5 Amazing Benefits of Castor Oil

If you struggle with dry skin, Castor Oil may be your solution.

A few years ago I watched a YouTube video by Jennifer Mayers explaining how she uses castor oil daily in her simple night routine. After seeing that, I wondered whether she was right. Do we overpay for expensive eye creams year after year, and can one simple oil replace all that, save us money, and be more beneficial for our skin?

So I started using castor oil and here are some benefits I noticed after 8 months of consistent use.

What castor oil is the best?

The first thing you want to do is try to find good-quality castor oil. That means it should be cold-pressed, unrefined, organic, and packaged in a dark glass bottle.

Keep it in a dark, cold space without direct sunlight.

Second, do a patch test to determine if you are allergic and start with small amounts to test tolerance. In case you experience a skin rash or swelling discontinue use immediately.

Benefits of castor oil

1 Hydrated skin

Castor oil is rich in fatty acids, which help deeply hydrate the skin. This makes it great for mature skin prone to dryness.

Castor oil offers numerous advantages for skin health:

Deep hydration without clogging pores
Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
Anti-inflammatory properties that help with acne
Support for collagen and elastin production
Treatment for dry, cracked skin, especially on heels and elbows

I dab two drops of castor oil every morning and night under my eyes and on my eyelids. The skin is soft and hydrated and I noticed the benefit of thicker lashes! In my experience, this works better than any eye cream. I also sometimes put a drop or two of castor oil in my cream at night. I always wake up to soft, plump, and glowing skin.

But be careful if you are prone to clogged skin and acne.

2 Thicker hair and healthier scalp

One of castor oil’s most celebrated benefits is its ability to promote healthy hair growth. Rich in ricinoleic acid, omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamin E, it:

Stimulates blood circulation to the scalp
Nourishes hair follicles
Adds shine and reduces split ends
Helps combat scalp infections and dandruff

I do not use castor oil directly on my hair or scalp as I find it too thick. Sometimes I put a few drops of castor oil in my shampoo or I mix it in some lighter oil and then apply it to my scalp.

It will not cure your hair loss, but it improves the condition of your scalp and hair. Still, I would go for much stronger remedies if you are seriously losing hair than castor oil.

3 Joint and muscle relief

The oil’s natural compounds help:

Reduce joint and muscle pain
Decrease inflammation
Ease arthritis symptoms
Relieve menstrual cramps

I have mild arthritis in my knees, and while it’s not debilitating, it’s uncomfortable enough that I’m always on the lookout for relief.

Every night I massage some castor oil on my knees and elbows. It is so soothing before bed. I find that after regular use, I feel some relief from my knee pain, and the morning stiffness is gone.

If you find it is too thick, then just mix it in your body moisturizer, and then you can apply it quickly.

4 Thicker eyebrows and lashes

I never specifically applied castor oil on my lashes or eyebrows. However, after 8 months of consistent use around my eyes, I noticed that my eyelashes and eyebrows have become much thicker. Especially my lower lashes.

So I do believe that if you apply it consistently to your eyelashes and eyebrows you will get great results.

But you need to wait at least one month to see the first results.

5 Reducing inflammation

I find that massaging castor oil on my abdomen in a circular motion relieves bloating and improves my digestion.

It’s a simple and soothing ritual that also leaves my skin soft and supple. Some people also use castor oil packs but I have not tested them.

How to use castor oil

Let’s check out different ways you can apply castor oil in your skincare and hair routine.

Hair Treatment:
- Mix with coconut oil (1:1 ratio)
- Apply to scalp and hair
- Leave for 1-2 hours or overnight
- Wash thoroughly
Skin Care:
- Apply a few drops directly to your skin or add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer.
- Gently massage in circular motions
- Best used before bedtime
Eyelashes/Eyebrows:
- Apply with a clean mascara wand
- Use a very small amount
- Apply before bed

Downsides of castor oil

I noticed a couple of downsides after consistent use. They do not prevent me from using castor oil, but it is good to know about them.

It is difficult to travel with it. It easily spills from the bottle when you pack it. I had a couple of accidents and since then I stopped traveling with it.
Sometimes I notice it can cause me milia under the eyes if I put too much.
It is a thick oil so it is not easy to apply it to your body or scalp. I often just use it on my face or add it to my body cream.
Pay attention to where you keep it in your house. It left stains on my nightstand.

Conclusion

From personal experience, I do believe Castor oil should be in everyone’s cabinet. It is natural, simple to use, and can offer your skin many benefits. As with any natural remedy, consistency is key and regular daily use will give you the best results.

However, some people may find that this type of oil is too thick for them. It may give them melia under the eyes or bumps on their skin.

So proceed with caution and first check if your skin tolerates this type of oil well.

Castor oil is by no means a miracle oil. It will not erase your fine lines and make you look much younger. But for me it works better than much more expensive eye creams.