Introduction
Castor oil can be included in beauty products, yet there is insufficient research on its safety for direct application to the skin, including the face.
Castor oil comes from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, and it is a type of vegetable oil. The main regions where the castor oil plant is cultivated are Africa, South America, and India. India is widely recognized as the top producer of castor oil worldwide. The main importers are the United States and China.
Castor oil is obtained by pressing castor seeds at low temperatures and subsequently heating them. It is not classified as a food oil and represents only a small portion of global vegetable oil output.
Throughout history, castor oil has been utilized for its effectiveness as a laxative. It has also been utilized for the purpose of starting labor. However, nowadays castor oil is commonly utilized in cosmetics as an ingredient. In a safety assessment of castor oil, it was found that over 900 cosmetic products included castor oil in 2002.
What are the benefits of using castor oil on your skin?
There are numerous potential advantages of castor oil. Some examples are:
1. Preventing wrinkles
Castor oil has antioxidants that combat free radicals within your body. Free radicals speed up the aging process, causing wrinkles to form earlier on the skin.
2. Fighting acne
Castor oil possesses antibacterial characteristics. The presence of bacteria on your skin can block pores and result in acne.
3. Reducing puffiness
Castor oil has antibacterial properties. Bacteria found on your skin can clog pores and lead to acne.
4. Moisturizing
Keeping your skin moisturized helps maintain a youthful, glowing, and healthy appearance. Wrinkles are also prevented by moisture.
5. Soothing sunburn
Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, castor oil can potentially reduce the discomfort connected with sunburn. Its ability to hydrate skin could also minimize flaking.
6. Fighting dry lips
Castor oil is frequently used in both lipstick and lip gloss. If your lips are dry, avoid using colored products and opt for castor oil instead. However, you might consider blending it with a more flavorful oil, such as coconut oil.
7. Promoting overall skin health
Castor oil contains a variety of beneficial fatty acids. Maintaining good skin health requires essential fatty acids.
How is castor oil used on your face?
Castor oil is dense, therefore it is advisable to blend it with a carrier oil prior to application on your face. Some commonly used carrier oils are:
- coconut oil
- almond oil
- olive oil
You could also add it to shea butter for an extra-moisturizing effect.
Use this blend on your face prior to going to sleep, following the cleansing of your skin. You have the option to either let the oil sit overnight or remove it using a warm cloth within one to five minutes.
Is there any research to support using castor oil on your skin?
There is very little research on the use of castor oil for topical applications. A study from 2012 discovered notable antioxidant and antibacterial properties in castor oil.
Scientists have determined the chemical makeup of castor oil. Approximately 90 percent consists of ricinoleic acid, a strong fatty acid. No studies have been conducted on the application of castor oil specifically on the face.
Potential side effects of using castor oil on your face
The safety evaluation also discovered that the use of castor oil externally caused skin irritation in certain individuals with dermatitis. If you have dermatitis or another skin issue, make sure to seek advice from your doctor before trying out any new products.
The FDA discovered evidence that castor oil may cause eye irritation as well.
Conclusion
Castor oil is no longer only used for treating constipation. A lot of individuals are testing out the dermatological advantages of castor oil. Medical research, nevertheless, has not yet followed their example.
Presently, castor oil is permitted to be used in cosmetics, although there is limited research on its direct application. There have been no studies assessing the safety of castor oil on the facial area specifically.
Numerous oils have been shown to offer advantages to the skin. Before selecting a facial oil, it’s important to research alternative vegetable oils such as coconut oil and avocado oil.
