Benefits, Uses, Risks According to Experts

Most skincare enthusiasts are well-acquainted with the basics needed for a solid routine: a cleanser, serum of your choice, moisturizer, and a good sunscreen (at least SPF 30). However, plant-derived ingredients like castor oil can definitely have a place in your routine, depending on your skin’s needs.

Castor oil has been a popular choice in hair products for its conditioning and hair-health properties. While techniques such as hair-oiling have recently become buzzier, castor oil has long been connected to the traditional beauty practice. In some South Asian cultures, it’s commonly used to massage the scalp and promote hair growth. The oil derived from the castor bean’s seed has a thick consistency, making it a great option for smoothing hair cuticles and oiling. Still, it should be approached with caution when using it on the face.

Before you stop or start slathering castor oil below 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 derives from the seeds of the castor bean, which is found in many tropical and sub-tropical countries,” says Dr. Logerfo. Like most oils, it’s made from the plant’s seeds and is produced through 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, medications, and skincare products, she explains.  

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What are the benefits of castor oil?

Castor oil has a super thick consistency and is known for its emollient 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 for preserving moisture within 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 great for sealing in moisture. So, if you want to use a thicker product for slugging, castor oil is a great option. 

It’s super moisturizing

Castor oil is also very rich in fatty acids, making it super moisturizing when applied to the skin. “Ricinoleic acid (an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid) is the primary fatty acid in castor oil that gives it nourishing properties,” says Dr. Logerfo. She explains that ricinoleic acid can improve the overall health of your skin in various ways such as decreasing dryness and ridding the skin of microbial agents.

“Using castor oil can improve skin elasticity and texture and help the skin appear smoother and more radiant over time,” she says. Dr. Boakye mentioned 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 the skin a smoother, 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 to decrease inflammation, while the antimicrobial properties can assist in combating bacteria that can contribute to breakouts and acne,” says Dr. Logerfo. 

Can I apply castor oil on my face? 

According to experts, applying castor oil to your face is generally okay, but you should consider your skin type before doing so. “Applying castor oil to your face is fine, but it should be used cautiously, especially for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin,” says Dr. Boakye. Though it can be applied to the face, Dr. Rubin says its thickness can contribute to clogged pores (especially if you aren’t cleansing thoroughly), therefore leading 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 make it less likely to clog pores,” she says.

How to incorporate castor oil into your routine

According to Dr. Rubin, castor oil is best used to seal in moisture and combat 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 suggests finding a moisturizer that includes castor oil and applying it as a spot treatment to rough or dry patches versus 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 concern with any facial oil (or moisturizing product, for that matter), the thickness of castor oil might deepen that concern for those prone to breakouts or sensitivity.

Another frequent issue that can occur with plant oils are allergic reactions. Dr. Boakye explains that castor oil may cause some people to experience reactions such as itching, redness, or irritation when using products containing castor oil on the skin. She adds that these risks are often higher for sensitive skin, so patch-testing your products with castor oil in a small, inconspicuous area before using them all over your face is recommended.

Final 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 sealing in moisture in the skin. Still, since castor oil on its own can be super thick, people with oily or acne-prone skin may find the ingredient to be pore clogging. Like with most plant-based oils, reactions can occur, so experts recommend first patch testing and using skincare products formulated with castor oil before directly slathering it on your face.