Castor Oil (Ricinus Communis)
Castor Oil Skin and Hair Benefits
Castor Oil has been used in skincare and hair care for many centuries due to its rich oil properties with countless benefits which leave your skin and hair moisturized and soft. It is deeply moisturizing, it fights skin dryness and wrinkles, revitalizes hair for growth, treats eczema, acne and scars.
Biologically known as Ricinus Communis Castor oil is derived from the seeds of the Castor Oil plant. The plant is native to Africa, later spreading to various regions around the world and due to its rich oil properties.
Castor oil’s most appreciated feature is its lubricating property, which lends it versatility in the production of diverse products such as soaps, lubricants and castor oil based make-up. Castor oil has extremely potent and beneficial effects, which will leave your skin and hair moisturized, soft and with a feeling of absolute freshness.
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Skin Benefits
Castor oil is often considered beneficial for the skin due to its unique composition and various properties. Main beneficial ingredient: Ricinoleic acid. Makes up about 90% of the fatty acid content in castor oil.
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Moisturizing Properties.
Castor oil is rich in fatty acids, particularly ricinoleic acid, which has moisturizing properties. It helps in preventing dry and rough skin, keeping it hydrated, shiny and fresh.
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Anti-Inflammatory.
Ricinoleic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial for soothing irritated or inflamed skin. Together with its moisturizing properties, its anti-inflammatory potence will give you perfect skin, eliminating any puff or redness.This also makes castor oil helpful for conditions such as dermatitis or eczema. -
Promotes Wound Healing.
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, the oil has been traditionally used to promote wound healing. This is because such properties contribute to the healing process of minor cuts, wounds, or skin abrasions. For this reason, castor oil will help you prevent spots, for young skin. -
Antibacterial and Antifungal.
Castor oil possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties, which may aid in preventing infections and promoting a healthy skin environment. Ricinoleic acid works by disrupting the cell membrane of bacteria, leading to their destruction. This property makes castor oil effective against certain types of bacteria. Reduction of skin conditions such as Acne are
significantly solved by the use of castor oil. Using castor oil as a natural remedy for acne can lead to its antimicrobial properties combatting the bacteria that contribute to acne, and its moisturizing effect may prevent excessive dryness. -
Anti-Aging Benefits.
Ingredient: antioxidants
Castor oil contains antioxidants that can help fight free radicals, slowing down the aging process and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Do you want soft and young skin? Castor oil will significantly soften the skin’s texture, leaving it feeling smoother.
Hair Benefits
Castor oil is believed to have many positive effects on the hair, making it a popular ingredient in various hair care routines.
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Hair Growth
The ricinoleic acid present in Castor Oil will make your hair grow like you’d never imagine! Ricinoleic acid works wonders in stimulating hair follicles and promoting hair growth. If your aim is having a fuller and longer hair look, you should try with a regular application of castor oil to the scalp. You’ll have longer and thicker hair in a blink, trust us.
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Moisturizing and Conditioning.
While your hair will definitely grow longer, the fatty acids in castor oil, such as ricinoleic acid, help moisturize and condition the hair, therefore also incredibly contributing to a neater and softer look. When applied to the hair, castor oil adds natural shine: it smooths the hair cuticle, giving it a healthier and glossier appearance.
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Preventing Hair Breakage.
Castor Oil is a key product for damaged hair because it has strong hair breakage prevention properties. It is indeed castor oil's moisturizing properties that can help prevent hair breakage and split ends. This is because it forms a protective barrier around the hair shaft, reducing the likelihood of damage.
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Thickening and Strengthening.
Castor oil contains proteins and nutrients that can strengthen the hair shaft, making it more resilient to damage. This will give you thicker and stronger hair over time.
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Eyelash and Eyebrow Growth.
Who said Castor Oil can’t be applied to facial hair too? You can use castor oil on eyelashes and eyebrows to promote growth and thickness. Just wet a clean mascara or cotton swab with castor oil and voilà!
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Hot Oil Treatment.
Want to use Castor Oil as an oil treatment protagonist? No problem at all: heating the oil and applying it to the hair can enhance its penetrative properties, allowing it to nourish and condition super effectively.
Origins and traditional uses of Castor Oil
Castor Oil has its roots in Egypt, but diverse regions of Africa made it a traditionally used product for wellness and beauty over centuries. Its use has over time changed form depending on the region. While in East and Southern Africa Castor Oil also possesses a healing power, what is common to all African regions is the use of Castor Oil for beauty purposes, included in skincare and haircare routine for thousands of years.
The Ancient Egyptian civilization was strong on the use of Castor Oil in beauty, so much so that Castor Oil seeds were found in Egyptian tombs dating back 4000 BC, suggesting its divine importance. This is because of Castor Oil’s potent anti-aging and moisturizing properties: the Egyptians placed a high value on beauty and physical appearance, associating it with health, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. The more someone retained their youthful appearance the more prosperous and vibrant they would be.
Last tips!
Castor’s oil effectiveness on the skin and hair can be incredible, giving you great results very quickly. It's important to note that its effectiveness can greatly depend on application frequency. However, you want to avoid product build-up and excessive product use on your scalp and skin. We suggest using castor oil in moderation, possibly making it a weekly treatment. Find a day to treat yourself to a skincare and hair and you’re good to go!
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