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MMost skincare enthusiasts are well acquainted with the basics needed for a solid routine: a cleanser, serum of your choice, moisturizer, and a good sunscreen (minimum SPF 30). However, plant-based ingredients like castor oil can certainly have a place in your routine, depending on your skin’s needs.
Castor oil is a popular choice in hair products because of its conditioning and hair health properties. Although techniques such as hair oiling have become more popular recently, castor oil has long been associated with traditional beauty practice. In some South Asian cultures it is often used to massage the scalp and promote hair growth. The oil derived from the seed of the castor bean has a thick consistency, making it an excellent option for smoothing the hair cuticles and oiling. Still, it should be approached with caution when used on the face.
Experts in this article
- Courtney Rubin, MD, MBE, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Fig.1
- Jodi Logerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BCGP certified in dermatology at Orentreich Medical Group
- Naana Boakye, MD, MPHboard-certified dermatologist and founder of Bergen Dermatology in northern New Jersey
Before you stop or start applying castor oil under the hairline, we spoke to three experts about everything there is to know about the ingredient for your skin.
What is castor oil?
“Castor oil comes from the seeds of the castor bean, which is found in many tropical and subtropical countries,” says Dr. Logerfo. Like most oils, it is made from the seeds of the plant and is produced via a cold pressing method. The oil has become synonymous with hair care for its nourishing and follicle-strengthening benefits, but its versatility makes it a popular choice in foods, medicines and skin care products, she explains.
What are the benefits of castor oil?
Castor oil has a super thick consistency and is known for its soothing properties, making it a common ingredient in cosmetic products. That said, it can have many benefits when used on the skin.
It protects the skin barrier
According to Dr. Logerfo, castor oil is an ideal ingredient to retain moisture in the skin. “The thick consistency is occlusive and creates a barrier that locks in moisture, making it beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin,” she says. Dr. Rubin adds that the oil also contains several fatty acids, making it ideal for retaining moisture. So if you want to use a thicker product for slugging, castor oil is a good option.
It’s super hydrating
Castor oil is also very rich in fatty acids, which makes it great moisturizing when applied to the skin. “Ricinolic acid (an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid) is the primary fatty acid in castor oil that gives it nourishing properties.perties,” says Dr. Logerfo. She explains that ricinoleic acid can improve the overall health of your skin in several ways, such as by reducing dryness and ridding the skin of microbials.
“Using castor oil can improve skin elasticity and texture and help skin look smoother and more radiant over time,” she says. Dr. Boakye said that the high fatty acid content in castor oil can help promote hydration and healthy skin tissue, adding that the boost in hydration can give skin a smoother and more supple appearance.
Reduces inflammation and fights bacteria on the skin.
Research has shown that castor oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. “The ricinoleic acid found in castor oil helps reduce inflammation, while its antimicrobial properties can help fight bacteria that can contribute to pimples and acne,” says Dr. Logerfo.
Can I apply castor oil on my face?
According to experts, applying castor oil to your face is general Okay, but you need to consider your skin type before doing this. “Applying castor oil to your face is fine, but it should be used with caution, especially for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin,” says Dr. Boakye. Although it can be applied to the face, Dr. Rubin that the thickness can do that too contribute to clogged pores (especially if you don’t cleanse thoroughly), which can lead to breakouts, especially in oily or acne-prone skin types. “Castor oil is often diluted in a lighter carrier oil, such as jojoba, pumpkin or sweet almond oil, or added to a moisturizer to ensure pores are less likely to become clogged,” she says.
How to incorporate castor oil into your routine
According to Dr. Rubin, castor oil is best used to retain moisture and prevent water loss in the skin. She recommends using it during the colder months of the year, when skin is most prone to dryness. To incorporate it into your routine, Dr. Boakye recommends finding a moisturizer that contains castor oil and applying it to rough or dry areas as a spot treatment, rather than using raw castor oil directly on the face. “This can also be used to soothe inflamed or irritated areas,” she says
Potential risks of using castor oil on your face
While, Yes, Pore clogging is a problem with any facial oil (or moisturizer). The thickness of castor oil may increase this concern for people prone to breakouts or sensitivity.
Another common problem that can occur with vegetable oils Are allergic reactions. Dr. Boakye explains that castor oil can cause complaints in some people comments like itching, redness, or irritation when using products containing castor oil on the skin. She adds that these risks are often greater for sensitive skin, so it’s recommended to test your castor oil products on a small, inconspicuous area before using them all over your face.
Last takeaway
Castor oil is a popular choice in beauty products for good reasons: it’s super rich in fatty acids, making it an extremely moisturizing option that’s great for retaining moisture in the skin. Still, since castor oil on itself can be super thick, people with oily or acne-prone skin may find that the ingredient clogs pores. As with most vegetable oils, reactions can This does happen, which is why experts recommend doing a patch test first and using skin care products formulated with castor oil before applying it directly to your face.