Castor Oil for Skin: Real Benefits, Skin Tag Myths & Safety Facts

(Human written by Dr. Heather Smith. Does not contain affiliate links!) 

Curious if castor oil is actually good for your skin—or just another TikTok trend? This thick, nutrient-packed oil has been used for centuries, but it's making a big comeback in skincare routines today. From moisturizing dry patches to calming acne-prone skin, castor oil offers surprising benefits that go beyond hair and lashes.

In this guide, you’ll learn what makes castor oil so effective, how to use it safely, and whether it can really help with things like skin tags or sensitive conditions like eczema. No hype—just real facts, busting the biggest myths along the way.

This article is part of our face oil series. Keep reading to see why castor oil earns a spot on our top shelf.

Key Takeaways

• Castor oil is derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant and is rich in phytochemicals and fatty acids.
• It maintains the skin's natural moisture balance and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Castor oil helps with scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles and can be used as a cleansing oil.
  

What Is Castor Oil? Origins, Uses & Skin Benefits

The castor plant, scientifically known as Ricinus communis, is native to the Mediterranean, Eastern Africa, and India.

Dating back to ancient Egypt, the castor plant was revered for its seemingly magical properties. Ancient Egyptians used castor oil as a natural remedy for various skin ailments and its laxative and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, castor oil has been so widely recognized for its natural ingredients and healing properties that it has been nicknamed 'Palma Christi' or 'Hand of Christ' due to its ability to heal wounds and treat various skin conditions.

Castor Oil Benefits for Skin

One of the primary benefits of castor oil for the face is its ability to deeply moisturize and nourish dry skin. Due to its thick consistency and high fatty acid content, it acts as a natural occlusive that locks in moisture and prevents water loss.

Additionally, the antioxidants found in castor oil can help protect your skin from environmental aggressors, such as pollution, which can cause premature aging and skin damage.

Another advantage of using castor oil on your face is its potential to help acne. The ricinoleic acid in the oil possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce acne-causing bacteria and soothe irritated skin. Its ability to balance the skin's natural oil production may prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

What Makes Castor Oil Effective? Fatty Acids & Phytochemicals

The distinctive profile of castor oil is primarily due to its high concentration of ricinoleic acid.

The star player, ricinoleic acid, makes up 85-95% of the oil's total fatty acid content. This monounsaturated fatty acid, not commonly found in such high quantities in nature, boasts a unique chemical structure that imparts anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It's unique structure also makes it more useful in soap-making. 

Ricinoleic acid deeply penetrates the skin due to its long carbon chain, moisturizing from the inside out and helping retain moisture by forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This also helps to repair a damaged skin barrier. 

Beyond fatty acids, castor oil contains other valuable phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds. Phytosterols, for instance, have been studied for their ability to promote collagen production, an essential factor for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing signs of aging.

Is Castor Oil a Bean or a Seed? Clearing Up the Confusion

The term "castor bean" is often used in casual conversation due to the seed's bean-like appearance, but this is a misnomer. The castor plant produces seeds, not beans.

So, while the term "castor bean" is commonly used, it's accurate to refer to them as "castor seeds."

Myths About Castor Oil: Ricin, Botox & Skin Tag Removal

Castor oil is safe for topical application; however, some individuals may experience side effects, which is why you need to patch test.

But what about using castor oil to replace botox? Any chance you'll get ricin poisoning? Read on as I set the record straight on castor oil!

Deadly Poison?

The intrigue surrounding castor oil and its connection to the poison "ricin" is fascinating! As popularized by the TV show "Breaking Bad," ricin is an extremely toxic substance that can be derived from the castor plant, specifically from its seeds. However, it's crucial to differentiate between ricin and the ricinoleic acid found in castor oil.

First, it's important to note that ricin does not naturally occur in the oil itself because it's water-soluble and is not extracted during the oil-pressing process.

Second, it's important to remember that many seeds contain trace amounts of deadly chemicals - cyanide is found in seeds/pits from apple, peach, apricot, cherry, plum, bitter almonds, and the cassava root.

Just as we can safely eat an apple or apricot without ingesting harmful cyanide, we can use castor oil without fear of the toxic ricin.

Castor Oil to Replace Botox

This silly myth just blows me away. I have no idea how it got started or where the potential rationalization in logic came from. Tik Tok viral trends have done a lot of good for skincare education, but this one should fade away.

Botox is a nerve toxin. It paralyzes neurotransmitters deep inside your muscles so that they are incapable of moving. There is no link between botox and ricin (ie. ricin is NOT a nerve toxin and botox NOT present in castor oil). 

Will using castor oil help reduce wrinkles? Sure! It's an amazing moisturizer with occlusive properties. It's also antioxidant and antibacterial. But it will not replace botox!

Debunking the Skin Tag Removal Myth

In the vast expanse of the internet, home remedies for various ailments are a dime a dozen, and one such remedy suggests the use of castor oil for the removal of skin tags.

The suggested mechanism behind this is that castor oil supposedly 'dries out' the skin tags, causing them to fall off. However, a closer look at the properties and effects of castor oil raises doubts about the validity of this claim.

Contrary to the claim of drying out skin tags, castor oil is known for its moisturizing properties. This alone casts doubt on the suggested mechanism of castor oil 'drying' skin tags. Most of the DIY recipes involve mixing castor oil with baking soda. If this indeed does remove skin tags, it's probably the baking soda doing the "drying".

Is Castor Oil Safe for Skin and Medical Use?

