8 Powerful Castor Oil Benefits & Remedies for Skincare

Introduction

When it comes to skincare, few natural ingredients deserve the title of miracle oil, and one of them is the cold pressed castor oil. Castor oil is a nutrient-dense elixir, rich in ricinoleic acid, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, vitamin E, and amino acids. Its rich, emollient properties make it perfect for hydrating dry skin, softening scars, reducing fine lines, and bringing life back to dull, tired skin, all without relying on harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients.

Cold pressed castor oil has countless benefits for the body, inside and out. For castor oil's use in holistic wellness, you can explore our article on Castor Oil Benefits: 8 Evidence-Based Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses.

A Miracle Oil for Your Skin, Backed by Ayurveda and Science

Cold pressed Organic Castor oil is one of the most underrated yet powerful ingredients in skincare. Rooted in ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and backed by modern research, it offers several natural remedies for a wide range of skin concerns, from acne, inflammation, to fine lines and pigmentation.

In Ayurveda, castor oil is known as Eranda Tailam, and is classified as Snigdha (unctuous), Guru (heavy), and Tikshna (penetrative), making it especially beneficial for Vata and Kapha skin imbalances such as dryness, roughness, and cystic acne. It is traditionally used in skin therapies like Abhyanga (self-massage) and Virechana (detoxification) to eliminate Ama (toxins) and restore skin clarity and radiance. 

Eranda Tailam (Castor oil) is a wonderful medicine which can be administered in many ways to rejuvenate the body. Studies exploring Ayurveda's dermatological practices have confirmed castor oil's detoxifying and rejuvenating properties in therapeutic use. Rich in ricinoleic acid, castor oil is deeply nourishing and safe even for delicate areas like the under-eyes and lips.

8 Proven Skincare Benefits of Castor Oil 

1. Castor Oil Helps Repair Skin Barrier

(Crucial for skin health)

The skin barrier is a protective layer of lipids that surrounds skin cells in the outermost layer of the skin. It is our first line of defence against internal and external factors, and it keeps the water in the skin and prevents entry of germs, allergens and irritating substances into the skin. An imbalanced or weak skin barrier can increase excessive water loss and lead to dehydration, skin dullness, and signs of premature ageing.

This skin barrier is mainly made up of lipids 

• • • Ceramides
    • Fatty acids
    • Cholesterol

Repairing the skin barrier means restoring its protective function after it's been damaged. This involves replenishing essential lipids like ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids that help maintain the skin's integrity and moisture retention.

How Can Castor Oil Help Repair the Skin Barrier?

Lipids (fatty acids) make up nearly 15% of the stratum corneum (outer layer of the skin). Castor oil is rich in Fatty Acids (lipids) such as ricinoleic acid (85-90%) and others (8-10%) that include palmitic, stearic (omega-9), oleic (omega-9), linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic acids (omega-3). When applied topically, castor oil can easily penetrate the stratum corneum and replenish these fatty acids and Help with ceramide production, cholesterol production, reduce TEWL and significantly accelerate barrier repair. 

Studies indicate moisturisers containing rich fatty acids can provide superior barrier benefits in ex vivo skin. It can also penetrate deep below the skin’s barrier to provide skin nutrition for cell regeneration. Castor oil is rich in Vitamin E and is a good source of antioxidants that can further help repair the skin barrier and also prevent the skin barrier from losing moisture.

2. Castor Oil is a Natural Moisturizer

The main function of a moisturiser is to increase the skin's water content and restore the skin's innate protective barrier function. There are mainly three types of moisturizers:

• • • Humectants (that draw moisture in from the environment)
    • Occlusives (that create a barrier to prevent water loss)
    • Emollients (that fill in cracks in the skin's barrier)

Researchers believe that castor oil is a natural occlusive moisturizer. Due to its thick viscosity, it forms a barrier on the skin, preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). TEWL is also a key indicator of how well your skin barrier is working. Castor oil acts like a shield, keeping moisture in and protecting you from external stressors as well. By preventing water loss, an occlusive moisturizer (such as castor oil) also allows drawing of water from the deeper layers of the skin to the outer layer of the skin, making the skin more hydrated and plump. 

Another Study also classifies castor oil as a fatty emollient that can further help fill the skin barrier gap and reduce water loss and increase hydration from the lower levels of the skin. 

