5 Skin Benefits of Castor Oil and How to Use

Castor oil has been used for medicinal purposes in different regions of China, Persia, Africa, and Europe since ancient times. It has also been considered the first food for newborn babies in different cultures since ancient times all over the world. In Asian countries, baby feedings contain castor oil to extract the harmful substances found inside the stomach, while in Latin American countries, it is used to remove unwanted mucus from the body.

Experts say castor oil, obtained from the seeds of the castor plant, scientifically known as Ricinus communis, possesses a unique chemical composition. Fatty acids and triglycerides form about 90% of the ricinoleic acid content.

Today, castor oil is widely used in industrial applications such as biofuel production and, more importantly, as an active ingredient in skin and cosmetic products. It has various skin benefits, including helping prevent conditions like eczema, providing essential moisture, and enabling faster wound healing.

Castor oil can be used in different ways to avoid skin conditions as dangerous as skin cancer. To highlight its skin benefits, we have compiled a list of key castor oil benefits.

Skin Benefits of Castor Oil

1. Treat Acne

To treat acne with castor oil, start by washing your face with warm water to open the pores. Then, gently massage castor oil onto your face using your fingertips.

How to Use:

1. Wash your face with warm water to unclog the pores.
2. Just apply a little castor oil on your acne with your fingers and massage it gently.
3. Leave it overnight.
4. Wash your face in the morning with warm water and a mild cleanser.

Frequency: Daily or as required.

Note: Castor oil can be comedogenic for some, meaning it can lead to clogged pores. If you notice any acne after using castor oil, stop using it. Always do a patch test on a small area before applying it to the entire face.

Also Read: Amazing Benefits of Almond Oil

2. Wound Healing

Castor oil is a fantastic natural antibacterial agent that accelerates wound healing. Research proved that wound-healing bandages containing castor oil as the main ingredient prevent bacterial infection and accelerate the healing process (R).

How to Use:

1. Wash the wound area thoroughly with a mild antiseptic.
2. Put a thin layer of castor oil on the cut.
3. Bandage the wound with a clean bandage.
4. Change the bandage and apply castor oil 1 or 2 times daily or as directed by a physician.

Note: Consult a doctor if you have serious cuts and scrapes. Castor oil can be used to treat minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, but it should not be used on deep or infected wounds without a doctor’s supervision.

Also, Read: 7 Best Antiseptics for Open Wounds: A Comprehensive Guide

3. Nourishes Dry Skin

Castor oil is found in various skincare products because it has deeply hydrating properties. Scientific studies show that this oil is a highly effective natural lubricant for the skin (R). It reduces dry skin, irritation, sunburn, and dermatitis.

Moreover, castor oil improves the total hydration of skin, keeping it moist and preventing dryness. Castor oil is potent when combined with other oils like coconut, or jojoba oil for full benefits.

How to Use:

1. Mix castor oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, in a 1:3 ratio (1 part castor oil to 3 parts carrier oil).
2. Apply on the dry areas of the skin.
3. Gently massage it in until absorbed.

Frequency: Daily or as needed.

Carrier oil dilutes castor oil, which can be thick and sticky by itself, improving its absorption and minimizing the risk of irritation.

4. Prevents Eczema and Other Skin Conditions

Castor oil has strong antifungal and antimicrobial properties, which makes it effective in treating skin conditions like eczema, cradle cap, and other scalp-related issues. According to experts, a patented solution containing about 80% castor oil, combined with other beneficial minerals, has been seen to treat various skin diseases (R).

Consult a dermatologist before using castor oil for any dermatitis or skin condition, as they will advise the best treatment. If your dermatologist approves, you may apply it to the affected areas. It’s recommended that you perform a patch test first.

How to Use:

• Gently massage the oil into the skin.

Also, Read: 7 Effective Ways to Use Coconut Oil for Faster Relief from Eczema

5. Cleanses Skin

Castor oil contains hydrogenated compounds that are natural cleansing agents. It is used in skincare products coupled with liquid paraffin, colorants, and perfumes to effectively cleanse the pores and keep the skin looking young.

Castor oil deeply cleanses the skin and is a rich source of essential fatty acids, which slows down small acne on your face.

How to Use:

1. Castor oil can be used as part of an oil cleansing routine.
2. Mix it with other oils, such as olive or coconut oil.
3. Massage the oil mixture onto dry skin.
4. Apply a warm, damp cloth to your face and let it sit for a minute.
5. Gently wipe away the oil.

Note: Oil cleansing may not be suitable for all skin types. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s essential to research oil cleansing thoroughly and choose oils that are less likely to clog pores.

Buy Kate Blanc Cosmetics Castor Oil Organic

Conclusion

Castor oil is a popular natural remedy that has been passed down for many centuries. It has diverse medicinal and skincare benefits. Castor oil was traditionally used in many different cultures and is applied today in many skincare and cosmetics products.

Castor oil is an antibacterial, antifungal, and moisturizing product, making it an excellent solution for wound treatments, eczema prevention, and keeping the skin hydrated.

Subsequently, adding castor oil to a skincare regimen affords people its unique feature of maintaining healthy, glowing, and moisturized skin.

• May 2017
  Written by Prajakt K
• Feb 2025
  Edited by Lakshmi Gayatri