What is castor seed oil?

Castor seed oil is a plant oil pressed from the seeds of Ricinus communis. It is a triglyceride oil with a distinctive fatty acid profile, largely made up of ricinoleic acid, which gives castor oil its thicker texture and unique feel on skin.

What does castor seed oil do for the skin?

Castor seed oil works mainly as an emollient, helping to soften the skin and reduce moisture loss by forming a protective oil layer on the surface. Its naturally viscous texture also adds richness and cushioning to skincare formulations.

Is castor seed oil suitable for dry skin?

Castor seed oil can be helpful for dry skin because it reduces transepidermal water loss when used as part of a blend or balm. Many people prefer it combined with lighter oils to improve spreadability.

Is castor seed oil good for sensitive or reactive skin?

Many people tolerate castor oil well, but individual skin responses vary. Because it is a thick oil, it is best introduced gradually and patch tested first, especially for highly reactive skin.

Will castor seed oil clog pores?

Comedogenic ratings are not a perfect predictor of how skin will respond. Castor oil can feel heavy for some skin types, so acne-prone users often prefer it at low percentages within a blend.

How is castor seed oil commonly used in skincare formulations?

Castor oil is commonly used to add viscosity, gloss, and slip. It is frequently found in cleansing oils, balms, lip products, and body oils where a richer, more protective texture is desired.

How do I use castor seed oil at home?

Castor seed oil is often best used as part of a blend rather than on its own. Mixing a small amount with lighter carrier oils can reduce tackiness and improve spread before applying a thin layer to slightly damp skin.

Is castor seed oil safe to use during pregnancy?

For topical use, castor seed oil is commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products. Patch testing and conservative use are sensible during pregnancy. Castor oil should not be ingested unless advised by a qualified health professional.

Does castor seed oil have a strong scent?

Castor seed oil typically has a mild, slightly nutty to earthy aroma. In most blends it does not dominate and can be easily scented if desired.

How should castor seed oil be stored?

Castor seed oil should be stored tightly sealed, away from heat and direct sunlight and ideally in glass. Keeping it cool and limiting air exposure helps maintain freshness.

Is castor seed oil used for hair or eyelashes?

Castor seed oil is commonly used in hair and lash care because its thick texture helps coat and condition the hair shaft, reducing dryness and breakage. While it is widely used to improve the appearance and feel of hair and lashes, there is limited clinical evidence that it directly stimulates new hair growth.

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Castor Seed Oil - Certified Organic

$13.95

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Size 100ml - Glass Bottle 200ml - Glass Bottle 500ml - Glass Bottle 500ml - Glass Bottle with Pump Top 1000ml - HDPE Plastic Bottle 5000ml - HDPE Plastic Bottle

Cold-pressed from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, this premium Certified Organic Castor Seed Oil carries rigorous organic certification, ensuring exceptional purity and highly sustainable agricultural practices. Renowned for its uniquely thick, viscous texture and exceptionally high ricinoleic acid content, it acts as a powerful botanical humectant that naturally draws moisture to the skin and hair while providing a robust protective barrier against environmental stressors.

In cosmetic formulation, Organic Castor Oil is highly prized for its deeply conditioning and gloss-enhancing properties. It serves as a foundational botanical active in premium eyelash and brow serums, intensive hair and scalp treatments, and luxurious lip balms designed to provide lasting hydration. It is also an essential, high-performance component in natural oil-cleansing blends, where its slightly astringent nature helps deeply purify the pores and dissolve impurities without stripping the skin's delicate lipid barrier.

Technical Specifications:

INCI Name: Ricinus communis (Castor) Seed Oil

Botanical Name: Ricinus communis

Country of Origin: India

Plant Part: Seeds

Extraction Method: Cold Pressed (no Hexane used)

Organic certifier: BioGro

Texture Classification: Highly viscous, thick, and deeply emollient

Aroma Profile: Very mild, characteristic earthy and faintly nutty scent

Solubility: Readily miscible in other fixed carrier oils

Formulation & Safety Guidelines:

Application: Designed for cosmetic formulation, targeted hair and skin treatments, lip care, and oil-cleansing methods.

Formulation Note: Due to its thickness and high viscosity, Castor Oil is often blended at 5–20% with lighter carrier oils (such as Jojoba Clear, Sweet Almond Oil, or Hemp Seed Oil) to improve spreadability and absorption in massage or daily moisturising applications.

Storage: To preserve its rich, complex fatty acid profile and prevent oxidation, ensure containers are kept tightly closed and stored in a cool, dark environment away from direct UV exposure and extreme heat.

Safety: For external cosmetic use only. Do not ingest under any circumstances.

Skincare Ritual & Well-being Applications:

Within a holistic self-care routine, Castor Seed Oil is universally revered for its deeply grounding, protective, and restorative properties. Utilising this exceptionally rich, heavy oil as a targeted overnight hair mask or an intensive conditioning treatment for the lashes and brows encourages a mindful, intentional approach to personal wellness. Taking the time to slowly massage this thick, nourishing botanical into the scalp or skin transforms a highly functional conditioning step into a deliberate, restorative ritual that actively honours the body's natural strength, resilience, and vitality.

This oil is extracted using a cold press process only, with no chemical solvents used at any stage e.g. Hexane.

Packaging note
Our 1L and 5L sizes are supplied in food grade, cosmetic approved HDPE bottles. For those who prefer glass, we recommend decanting into a glass container and storing away from light.

Primary fatty acid profile for this current batch is:

C18:1 Ricinoleic: 88.0%

C18:1 Oleic: 3.50%

C18:2 Linoleic: 3.95%

C18:3 Linolenic: 0.30%

Download the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) below for essential information on safe handling, potential hazards, and emergency procedures for this product.

Download SDS

General Disclaimer
The product information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only. The information provided is not considered to be complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate. The information contained in this website is not intended to be sufficient to provide diagnosis and/or treatment of medical conditions. It is recommended that treatment of serious health conditions be done with the help of a trained qualified medical practitioner.

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To ensure our essential oils are not diluted to adulterated, Zurma Essential Oils undergo rigorous testing, including Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) analysis. This meticulous testing process guarantees the purity, potency, and authenticity of our oils.

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Castor Seed Oil - Certified Organic