This Clinical Trial involving 15 individuals with dry skin evaluated the application of castor oil (with distilled water) to test hydration (or humidity) levels in dry skin before and after the trial period. According to the model used, a rate below 33% indicates very dry skin, a rate between 34% and 37% indicates dry skin, a rate between 38% and 42% signifies normal skin, and a rate above 43% shows hydrated skin. The trial concluded the following results ten days later.

The trial concluded a positive correlation between the topical application of castor oil and increased moisture over dry skin. 

3. Castor Oil Can Smooth Dry & Flaky Skin

A Study classifies castor oil as a fatty emollient. The main function of an emollient is to fill spaces between cells in the skin barrier with fatty substances, called lipids. Emollients help repair the skin barrier and increase skin hydration, skin smoothness & flexibility. They can also improve permeability, membrane fluidity and cell signalling, resulting in overall improvement of skin texture and appearance.

4. Castor Oil Boosts Skin Elasticity & Reduces Wrinkles

The appearance of wrinkles and fine lines are signs of ageing and could be a result of the low elasticity of the skin. As we age, the skin starts to lose its elasticity, that is, it loses its ability to stretch and snap back to its original shape. This could be a result of several reasons, including the natural ageing process, loss of collagen and elastin (a protein found in the skin) or exposure to UV rays and maybe even pollution. 

Castor oil can help improve skin elasticity by promoting a healthy skin barrier and keeping the skin hydrated. The fatty acids and phytonutrients in castor oil can help protect the skin barrier, repair it and even promote hydration of the skin. Hydrated skin promotes skin elasticity, making it more resilient and less prone to sagging and wrinkles. 

Free radicals are also responsible for accelerating the ageing process, making wrinkles appear sooner. The ricinoleic acid and phytonutrients in castor oil are powerhouses of antioxidants. These help combat free radicals and oxidative stress and reduce cellular damage. This helps reverse the ageing process (including reduced wrinkles and fine lines).

Some research also indicates that the fatty acids in castor oil may promote the synthesis of collagen, which can preserve the skin's suppleness. By regularly using castor oil, you may give your skin a smoother, younger-looking appearance by minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

5. Castor Oil is Packed With Antioxidants

Castor oil is naturally rich in fatty acids and phytonutrients that protect the skin from oxidative stress and scavenges & neutralizes free radicals in the body, thereby protecting the body from premature ageing.

A Study conducted on traditional cold pressed seed oils in South India found that cold pressed castor oil is rich in alpha (α), gamma (γ) and delta (δ) tocopherols, all of which contribute to its anti-oxidant, anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties. The study concluded that it has the highest amounts of Gamma-tocopherol (γ-tocopherol) (as compared to 5 other oils), a form of vitamin E that is a potent antioxidant. It also concluded that castor oil had the highest ABTS free scavenging activities amongst all 6 oils. Another Study outlines other phytonutrients such as carotenoids, tocotrienol, phytosterol, phospholipid and phenolic compounds, present in castor oil, also act as antioxidant scavengers and effectively reduce the free radical damage.

6. Castor Oil Can Soothe Eczema, Sunburn and Inflamed Skin   

Due to its rich phytonutrient profile and presence of antioxidants, castor oil exhibits high Anti-inflammatory properties.  Castor oil has been traditionally used for its healing properties against dry skin, eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil can also be used to calm irritation and support healing in conditions like sunburn. Research supports its ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress on the skin, making it a reliable choice for sensitive, reactive skin. Furthermore, castor oil also exhibits Anti-Bacterial properties as well and can be used to treat several skin conditions. 

7. Castor Oil Does Not Clog Pores

Despite its thick consistency, castor oil has a low comedogenic score (0-1), which means it is less likely to clog pores compared to other oils. Even repeated Studies conducted under the fresh assessment of Safety of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil (2024) provide a comedogenicity score for castor oil between 0 to 1 on topical use. 

So chances are, you can use it as a makeup remover and moisturizer and know that it will not contribute to breakouts! However, despite its low rating, individuals with acne-prone or congested skin may still want to use caution and perform a patch test before applying castor oil.

