It seems that there has recently been a ‘rediscovery’ of the benefits of castor oil. Evidence of this is all over social media where there are endless testimonies about using castor oil for your skin and your health in general.
We are going to delve into this special ingredient here to see what is behind all this hype.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is pressed from the castor seeds of the Ricinus communis plant and it has been used for centuries to induce labor and relieve constipation.
Castor oil has even been found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to 4,000 BC. During that time, castor oil was used as a medicine, in cosmetics, and as lamp oil.
Currently, castor oil is used in a variety of industries and is included in products such as nylon, detergents, varnishes, and dyes.
So what makes castor oil so special? Well, it has a very unique composition.
The components of castor oil
Castor oil is a very viscous oil that is mainly made up of ricinoleic acid, a component name based on the plant itself.
Ricinoleic acid has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which help in treating irritated skin by reducing inflammation and fighting bad bacteria on the skin. Luckily, ricinoleic acid makes up about 75-90% of the total composition of castor oil and it is only in castor oil that it is found in such a high concentration.
Stearic acid softens and smooths the skin while protecting against water loss and helping improve the skin’s protective barrier.
Palmitic acid is a fatty acid that is naturally found in the skin. In skincare products, it is used for its emollient and cleansing abilities.
Linoleic acid, also known as vitamin F, is known to help moisturize the skin and helps strengthen your skin’s barrier. It also helps in reducing irritation and alleviating acne.
Linolenic acid strengthens the skin barrier and therefore helps the skin retain moisture. It is anti-inflammatory and helps lighten the skin. It is also beneficial in the reduction of acne.
Vitamin E is also found in castor oil. It softens and helps protect the skin from cellular damage.
Minerals: Castor oil also contains trace minerals like zinc and magnesium, which help promote skin health and prevent acne breakouts.
Castor oil may not have the aura of sexiness like some other oils, but it is surely a very potent oil.
Besides all its varied usage amongst which is in soapmaking and makeup, castor oil also acts as a skin cleanser and a moisturizer.
It penetrates deeply into the skin and promotes collagen production making it a very good anti-ageing oil that reduces fine lines and wrinkles while enhancing skin elasticity.
Let us not forget that castor oil is also very beneficial in haircare, for it promotes healthier, shinier, and thicker hair.
Castor oil may be used directly in the hair and on the skin but due to its high viscosity, many people may avoid it. You may therefore use castor oil in combination with other oils or other ingredients for your skin, and you will surely find it on many ingredient lists of products on the market.
If you enjoy learning about natural ingredients you might like to read about coconut oil here.
