrhythmia. |
How to increase nail growth
We all know that feeling of frustration when we break a nail. This leads us to cut our nails completely and wait impatiently for them to grow back. Applying castor oil to your nails on a daily basis will help them grow in better condition and make them stronger to face the tasks of everyday life.
Mix 1 drop of Atlas Cedar essential oil + 1 drop of Rosemary Camphor or Cineole essential oil + 2 drops of Castor oil. Apply every other evening by massaging the cuticles and nails. 3 month cure. Recipe for adults only. (Recipe developed by Dr Franck Gigon, Doctor of Medicine and Phyto-Aromatherapist).
Do not use Rosemary Camphor or Rosemary Cineole essential oils in case of cardiovascular disorders (high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia).
How to treat and whiten yellowed nails with castor oil
Healthy nails are usually transparent when they touch the skin and the tips turn white. Many factors can alter the whiteness of your nails and make them yellowish, such as smoking, pollution, alcohol or repetitive manicures.
Castor oil does not have any whitening properties as such, however, combined with lemon essential oil, you will regain their natural colour as well as a good moisturiser!
Mix 1 drop of lemon essential oil, 1 drop of castor oil and 1 drop of argan oil. Apply the mixture to yellow nails every night before bedtime for 3 weeks. From 15 years old.
Discover all our recipes to revive the beauty of your nails and cuticles to keep your hands beautiful every day!
How to use castor oil for hair loss
Vasodilators, lemongrass essential oil and castor oil facilitate the irrigation of the scalp. The toning and stimulating properties of fresh ginger essential oil will increase the blood flow and exchange at the level of the hair bulb, which will strengthen the hair, prevent hair loss and even stimulate hair growth.
Diluted application :
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Adults only |
Mix 5 drops of fresh ginger essential oil with 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil in 1 tablespoon of castor and argan vegetable oil. Gently massage the mixture into the scalp, leave on for 5 minutes and then wash the hair. Massage 3 times a week for 3 months.
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From 15 ans years old |
Mix 10 drops of True Lavender essential oil, 3 drops of Atlas Cedar essential oil, 10 drops of Rosemary essential oil, 3 drops of Peppermint essential oil, 30 ml of Argan or Jojoba vegetable oil and 5 ml of Castor oil.Apply the equivalent of a tablespoon of this mixture by massaging gently in a clockwise direction into the scalp. Leave on for 5 minutes and then wash the hair. This hair massage should be repeated 4 times a week for 3 months. |
How to repair damaged and/or devitalized hair with castor oil
Castor oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids 6 and 9. It nourishes and repairs dry, damaged, split ends and lack of shine hair. Thanks to its viscous and very thick texture, this oil prevents breakage by closing the scales.
Care after care, you will find your hair stronger and shinier.
Hair Mask
Mix one teaspoon of castor oil with two tablespoons of argan oil and 3 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil in an opaque glass bottle. Before shampooing, apply this aromatic treatment generously to the lengths and ends of the hair. Leave on for 20 to 30 minutes and then wash the hair directly: first, without wetting it beforehand, with shampoo slightly emulsified in the palm of your hand, rinse with water and then repeat the shampoo. Use this treatment twice a week. (Recipe developed by Dr Franck Gigon, Doctor of Medicine and Phyto-Aromatherapist).
Ylang Ylang essential oil should not be used in case of allergy to aspirin or salicylates..
Peppermint essential oil is also recommended for strengthening, restoring vitality and improving the growth of your hair. Discover our recipes!
How to grow hair with castor oil
The ricinoleic acid in castor oil is able to stimulate the hair follicle and boost microcirculation in the scalp to improve hair health. Although hair growth is not scientifically proven, applying castor oil regularly to the scalp and lengths will help to strengthen them and maintain an ideal growing condition.
Application diluée :
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Adults only |
Dilute 3 drops of laurel essential oil in 10 ml of castor and argan vegetable oils in equal parts. Apply this aromatic mixture by massaging the scalp. Leave on for at least 15 minutes, then wash your hair.
