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Castor oil is one of the most frequently mentioned names when it comes to natural skin care products. It's beneficial for many conditions, from skin problems and wrinkles to digestive issues like constipation. It's even known to improve hair growth! We can call it the superhero of natural remedies - and here's why.
People have been using castor oil since the days of Ancient Egypt, around 6000 years ago. According to the earliest texts, this multipurpose vegetable oil was used to protect the eyes from irritation. People even believed Cleopatra used it to whiten her eyeballs.
But that's not all. Traveling doctors from the 1800s promoted and tried to sell castor oil as the cure for almost anything. They even used it as a medicine that supposedly induced labor - however, there's no research that confirms this effect even now, in the 21st century.
Most of us now know castor oil as a laxative. But stay tuned because castor oil is so much more than that. It can help you solve that annoying acne once and for all!
Let's find out more!
Some people say castor oil is an elixir for gorgeous hair and youthful skin. But technically, castor oil is a yellowish liquid that comes from crushing the seeds of the castor oil plant. It originates from the Ethiopian region of East Africa, India, and South America. Today it can be found growing in many tropical regions around the world. In 2002, it was used in more than 900 cosmetic products.
Ricinus communis is the Latin name for castor oil. It contains ricinoleic acid, the primary source of its healing benefits. It's believed to prevent bacteria and virus growth by increasing white blood cells and antibodies, while the high amount of vitamins and antioxidants help the skin regenerate itself.
Castor is known as a "carrier oil." Carrier oils can dilute essential oils before topical application, which helps you avoid irritation.
The name "castor oil" probably comes from castoreum. Castoreum was a perfume base derived from the dried perineal glands of the beaver. Castor oil is believed to be the ethical replacement for castoreum.
Over the years, it earned another common name, "palm of Christ," because of its reputation for healing wounds and curing ailments.
The cosmetics manufacturing industry has taken over castor oil. Today you can find it in soaps, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, shampoos, beauty, and health products.
First, the seeds are dried out, and the tough shell is removed. After that, the seeds are pressed to release the oil. Sometimes the oil undergoes a purification process for better quality. Finally, it's packed and ready for sale.
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that the ricin in the plant is highly toxic, and you shouldn't try to make it at home. Ricin is estimated to be 6,000 times more deadly than cyanide and 12,000 times more deadly than rattlesnake venom.
Acne usually appears when the sebaceous glands produce excess oil (otherwise known as excess sebum) that can clog pores and cause breakouts. So how can castor oil reduce acne?
When it comes to skin conditions and acne, castor oil reduces inflammation and helps the skin maintain a healthy pH balance. It even has an extra moisturizing effect that prevents your skin from drying out.
Ricinoleic acid has antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. This means castor oil can kill any bacteria and other organisms that are causing redness and swelling. Additionally, the oil can act as preventative care against dead cells while improving the blood flow in the face.
Castor oil is filled with fatty acids, the main culprits for its healing properties in acne scarring and other skin ailments. Regular use can reduce scarring and prevent new scars from developing, so you're left with healthy skin tissue.
It could be argued that this oil is better for acne than meds or over-the-counter spot treatments. This is because they tend to quickly dry out the skin to heal the blemish, causing skin irritation. However, they do nothing to remove the bacteria that caused the acne in the first place.
Castor oil can also be more effective than antibiotics. This is because antibiotics are known to kill the good bacteria on the skin, which can sometimes lead to serious infections.
Unlike these, castor oil is a natural, safe, and effective way to treat acne.
Scientific research on Ricinus Communis is very limited. There is no scientific evidence of the potential benefits of using castor oil on the face, although there is considerable anecdotal evidence that it can reduce acne and improve the appearance of acne scars.
If you want to use castor oil for acne or treating irritated skin, but you're worried about safety, don't be! In general, castor oil is safe for acne-prone skin (as well as all other skin types) - another one of its dermatological benefits. Don't let the fact that it's an oil put you off. This little miracle will keep dry skin hydrated and improve skin health.
Remember, you can always conduct a patch test before you try this ingredient (or any other oils), especially if you have sensitive skin. Just use a small amount on one area of the skin and wait a few days to see if you react. If no reaction occurs, feel free to use castor oil to treat acne without any skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Typically, you can gently massage castor oil into the skin using a cotton ball. If that's too general for you, here are some specific methods of application and recipe ideas. Make sure to use them alongside a great skincare routine.
This is a great method if you want to take advantage of all the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that castor oil offers. Since castor is a carrier, you can put it directly on your skin. However, if you dilute castor oil, it might absorb better.
Frequency: Every day.
If you suffer from acne scars and you're looking for a way to improve their appearance, this method is perfect for you. Keep in mind that olive is classed as a moderately comedogenic oil, which means it can clog pores. Make sure you're using it to treat acne scars rather than acne.
Frequency: 2 times a week.
Looking for a simple overnight treatment to fight acne? You've got it.
Frequency: 2 times a week.
Frequency: Every day.
Frequency: Every day until your skin clears, and then once a week for prevention.
Frequency: 2 times a week.
You don't have to stick to the ingredients we've listed. There are many other vegetable oils you can combine with castor oil to make a mask, such as coconut oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and more.
Aside from treating acne, castor oil has many additional benefits.
Castor oil is gaining popularity by the minute. More and more people speak about its healing and anti-inflammatory properties, whether for face acne, stomach problems, hair growth, or beauty. Part of what makes it so popular is that it's affordable and easy to find - and everybody likes affordable skincare! You can buy it in any skincare or beauty shop that sells natural oils.
However, if you use castor oil to reduce acne, be careful not to overdo it! Always do a patch test first, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Final report on the safety assessment of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in Commercial Production
