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9 Epic Uses for Castor Oil on Your Face (& How to Use it)

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Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was a single pure oil that could keep your skin moisturized, clean, glowing and acne-free?

What is this oil could also grow your eyelashes and eyebrows?

Along with many other facial skin benefits, Castor oil (on your face) can do all of these.

In the last 10 years, Castor oil has trumped every other oil I have used on my face, body and even my hair.


castor oil skin uses on face

I use it to cleanse and moisturize my skin, get rid of chapped lips, blemishes, redness, sunburns, pigmentation, you name it.

I rub a few drops of it every night and wake up with glowing skin and less under-eye puffiness.

And, to my surprise (because I was a skeptic):

With thickened eyebrows and longer eyelashes.

But these are only some of the facial (and body) skin benefits of Castor Oil you’ll discover in this post.

The best part?

Castor oil works best when you only use tiny amounts of it.

With this cost-effective oil, less means more.

In this post you’ll find:

What is Castor Oil?

castor oil plant

Folk healers around the world have used Castor oil for a variety of skin and health conditions for thousands of years.

(One of the most common uses was for treating eye irritations, and in my experience, it’s definitely the ultimate dry eyes remedy).

How is Castor Oil Produced?

Pure Castor Oil is derived from the seeds of the Castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), which was once referred to as the “Palme Christe” (the leaves were said to resemble the palm of Christ).

It is produced by cold-pressing the seeds and the clarification of the oil by heat.

Each year, 600–800 million pounds of castor oil is produced for a variety of uses.

Here’s the unique quality of Castor oil’s chemical composition:

Almost 90 percent of its fatty acid content is a rare, dense and concentrated compound called ricinoleic acid.

The Proven Skin Benefits of Ricinoleic Acid (in Castor Oil)

Many studies (some are linked to in the post) have shown that ricinoleic acid found in Castor Oil can:

1. Hydrate the skin and prevent wrinkles

2. Prevent the growth of viruses, bacteria, yeasts molds

3. Reduce skin inflammation

4. Help to end ringworm, keratosis, abrasions and fungal infections.

5. Heal acne

6. Reduce itching and swelling

7. Relieve sunburns

8. Treat skin growths

9. Treat skin allergies and rashes

10. Relieve pain

How to Apply Castor Oil on Your Face

Before you apply pure Castor oil, wash your face with warm water to open up your facial pores.

Castor oil’s consistency is quite thick and it’s easier to mix it with a carrier oil to help you massage it in circular motion well into your skin.

You can use carrier oils such as almond oil, coconut oil, and olive oil.

Leave the Castor oil on your face overnight and rinse in the morning for the best results.

9 Uses for Castor Oil on Your Face 

Some of these uses are science-backed, and some are not. I have had positive results with all.

1. Castor Oil for Wrinkles and Skin Glow

castor oil on face skin benefits

Castor Oil penetrates deep into the skin, softens and hydrates it like no other oil.

It promotes blood circulation, and the most-welcomed “arrival” of collagen and elastin, which delay wrinkles and fine lines.

To Moisturize:
  1. Mix 3-4 drops of Castor Oil (only pure, cold pressed and hexane-free CO will work) with some olive/coconut/jojoba/sesame oil.
  2. Rub it on your face for an amazing glow that lasts for many hours.

(I use it after my twice-weekly red light therapy home treatment)

For dry skin: 2 drops Castor oil + 6 drops Sesame Oil

For normal skin: 2 drops CO and 6 drops of Grape Seed Oil or Olive Oil/

For oily skin: 2 drops CO + 6 drops Jojoba Oil.

To cleanse:

Do the oil cleansing method with Castor Oil instead of coconut oil:

Gently massage your face with the mix of your choice and put a slightly warm damp cotton cloth on your face for about a minute.

Then remove the excess oil with a cotton pad.

Your skin will be soft, nourished and hydrated – you’ll love it.

organic castor oil for eyes

Heritage Store Organic Castor Oil – get today’s price

A Fast-Acting Face Mask:

  • 1 teaspoon CO
  • 1 egg yolk

Mix and apply the mixture to your face for 10-15 minutes, then clean your face (without soap).

Enjoy the amazing glow and hydration of your skin.

Warning: Most commercial Castor Oil is made from non-organic Castor seeds, which were heavily sprayed with pesticides, are solvent-extracted (hexane is common), deodorized or otherwise chemically processed.

This will damage beneficial nutrients and may even contaminate the oil with toxic agents.

Make sure to use a pure, cold pressed and hexane free Castor oil, like this one.

And, use a dropper bottle to keep the oil clean and uncontaminated.

2. Castor Oil for Skin Around Eyes (Under Eye Bags/Puffiness)

castor oil for eye puffiness

When I started using Castor oil as a home remedy for dry eyes (it’s amazing!) I noticed that I started waking up in the morning with no under-eye puffiness.

Since the main active part in CO reduces swelling, I now understand why this happens.

