Organic castor oil: benefits and uses

Bestsellers

100% pure and natural
Cold press
Ecocert
Organic Cosmetic

Use this oil in your cosmetic blends to strengthen nails, hair, and eyelashes. Ideal for repairing and nourishing dry, damaged, or frizzy hair, it is also known for promoting healthy growth.

All hair types

£7.50

Price per L = £30

All hair types

Features

Properties and uses

Traceability and analysis

Storage and precautions

Find out more

Features

Our commitments

Culture

Organic, certified by Ecocert Greenlife in accordance with the Ecocert standard available at http://cosmetiques.ecocert.com

Quality

100% pure and natural

Production process

Cold pressing followed by filtration to remove the ricin (a toxic compound naturally present in the seed)

Part of the plant used

Seeds

Botanical name

Ricinus communis

Botanical family

Euphorbiaceae

Function

Cosmetic ingredient

Oxidative potential

Low sensitivity

Find out more about the oxidative potential of butters and oil.

Environmental qualities and characteristics product sheet

Reference

01163 - Organic Castor Oil sample 10 ml

Main packaging material

Glass bottle

Recyclability

Most packaging can be recycled

Instructions for packaging disposal

Properties and uses

Skincare

Hair care

Find out more

Properties

As a cosmetic ingredient, organic castor botanical oil is recognised for the following properties:

With its softening and repairing action, it soothes delicate skin prone to discomfort.
It is reported to reduce brown spots on the face and hands.
It is rich in ricinoleic acid, which is known to slow down microbe growth, giving castor oil an advantage in purifying treatments.
With a high viscosity, it ensures excellent pigment dispersion and adds a shine to lipsticks.
It produces a dense and creamy foam in cold process soaps.

Indications

Products for skin prone to discomfort
Sensitive skin
Brown spots and melasma
Blemish-prone skin

Uses

Use as an ingredient in the following skin and beauty blends:

Make-up (mascaras, pencils, kohl, lipsticks, etc.)
Glossy lip balms

Instant recipes by Aroma-Zone

Two-phase make-up remover

Castor Oil

10 ml

Kukui Vegetable Oil

15 ml

Cornflower hydrosol previously preserved with 10 drops (0.3ml) of Cosgard

25 ml

Anti-stain roll-on

Castor Oil

3 ml

Celery Essential Oil

1 ml

Carrot Essential Oil

1 ml

Synergies

To combat dark spots: Celery and carrot essential oils.

In practice

Castor oil can be used:

In a blend with other carrier oils and some essential oils to create skincare or massage oils. Given its high viscosity and thick, sticky texture, we advise you combine it with a more fluid oil. It can also be used in combination with butters and waxes to formulate lip or body balms.
As the oily phase in hand, body and face creams and lotions.
In combination with other carrier oils (palm, copra, olive) in cold-saponified soap preparation. For a rich, dense lather, we recommend using 5-20% castor oil in combination with 15-30% copra or coconut oil in the saponification mixture.

Castor oil can also be incorporated into a ready-to-use AZ neutral base at a maximum level of 5% to make:

An emulsion: with our Organic Neutral Plant Lotion, Organic Age-Defying Neutral Cream and Organic Hydrating Cream.
An aqueous gel: with our Organic Aloe Vera Gel.
A foaming product: with our Organic Neutral Cleansing Cream.
A soap: with our Melt and Pour Soap Base.

95% to make:

A cleansing oil: with our Concentrated Micellar Base.

Properties

As a hair care ingredient, organic castor oil is known for the following properties:

Strengthens hair, nails and eyelashes.
Coats and nourishes hair damaged by perming or bleaching.
It is known to promote hair, eyelash and nail growth.

Indications

Dry, lifeless and dull hair
Split ends, brittle hair and damaged ends
Hair loss
Stimulating and strengthening hair
Brittle, limp or split nails
Eyelash products

Uses

Use as an ingredient in the following hair, eyelash and nail care products:

Oils for damaged hands and brittle nails.
Hair shampoos and masks.
Gentle make-up removers for long, full lashes.
Mascaras and eyebrow care.

Instant recipe by Aroma-Zone

Repairing mask for damaged hair

Castor Oil

2 tablespoons

Aloe vera gel

2 tablespoons

Plant ceramides (optional)

10 drops

Synergies

To nourish the hair: Sapote and coconut carrier oil.
Fortifying and stimulating hair: Bay rum tree, grapefruit and clary sage essential oils.
To combat dandruff: Eucalyptus radiata, geranium, bay laurel, palmarosa, tea tree and cade juniper essential oils.
For cuticle massage: Lemon and ylang-ylang essential oils.