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From 15 years old |
Hair growth can be promoted by massaging the scalp to stimulate blood circulation. |
How to nourish and improve beard growth with castor oil
By nourishing the skin and beard, Castor oil helps to soften and strengthen the hair as it grows. This action helps to stimulate hair growth and make your beard denser, giving a fuller, shinier beard. To take advantage of its benefits, make a nourishing beard balm with Castor oil.
Mix one teaspoon of Castor oil, 1 teaspoon of Coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of Shea Butter and 2 drops of Atlas Cedar essential oil. Work the mixture and then pack it in an opaque glass container.
Every morning and/or evening rub your hands together and massage your skin and beard hair with a small amount of this treatment. Do this 3 times a week.
This balm can also be used to nourish the hair. Always use a small amount of the mixture to massage the ends of your hair.
This treatment does not require rinsing. From 15 years of age.
(Recipe developed by Dr Franck Gigon, Doctor of Medicine and Phyto-Aromatherapist).
How to use castor oil to grow eyelashes and eyebrows
Castor oil acts on eyelashes and eyebrows in the same way as it does on hair: it strengthens the hair and allows it to grow in better conditions.
Pure application:
Pour 1 drop of Castor oil onto a cotton swab or a clean eyelash brush. In the evening, apply gently, first along the length of the lashes and then at the base of the lashes on the outside of the upper and lower eyelids. Be careful not to let the oil come into contact with your eyes, as it can cause irritation. Repeat the application of a drop of Castor oil using your fingertips on the eyebrows. Use as a 3 month treatment. From 15 years old.
(Recipe developed by Dr Franck Gigon, Doctor of Medicine and Phyto-Aromatherapist).
Why is Castor oil effective against wrinkles?
Castor oil contains proteins that stimulate collagen production by the skin cells, so it is ideal for use as an anti-wrinkle treatment.
Be careful not to apply too much oil to your face, as this can risk clogging your skin pores.
Diluted application:
In an opaque glass bottle, mix 10 drops of Castor oil with 2 tablespoons of Rose Hip oil and 2 drops of Helichrysum essential oil. Apply 5 drops of the mixture in the evening as a daily treatment, spreading it over your face, neck and décolletage.
The benefits of Castor oil can also been utilised as a night treatment. In an opaque glass bottle, mix 10 drops of Castor oil, 2 tablespoons of Rose Hip oil and 2 drops of Helichrysum essential oil. Apply 5 drops daily, in the evening, to the face, neck and décolletage.
Be careful to avoid the eye area. For adults only.
(Recipe developed by Dr Franck Gigon, Doctor of Medicine and Phyto-Aromatherapist).
Helichrysum essential oil should not be used in case of blood-thinning treatment or coagulation disorder.
How to use Castor oil for acne treatment
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and purifying properties, Castor oil successfully treats skin problems, and in particular acne, by reducing the risk of inflammation. This makes it perfect for treating pimples and soothing acne-prone skin.
Its antifungal action makes it possible to naturally treat certain skin irritations such as cutaneous mycosis.
Diluted application (face and body):
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Isolated acne pimple |
Mix 1 drop of Castor oil, 1 drop of Tea Tree essential oil and 1 drop of Palmarosa essential oil. Apply this mixture morning and evening directly to the pimple with a clean cotton swab. From 12 years of age.
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Acne clusters / multiple pimples |
Mix 5 drops of Castor oil, 1 drop of Tea Tree essential oil and 1 drop of Palmarosa essential oil. Apply the treatment to the affected areas, such as the chin, forehead and back. From 12 years old. (menton, front, dos…). |
(Recipes developed by Dr Franck Gigon, Doctor of Medicine and Phyto-Aromatherapist).