8. Castor Oil is a Natural Remedy for Pigmentation & Dark Spots

Castor oil can help with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. Studies have found castor oil extract to inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme that stimulates melanin. Used regularly, it can visibly brighten the complexion and fade discolouration without harsh chemicals.

Another 2023 clinical study on 22 people found that creams with castor oil significantly reduced melanin levels, wrinkles, and skin laxity in the infraorbital region (dark circles). However, the authors state that more research is needed to confirm their findings.

Expert Tip: Use organic cold pressed, and hexane-free castor oil for maximum skin benefits. Apply a few drops to clean, damp skin as the final step in your nighttime routine, or mix it with other carrier oils based on your skincare needs.

8 Powerful DIY Castor Oil Remedies for Skin

Whether you're dealing with dry skin, fine lines, wrinkles, or hyperpigmentation, these easy DIY castor oil recipes will help restore balance and bring out your natural glow, safely and naturally.

1. Hydrating Castor Oil Face Pack

(Provides deep hydration, improves skin elasticity, reduces fine lines and pigmentation. Great for dry, flaky skin!)

This deeply hydrating castor oil face mask deeply hydrates the face. It combines castor oil’s occlusive properties to lock in the water with honey’s humectant properties and avocado’s skin-replenishing nutrients. This trio face mask provides a surge of moisture, boosts elasticity, and restores natural radiance. Ideal for dull, tired, or stressed skin, used weekly, it helps calm redness, smoothes fine lines, and reveals a more glowing and revitalised complexion.

Ingredients:

• • • • 1 tsp castor oil
      • 1 tsp raw honey
      • 1 tbsp mashed ripe avocado

Method: Mix all ingredients and apply to a clean face. Leave on for 15–20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. Use 1–2 times a week.

2. Under-Eye Serum

(Softens fine lines, brightens dark circles)

Rich in fatty acids, castor oil hydrates delicate under-eye skin. When blended with almond and jojoba oils, it reduces puffiness and nourishes deeply.

Ingredients:

• • • • 1 tsp castor oil
      • 1 tsp jojoba oil
      • ½ tsp almond oil

Method: Gently dab under the eyes before bedtime. Massage lightly with your ring finger.

3. Natural Lip Balm

(Heals chapped lips and locks in moisture)

Castor oil’s thick texture and high fatty acid content soothe and protect lips. Rich in fatty acids, castor oil creates a lasting protective barrier that retains moisture while soothing irritation. Beeswax is added for structure while coconut oil boosts hydration. It’s an ideal daily companion during dry or cold weather.

Ingredients:

• • • • 1 tsp castor oil
      • 1 tsp coconut oil
      • 1 tsp beeswax

Method: Melt all ingredients in a double boiler. Pour into containers and let cool. Apply as needed.

Also Read: Use Castor Oil for Hair: Evidence-Based Benefits and DIYs

4. Gentle Oil Cleanser

(Removes makeup, dirt & excess oil without stripping skin)

Castor oil dissolves impurities while preserving your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Its deep-cleansing action works well for all skin types.

How to Use: Massage onto a dry face. Place a warm towel over your face for 30 seconds to steam, then gently wipe clean.

5. Stretch Mark Repair Oil

(Fades marks, improves skin elasticity)

Castor oil promotes collagen synthesis and tissue repair. Combined with vitamin E and coconut oil, this blend deeply nourishes and helps fade stretch marks and scars. When combined with antioxidant-rich vitamin E and nourishing coconut oil, this blend penetrates deeply into the skin to repair, restore tone and support long-term skin renewal. Regular use can significantly improve the texture and appearance of problem areas.

Ingredients:

• • • • 1 tbsp castor oil
      • 1 tbsp coconut oil
      • ½ tsp vitamin E oil

Method: Warm the mixture slightly. Massage into affected areas in circular motions daily.

6. Homemade Castor Oil Soap

(Gentle cleansing for dry, eczema-prone skin)

Castor oil creates a rich, creamy lather while coconut and olive oil deeply moisturize. The result is a gentle yet effective soap bar ideal for dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin. It cleanses without stripping moisture and leaves the skin soft, soothed, and protected. Handmade and free from synthetic additives, this soap supports a healthy skin barrier.

Ingredients:

• • • • 100 g castor oil
      • 300 g coconut oil
      • 200 g olive oil
      • 100 g lye (sodium hydroxide)

Method: Use the cold process soap-making method. Mix lye and water carefully, then blend oils at the proper temperature. Cure for 4–6 weeks before use.