In practice

Castor botanical oil can be used:

Mixed with other botanical oils and some essential oils to create skincare or massage oils. Given its high viscosity and thick, sticky texture, we advise you combine it with a more fluid oil. It can also be used in combination with butters for the formulation of balms and serums for hair ends.
As an oily phase in hair care, mask or conditioner product compositions.

Castor carrier oil can also be incorporated into a ready-made neutral AZ base at up to 5% maximum to create:

An emulsion: with Organic Neutral Hair Mask Base.
A foaming product: with Organic Neutral Cleansing Cream Base.

See our fact sheet on "cold saponification" to learn how to create your own homemade soap formulas using cold saponification.
See our "hair" article to learn more and build your own personalised hair care routine.

Traceability and analysis

Organoleptic properties

Appearance: highly viscous oily liquid
Colour: colourless to slightly yellow
Odour: barely noticeable
Feel: greasy and viscous

Density

0.954 - 0.960

Saponification index

167-187

Storage and precautions

Storage

Stable carrier oil. Store in a dry place, away from heat and light.

Precautions

Do not swallow - due to its violent laxative and purgative effect, this oil should be reserved for external cosmetic use.
Keep out of reach of children.

Find out more

Castor oil comes from the seeds of a Euphorbiaceae plant called Ricinus communis. An ornamental plant in the west, the castor can grow to around 10 metres in height in tropical and subtropical regions. Its distinctive fruit is covered in green or red prickles, depending on ripeness. As the fruit ripens, the shell dries and opens, revealing 3 oil-rich seeds.

Castor oil is obtained by cold pressing and has a high viscosity (it is the densest carrier oil). Thanks to its unique texture, castor oil is an excellent lubricant and disperses pigments well, making it ideal for make-up.

Warning

The properties, information and methods of use below are quotes from reference books or websites on aromatherapy, hydrolatherapy and phytotherapy. This general information is provided for informative purposes only and in no way constitutes medical guidance. Under no circumstances can this information be used as a substitute for a medical diagnosis, consultation or follow-up, nor can it incur our liability. We recommend that you consult the guide to essential oils before using them, so that you are aware of any precautions that need to be taken. If in doubt, consult a doctor before using essential oils.

Responsible Person

EU responsible person: Aroma-Zone FR-84220 Cabrières d’Avignon
UK responsible person: Obelis UK Ltd, Sandford Gate, Oxford, OX4 6LB, UK

Opinions

Equivalences

Essential Oils

1 ml = approximately 35 drops (with our Aroma-Zone dropper caps)

Carrier oils

1 pump (Aroma-Zone aluminium pump) = approx. 0.15 ml

Mass / Volume conversion (for a liquid)

Mass (g) = Density x Volume (ml) at 20°C

Further information

1 full teaspoon = between 3 and 4.5 ml

1 full tablespoon = between 7.5 and 10 ml

However, these spoon ratios depend on a number of factors (e.g. viscosity of the liquid, temperature, depth and size of the spoon, rheological behaviour of the liquid), and we strongly advise you to use precise measuring equipment, such as graduated test tubes, graduated pipettes, and precision scales.

Aromatherapy recipes from the bibliography

EO = Essential Oil VO = Carrier Oil or Macerated Oil

PRE-SHAMPOO MASK:

Castor oil carrier oil: 1 tablespoon
Olive carrier oil: 1 tablespoon
Jojoba carrier oil: 10 drops
True lavender essential oil: 10 drops
Carrot essential oil: 5 drops
Clary sage essential oil: 5 drops

Use: Massage the mixture into the hair and scalp for several minutes. Cover with a damp towel and leave on for 1 hour before shampooing.

SHAMPOO

Castor oil: 1 tablespoon
Basic shampoo: 1/2 glass
Jojoba carrier oil: 14 drops
True lavender essential oil: 10 drops
Rosemary cineole essential oil: 4 drops

Use: Apply the mixture, massage and leave on for a few minutes before rinsing.

Mustard and castor oils are renowned for effectively accelerating hair growth. They are also fortifying and nourishing. Ylang-Ylang Complete essential oil helps to slow hair loss.

Mustard oil: 2 tbsp.
Castor oil: 2 tbsp.
Ylang-Ylang Complete essential oil: 5 drops

Directions: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Directions for use: Apply this mask to dry scalp. Massage in and leave for 30 minutes before shampooing.

