Castor oil for eyelashes: benefits and application tips

Its reputation is well established. Men use castor oil to moisturise and maintain their beards, and women use it to accelerate hair growth and strengthen their hair daily. This oil is a natural ingredient that needs no introduction. It also has exceptional benefits for eyelashes, making it an everyday essential.

The properties of Castor oil

• Moisturising: it contains ricinoleic acid (between 80 and 92%), a moisturising hydroxy fatty acid.

• Prevents water loss: Castor oil is an excellent emollient that prevents water from evaporating, preserves and protects the lashes to help them grow better.

• Reduce the risk of breakage: it helps seal in moisture, keeping lashes looking their best.

• Fortify: Castor oil restores strength and vitality to eyelashes and eyebrows thanks to its ricinoleic acid.

Castor oil is renowned for stimulating eyelash growth. However, scientists are divided, as there is no formal proof that it stimulates growth. However, what is certain is that its fatty acids and vitamins nourish the eyelashes, strengthening their structure and preventing breakage. As the lashes grow, they become thicker, shinier and healthier.

The easiest way to apply castor oil to lashes is with a clean, dry lash brush. In the evening, after applying your night cream or eye contour serum. Also, apply Castor oil to your lashes before going to bed. If you want to increase the density of your eyebrows, you can put some on them at the same time.

To prevent the Castor oil from running into your eyes, follow these steps:

1. Remove your make-up and cleanse your face.

2. When it's clean and dry, apply your nightly skincare regimen.

3. Take a clean mascara brush or eyelash brush.

4. Apply Castor oil to the brush and use it as you would a mascara, to brush oil all over the lashes.

5. Leave on overnight and rinse your face when you wake up, before starting your morning skincare routine.

Using caster oil is a good idea if you have sparse eyelashes that fall out or are damaged by mascara or make-up. This oil can also work wonders if your eyebrows have lost their density, you've plucked or shaved them too much, and they seem less full.

Can I use Castor oil every day?

Apply Castor oil to your eyelashes when you notice that they are weak or less dense. You can take a course of treatment for a month before taking a break. You should notice the changes soon.

Castor oil: how long before it takes effect?

The results of applying Castor oil will be seen very quickly. After one or two months, you'll notice that your hair is stronger, more plentiful and less fragile than before.

To be practical, you might consider putting a few drops of Castor oil in your tube of mascara. But that's not a good idea. The compounds in mascara form a liquid to semi-solid texture that dries very quickly after application. Adding castor oil, even just a few drops, will change this texture. It won't dry in the right way, and you run the risk of getting black marks under your eyes as soon as you blink.

In addition to eyelashes, Castor oil can also be applied to eyebrows. Moisturising and nourishing, it can stimulate hair growth, strengthen its structure and make it shinier. To use Castor oil on your eyebrows, gently apply a small amount every night before bed. Do this regularly to see rapid results.

Like all plant oils, precautions should be taken before using Castor oil. It can trigger an allergic reaction, although allergies to Castor oil are uncommon. In some people, it can cause skin irritation or itching. This can damage the skin, particularly around the eyes, where it is very fragile. It can also have the opposite intended effect by reducing the number of eyelashes. Before using a new product, always carry out an allergy test, applying a small amount to the inside of the wrist.

Castor oil should not be used during pregnancy as it can cause nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. It is not advised for young children to use.

It is best to use Castor oil that is organic and extracted naturally. Avoid direct contact with your eyes, as this could cause irritation. If any oil gets into your eyes, rinse immediately with clean water.

Discover our selection of eyelash care products on Aroma Zone.

Lauréna is a journalist specialising in lifestyle, wellness, and psychology. Between writing articles, she travels around the world, discovering what it has to teach us.