Ricinus Communis Seed Oil / Cold-Pressed Castor Oil
A thick, viscous oil cold-pressed from the seeds of Ricinus communis. Its defining feature is an unusually high concentration of ricinoleic acid — roughly 90% of its fatty acids — a hydroxy fatty acid that gives castor oil its characteristic tackiness and mild anti-inflammatory activity. Functionally it behaves as a heavy occlusive and emollient: it sits on the surface, slows transepidermal water loss and softens skin.
It is best understood as a barrier-and-soothing oil, not a treatment active. Despite viral claims, there is no clinical evidence that castor oil grows lashes or hair, dissolves skin tags or moles, or erases wrinkles — we cover that evidence in detail in the castor oil evidence-vs-hype review.
A few drops in balms, lip care, cuticle oil, or as a spot occlusive pressed over dry or irritated patches — typically PM. Because it is heavy and sticky, most people blend it with a lighter oil rather than using it neat on the face; on oilier or congested skin, keep it off the T-zone. Patch test first, and avoid working pure castor oil through long hair, which has caused rare cases of acute hair felting.
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