How to use castor oil to remove dark spots and pigmentation marks
Brown spots, also known as age spots or sun spots, go by the scientific name “lentigo”. They are the result of excessive exposure to the sun. The colour of the skin darkens due to an excessive concentration of melatonin. These spots are usually medically harmless, but you can treat them if your confidence is affected their appearance. Nevertheless, it is recommended that you regularly consult a dermatologist, who will be able to distinguish your brown spots from a potential melanoma at an early stage.
The ricinoleic acid present in Castor oil has lightening properties, which makes it a powerful alternative for treating pigmentation spots on the face, hands, feet or “pregnancy mask” (otherwise known as pregnancy melasma, an overproduction of melanin).
Regular application of Castor oil also improves the general appearance of the skin. Regular use will smooth the skin texture and reduce the visibility of hyperpigmentation.
Diluted application:
In an opaque glass bottle, mix 1 teaspoon of Castor oil, 1 teaspoon of Black Cumin Oil and 1 teaspoon of Rose Hip vegetable oil with 10 drops of Niaouli essential oil. Apply this mixture topically every evening for 6 weeks.
To minimise the appearance of brown spots, use a treatment containing a UV filter in winter, and protect the skin with a maximum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) during the summer months. Sun exposure should be limited as much as possible. For adults only.
(Recipe developed by Dr Franck Gigon, Doctor of Medicine and Phyto-Aromatherapist).
Niaouli essential oil should not be used in cases of cancer, or a history of hormone-dependent cancer.
How to moisturise dry and very dry skin with Castor oil
Castor oil is mainly composed of ricinoleic, oleic and linoleic acids, which are fatty acids known to strengthen the skin's protective barrier and intensely nourish the skin. By applying Castor oil daily, it restores suppleness and elasticity to your skin, and ensures hydration.
Diluted application:
In an opaque glass bottle, mix 1 tablespoon of Castor oil and 50ml of either Sweet Almond or Argan vegetable oil. Apply the mixture morning and evening to dry areas of the face and body, particularly after a shower or bath. The Castor oil will facilitate skin repair and reinforce the skin's natural barrier: the hydrolipidic film. From 7 years old.
(Recipe elaborated by Dr Franck Gigon, Doctor of Medicine and Phyto-Aromatherapist).
How to use Castor oil as a skin radiance day care for the face
The carotenoids (plant pigments responsible for the red, orange and yellow colours) present in Apricot Kernel vegetable oil give a healthy glow and protect the skin from UV rays . Combined with its regenerating and revitalising properties, Castor oil promotes a smoother, more radiant complexion. Both Castor and Apricot Kernel vegetable oils contain fatty acids, particularly omega 6 and 9, which promote cellular exchange. As the skin is made up of cells, applying this care product on a daily basis improves the skin’s overall health, making it more plump and supple, giving a smoother and more radiant appearance.
Diluted application:
In an opaque glass bottle, mix 5 drops of Castor oil with 2 tablespoons of Apricot Kernel vegetable oil and 2 drops of Neroli essential oil. Apply every morning by using 5 drops of the mixture over your face, neck and décolletage, in a light circular massage. Be careful to avoid the eye area. Recipe for adults only. (Recipe developed by Dr Franck Gigon, Doctor of Medicine and Phyto-Aromatherapist).
Neroli essential oil should not be used in case of anti-hypertensitivity.
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Disclaimer: This article is intended as a guide and is not a substitute for the advice of a physician, pharmacist or other health care professional.
For any therapeutic use, consult a doctor or a pharmacist. Refer carefully to the contraindications and precautions for use of each essential oil. In case of doubt, consult a health professional.
Sources: Extracts from the books "Aromatherapia, tout sur les huiles essentielles" and "HUILES ESSENTIELLES, HUILES VÉGÉTALES & HYDROLATS : Mes indispensables", by Isabelle Pacchioni, published by Aroma Thera.
Some of the recipes were developed by Dr Franck Gigon, Doctor of Medicine and Phyto-Aromatherapist