While the topical application of castor oil is considered safe and beneficial, its ingestion has risks. Castor oil has been traditionally used as a laxative due to its ability to stimulate the muscles in your intestines, promoting bowel movements. It has also been used to induce labour in pregnant women as a "natural" method.

It's important to underline that, although these uses may seem "natural" and rooted in tradition, they should not be undertaken without medical supervision. Ingesting castor oil, especially in large amounts, can lead to unpleasant side effects like nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Even more critically, in pregnant women, its use to induce labour is associated with risks and, if considered, should be only under the careful guidance of an experienced healthcare provider.

Benefits of Castor Oil for Hair, Lashes & Scalp

Castor oil gets a lot of attention for its effects on hair and eyelashes because it is an excellent hair oil.

These fatty acids work to nourish the hair shaft and follicle, providing the necessary nutrients for healthy hair growth. One of the main benefits of castor oil for the skin is its ability to act as a natural moisturizer, and this property also extends to your hair and scalp. When applied to your scalp, castor oil can help maintain scalp health by keeping it hydrated and free of dandruff.

A healthy scalp is crucial for hair growth, as it provides an optimal environment for hair follicles to thrive. Additionally, the high concentration of fatty acids in castor oil can help lock in moisture, preventing hair from becoming dry and brittle. This leads to stronger, more resilient hair that is less prone to breakage and split ends.

Not only does castor oil work wonders for your hair, but it can also help improve the appearance of your lashes. By applying a small amount of castor oil to your eyelashes, you can promote growth and thickness.

How to Use Castor Oil for Face & Skin (Without Clogging Pores)

Castor oil has a texture that is thick and viscous. It feels fairly heavy and substantial on the skin. This is what gives it amazing moisturizing and occlusive properties.

Despite those properties, castor oil is very unlikely to clog pores. The comedogenicity rating of castor oil is 1, meaning it is very unlikely to clog pores and suitable for all skin types, even acne prone.

With that said, if you have oily skin, using castor as a face oil is likely not your best option. It's too heavy and moisturizing. This oil is best saved to be used as a cleansing oil or as a face oil for dry skin in need of a lot of moisture and healing.

Castor Oil for the Oil Cleansing Method

Castor oil is a surprisingly effective ingredient for oil cleansing, owing to its unique composition.

Ricinoleic acid's unique chemical structure which allows the oil to interact with a variety of substances. Its polarity contributes to its high solubility in alcohol and its soap-forming capabilities. This means that castor oil, in comparison to non-polar oils, can more effectively bind to and lift away impurities, excess oils, and debris from the skin surface.

Another aspect that makes castor oil a cleansing powerhouse is its ability to balance the skin's natural oil production. By helping to clear excess sebum without stripping the skin of its natural oils, castor oil supports a balanced, healthy complexion.

Sustainability of Castor Oil: Environmental Impact & Ethics

The castor plant is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant plant that can thrive in various soil types, making it an ideal crop for sustainable agriculture. Castor seeds contain around 50% oil, which can be extracted through cold pressing or solvent extraction methods. The remaining seed cake is a valuable byproduct that can be used as an organic fertilizer or animal feed, contributing to a circular economy and reducing waste.

There can be concerns with pesticide and fertilizer use causing environmental pollution and reduced biodiversity. Some castor plantations have been linked to deforestation, leading to habitat loss and reduced carbon sequestration. To address these concerns, several organizations are promoting sustainable castor oil production, including the development of certification schemes and the adoption of good agricultural practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is castor oil good for skin?

Yes, castor oil is great for skin! It has a rich fatty acid profile, which makes it moisturizing and soothing. It's especially helpful for dry or irritated skin because it locks in moisture and supports the skin barrier. Castor oil also contains ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that may help reduce acne and soothe inflammation.

❓Can you use castor oil on your face?

Yes. Castor oil has many benefits for your face. It's an excellent moisturizer and won't clog pores. If you use it as a face oil, dilute it in something more spreadable, like grapeseed oil, since it's so think.

It also make an amazing oil cleanser due to its astringent and detoxifying properties.

❓ How do you use castor oil on your skin?

To use castor oil on your skin, apply a small amount and massage gently. You can always add more, but a little goes a long way. Because castor oil is thick, it's often best to dilute it with a lighter carrier oil — like jojoba, squalane, or rosehip. A 1:1 ratio works well for most skin types.

You can use it:

• • As a deep moisturizer on dry patches
  • As part of the oil cleansing method
  • To soften scars and stretch marks over time

❓ Can castor oil remove skin tags?

There's no scientific evidence that castor oil can remove skin tags. Although some DIY remedies suggest it "dries them out," castor oil is actually very moisturizing. If it works in any home remedy, it's likely due to other added ingredients like baking soda — not castor oil itself.

❓ Does castor oil help with eczema or psoriasis?

Castor oil may help soothe dry, irritated skin caused by eczema or psoriasis, thanks to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it's not a cure, and should never replace medical treatment. Talk to your doctor before using it on inflamed or broken skin.

❓ How long does it take to see results from castor oil on skin?

You may start to see results from castor oil in a few days to two weeks. Improvements in moisture, softness, and skin texture usually happen gradually with consistent use.

Castor oil is one of the best cleansing oils, that's why it's prominently featured in bareLUXE cleansing products. 

Shop our Natural Face Scrub now!

References

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Vieira C, Evangelista S, Cirillo R, Lippi A, Maggi CA, Manzini S. Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8. 

Phong C, Lee V, Yale K, Sung C, Mesinkovska N. Coconut, Castor, and Argan Oil for Hair in Skin of Color Patients: A Systematic Review. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022 Jul 1;21(7):751-757. 

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