Castor Oil – The Wonder Oil for Hair and Skin

Castor oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of the Ricinus Communis plant. From ancient Egyptians using this oil to protect the eyes from irritation to our grannies using this oil to cure constipation and also as the hair oil, the medicinal properties of this oil has left the people in awe in every era.

Castor oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of the Ricinus Communis plant. From ancient Egyptians using this oil to protect the eyes from irritation to our grannies using this oil to cure constipation and also as the hair oil, the medicinal properties of this oil has left the people in awe in every era.

Today, due to the global rage of herbal cosmetics, castor oil is dominantly used in multiple hair care and skincare products due to its unique properties.

What does the castor oil contain?

The castor oil works miraculously because it is rich in Ricinoleic acid which is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Other than these, it has high contents of Vitamin E, omega 6 & 9 beneficial fatty acids and other minerals and proteins.

1. Ricinoleic Acid (90%)
2. Linoleic Acid (4%)
3. Oleic Acid (3%)
4. Stearic Acid (1%)
5. Other linolenic fatty acids (>1%)

Types of Castor Oil Available in the Market:

The market is flooded with various types of castor oil. However, the nutritional value of castor oil differs on the basis of its extraction process. To ensure that you use only the best kind of castor oil for your hair and skin, choose one from the following types only.

1. Cold-pressed Castor Oil

This type of castor oil is extracted by pressing the castor seeds and without using heat. Hence, this type of castor oil retains all the valuable nutrients.

2. Jamaican Black Castor Oil

For this kind of castor oil, first the castor seeds are roasted and then they are pressed to extract the oil. This oil has black colour and has the same nutritional value as the cold-pressed castor oil, but has higher alkalinity.

3. Hydrogenated Castor Oil

This type of castor oil which is obtained by adding hydrogen to the pure castor oil is mainly used as an emulsifier, surfactant and as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. The oil also raises the nutritional value of the beauty products.

Castor Oil for Strong Hair:

1. Conditions the Hair

Massage your hair with the mixture of castor oil and coconut oil. Leave it overnight and then wash your hair with mild shampoo. This will give you smooth hair.

2. Prevents Greying

The castor oil’s nutrients helps your hair to retain its pigment and thereby reverses the hair damage and prevents greying of hair.

3. Enhances Hair Growth

The omega 6 and 9 beneficial fatty acids strengthens the hair roots, nourishes them and promotes the hair growth.

4. Thickens the Eyebrows

Before retiring to bed, massage castor oil on your eyebrows to have thicker eyebrows.

5. Treats Dry Scalp

Get rid of dandruff or any sort of fungal infection and maintain the right pH balance of your scalp with the regular use of castor oil.

Castor Oil for Healthy Skin :

1. Soothes Dry Skin

The high concentration of fatty acids in the castor oil helps to heal the dry and patchy skin, making your skin smooth and supple.

2. Prevents Acne

Massage castor oil on the affected part, leave it overnight and wash it off with cold water in the morning. The oil helps in restoring the skin’s natural moisture and heals acne.

3. Treat Wrinkles

The natural emollient present in the oil helps to reduce the crow’s-feet, wrinkles and fine lines. This oil penetrates into the skin without clogging the pores.

4. Heal Cracked Heels

Massage the warm castor oil on your feet and wear socks. The castor oil will properly moisturize your dry skin and heal the cracks.

5. Soften Dry Lips

Add shine to your dry lips by applying castor oil on your dry lips.