Your hair will quickly become stronger and grow much faster. Repeat at least twice a month until you achieve the desired results.

Mustard oil may tingle. This means it is working properly. However, if this is too uncomfortable, it is preferable to remove the mask immediately by shampooing. This oil is not recommended for sensitive scalps.

Ylang-Ylang Complete essential oil should not be used during the first three months of pregnancy or when breastfeeding.

Bibliography

Supplier documentation

Final report on the safety assessment of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Glyceryl Ricinoleate SE, Ricinoleic Acid, Potassium Ricinoleate, Sodium Ricinoleate, Zinc Ricinoleate, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Ethyl Ricinoleate, Glycol Ricinoleate, Isopropyl Ricinoleate, Methyl Ricinoleate, and Octyldodecyl Ricinoleate. Int J Toxicol. 2007;26 Suppl 3:31-77.

'Les huiles végétales, huiles de santé et de beauté' by Chantal and Lionel Clergeaud - Editions Amyris

'Les cahiers de la santé volume 2, Soins de la peau à base d'huiles essentielles' by Chantal Lacroix

"Votre beauté au naturel" by Chantal Clergeaud

"Secret de beauté au naturel" by Amélie Brochier

Organic Castor Oil

Features

Sustainable packaging characteristics

Reference

Properties and uses

Traceability and analysis

Storage and precautions

Find out more

Opinions

Equivalences

Aromatherapy recipes from the bibliography

Hair loss (Alopecia) (N. Purchon)
BeautyHair & nail care

Fortifying bath (C. Clergeaud)
BeautyHair & nail care

Healing oil for very dry hands (C. Clergeaud)
BeautyBody care

Beauty oil for thick, frizzy hair (A. Brochier)
BeautyHair & nail care

Hair loss treatment oil (C. Clergeaud)
BeautyHair & nail care

Coconut lotion make-up remover for all skin types (C. Clergeaud)
BeautyFacial skincare

Honey mayonnaise (C. Clergeaud)
BeautyBody care

Dry, damaged hair (C. Clergeaud)
BeautyHair & nail care

Anti-hair loss treatment (H. Berton)
BeautyHair & nail care

Hair mask for stimulating growth (Naturellement Lyla)
BeautyFacial skincare

Pigmentation spots - Concealer lotion (C. Lacroix)
Health & wellbeingSkin problems

Bibliography

Organic Castor Oil

Features

Sustainable packaging characteristics

Reference

Properties and uses

Traceability and analysis

Storage and precautions

Find out more

Opinions

Equivalences

Aromatherapy recipes from the bibliography

Hair loss (Alopecia) (N. Purchon)BeautyHair & nail care

Fortifying bath (C. Clergeaud)BeautyHair & nail care

Healing oil for very dry hands (C. Clergeaud)BeautyBody care

Beauty oil for thick, frizzy hair (A. Brochier)BeautyHair & nail care

Hair loss treatment oil (C. Clergeaud)BeautyHair & nail care

Coconut lotion make-up remover for all skin types (C. Clergeaud)BeautyFacial skincare

Honey mayonnaise (C. Clergeaud)BeautyBody care

Dry, damaged hair (C. Clergeaud)BeautyHair & nail care

Anti-hair loss treatment (H. Berton)BeautyHair & nail care

Hair mask for stimulating growth (Naturellement Lyla)BeautyFacial skincare

Pigmentation spots - Concealer lotion (C. Lacroix)Health & wellbeingSkin problems

Associated products

Bibliography

Hair loss (Alopecia) (N. Purchon)
BeautyHair & nail care

Fortifying bath (C. Clergeaud)
BeautyHair & nail care

Healing oil for very dry hands (C. Clergeaud)
BeautyBody care

Beauty oil for thick, frizzy hair (A. Brochier)
BeautyHair & nail care

Hair loss treatment oil (C. Clergeaud)
BeautyHair & nail care

Coconut lotion make-up remover for all skin types (C. Clergeaud)
BeautyFacial skincare

Honey mayonnaise (C. Clergeaud)
BeautyBody care

Dry, damaged hair (C. Clergeaud)
BeautyHair & nail care

Anti-hair loss treatment (H. Berton)
BeautyHair & nail care

Hair mask for stimulating growth (Naturellement Lyla)
BeautyFacial skincare

Pigmentation spots - Concealer lotion (C. Lacroix)
Health & wellbeingSkin problems