Castor Oil

Best

Emollient

Castor Oil at a glance

  • Plant-derived skin care ingredient
  • Used as an emollient which helps decrease water loss
  • Can enhance the absorption of other cosmetic ingredients
  • There is no substantiated research to prove that castor oil can stimulate hair growth

Castor Oil description

Castor oil is a plant-derived skin care ingredient used as an emollient in formulas. It’s derived from the castor bean whose main fatty acis is ricinoleic acid. Castor oil’s a unique emollient in that when dry, it forms a solid film that can have water-binding properties. Castor oil can also enhance the absorption of other cosmetic ingredients. This ingredient’s rarely associated with skin sensitivity, but can have a slightly sticky feel on skin. Castor oil may also show up on an ingredient label by its Latin name, _Ricinus communis_. Despite what you may have heard or read online, there is no substantiated research to prove that castor oil can stimulate hair growth.

Castor Oil references

  • Green and Sustainable Chemistry, November 2015, pages 154-163
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2007, pages 31-77

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.