7. Nail and Cuticle Oil

(Strengthens brittle nails and nourishes cuticles)

Your nails and cuticles often show signs of stress and neglect. Castor oil’s thick consistency and rich nutrient profile make it perfect for strengthening brittle nails and moisturizing dry, damaged cuticles. Paired with argan oil, a powerhouse of vitamin E and antioxidants, this serum nourishes the nail bed, improves flexibility, and promotes healthy growth.

Ingredients:

• • • • 1 tsp castor oil
      • ½ tsp argan oil

Method: Massage into nails and cuticles before bed.

8. Ayurvedic Nabhi Abhyanga (Belly Button Therapy)

(Balances hormones, detoxifies, and improves skin)

Ayurveda regards the navel (nabhi) as a vital marma point and energetic center, connecting to major organs and skin health pathways. Applying castor oil here helps detoxify, hydrate, and energise the system from within. 

This ancient ritual supports hormone balance, digestion, reduced stress, and clearer, more radiant skin, making it a small yet powerful addition to your nightly routine.

How to Use: Apply 2–3 drops of castor oil around your belly button before bed. Massage gently. Let it absorb overnight.

Which is the Best Castor Oil to Buy?

Nature’s bounty has blessed us with many treasures, but this thick, golden oil, extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, has stood the test of time as a powerful healer for both skin and hair.

Castor Oil Varieties

(i) Cold Pressed Castor Oil is made by mechanically pressing castor seeds without heat or chemicals, preserving vital nutrients like ricinoleic acid and vitamin E. Best for organic, chemical-free skin care. 

(ii) Refined or Commercial Castor Oil is produced using heat and chemical solvents like hexane to extract and purify the oil. This process strips away beneficial nutrients, reducing its effectiveness for skin and hair. Mainly used in industrial formulations.

(iii) Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Castor Wax) is created by hydrogenating castor oil under high pressure with a nickel catalyst, converting it into a hard, wax-like substance. This is widely used in cosmetics, polishes, and candles. Not suitable for direct application to skin. 

To know more, read about how cold pressed oils are made here.

Choosing the right castor oil can make all the difference in your skin care routine. With so many options on the market, it’s essential to know what to look for to ensure purity, potency, and safety. A high-quality, organic, cold pressed castor oil ensures you reap all the natural benefits without unwanted additives or toxins. You can also opt for an edible grade castor oil, as they are usually the safest quality available for use.

• Choose cold pressed and edible grade oils to preserve natural nutrients. 
• Look for certified organic products to avoid pesticides. 
• Read labels and check for certifications to verify product claims
• Ensure the oil is hexane-free (no chemical solvents used).
• Confirm a single, clean ingredient: Ricinus communis (Castor) Seed Oil only. 

Conclusion

Cold pressed castor oil isn’t just another beauty trend. It’s a time-tested natural remedy rooted in both ancient wisdom and modern benefits. From hydrating skin to strengthening nails, its nutrient-rich profile makes it a must-have in every self care routine. Whether you’re following Ayurvedic remedies or DIY beauty recipes, choosing high-quality, organic, cold pressed castor oil ensures the best results without any harsh chemicals.

Ready to get started? Choose your favourite remedy and experience authentic natural beauty with Advait Living’s Cold Pressed Castor Oil — pure, potent, and made with care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is castor oil effective for reducing wrinkles?

Yes, castor oil penetrates deeply into the skin and boosts collagen production, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

Can I leave castor oil on my skin overnight?

Yes, castor oil can be safely left on the skin overnight for deep hydration and repair. For easier absorption and a lighter feel, you can blend it with oils like jojoba or almond oil.

Is castor oil good for acne-prone skin?

Castor oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe acne-prone skin. However, use sparingly and always patch-test first, as thick oils may clog pores in some individuals.

How long does it take to see results from castor oil remedies?

Visible improvements can vary depending on the issue and the consistency of use. Most users report noticeable changes in 4–6 weeks with regular application.

Can I use castor oil on my face daily?

Yes, but it’s best used in diluted form with oils like almond, coconut or jojoba to avoid clogging pores. Use 2–3 times a week for hydration, glow, and blemish control.