I’ve added Castor oil to my ultimate anti-wrinkle eye serum recipe ever since, and my under eye bags are gone (except after sleepless nights, courtesy of my toddlers…)

👉 To reduce under-eye puffiness:

Gently rub 2 drops of Castor oil with a few more drops of Coconut oil under your eyes every night before you go to sleep.

Note: I also use Castor Oil inside my DIY all-natural mascara recipe!

3. Castor Oil for Acne

Castor oil can prevent the presence of acne-causing bacteria in the long-term. Daily application of CO is a great addition to a natural acne treatment.

👉 To treat existing blemishes:

Dab CO onto the affected area with a clean cotton swab. You can try adding a few drops of organic ACV and 2 drops of Frankincense oil to the mix.

Leave on until absorbed.

(If you suffer from chronic acne, I recommend trying home blue light therapy treatments –  proven to destroy up to 80% of your acne – naturally).

👉 To prevent future breakouts:

Wash your face with warm water to open your pores, and rub a small amount of CO on your entire face. Leave on for the night.

4. Castor Oil for Chapped Lips

Although you may not want to have Castor oil anywhere near your mouth, it still does wonders for dry and chapped lips.

It’s already added to many OTC lip remedies, but it’s much cheaper to do it yourself at home. All you need is an organic, hexane free cold pressed Castor oil.

Simply rub a bit on your lips and it will help heal cracks while preventing further chapping.

5. Castor Oil for Sunburns

This wonderful oil’s anti-inflammatory properties and proven pain relief abilities make it a great and simple way to soothe a sunburn.

👉 Apply CO mixed with coconut oil (1:1) to the affected area – at least 3 times a day. Even better – leave it on all night and wash off on the morning.

6. Castor Oil for Longer Eye Lashes and Thicker Eyebrows

castor oil for eye brows eye lashes

It’s a little embarrassing, but it’s the truth:

I’ve burned my eyelashes more than 3 times in the last 10 years. What can I say, I tend to get too close to my Lavender-scented candles.

Using CO, I was able to re-grow my eyelashes twice as fast as the last two times. They grew back to their normal length (I think even a little longer) in less than 10 days.

👉 To make your eyelashes grow longer naturally:

Apply 2 drops pf pure CO on your lashes every night.

Since some of it may get into your eyes (which is harmless), make sure to always use a dropper bottle to keep the oil uncontaminated.

The same goes with your eyebrows:

Apply 2 drops of CO on each eyebrow every night to fill them up and make them thicker.

If you’ve over-plucked your eyebrows, this is a great remedy.

(👉 Check out how to use castor oil for hair regrowth)

7. Castor Oil for Melasma (Hyperpigmentation)

There are a few studies proving CO can reduce even deep type of melasma and pigmentation.

Rubbing a few drops of CO twice a day can help reduce pigmentation and melasma.

Here’s a forum discussion about treating Melasma  (deep pigmentation) with Castor Oil.

8. Castor Oil for Scars

Scars are simply the leftover marks of a skin “injury” when healthy skin tissue is destroyed.

CO is filled with fatty acids, especially omega-3 fatty acids. These components pierce the scar tissue and pump it out. Next, they hydrate the skin and promote the growth of healthy tissue.

The oil also draws out the dirt, bacteria, excess oil and dead cells from the skin, stimulates the lymph system and boosts blood circulation.

This is how CO helps to reduce scars and discoloration of the skin.

Here are 2 methods to apply castor oil for scars:

1. Clean the affected area, steam your face for a few minutes to open up skin pores, apply a few drops of CO and massage for a minute or two. Repeat twice a day.

2. Apply CO on the scars and wrap with a small cloth. Then place a hot water boil on for about 20 minutes. Repeat every day until the scar is gone.

If you’re interested in a real-life example, here’s how Sam from Skinuniverse.com healed her three-year-old deep burn scar with CO.

9. Castor Oil for Skin Rashes and Irritation

The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of castor oil make it ideal for the treatment of rashes, itches and bug bites.

If the affected area is small, you can soak a band-aid in castor oil and apply it on the area.

Use heat to make it absorb better, and a skin rash can disappear in a matter of minutes.

For larger areas, dip a wad of cotton in CO and apply it directly to the affected skin area.

Leave it for an hour (or overnight for itches) and wash off after, if you’d like.

Repeat this a few times a day to get faster results.

Where to Find the Best Castor Oil?

castor oil skin treatment

Through my research, here are the top 5 Castor Oils in 2019:

Castor Oil on Face Side Effects

The FDA has declared Castor oil as safe to use, but just like with anything else, side effects (skin reactions) have been reported.

Generally, CO doesn’t commonly result in allergies, skin sensitivities and doesn’t act like a photosensitizer, according to human clinical tests.

As with anything new, proceed carefully to avoid possible reactions. Rub a small amount on your arm to check that it’s safe for you.

Avoid if you are pregnant or nursing, and most importantly:

Be careful about your source of Castor Oil. Much of the oil sold in stores is made from Castor seeds heavily sprayed with pesticides.

Remember: always use cold-pressed, pure, hexane free Castor oil.

Conclusion

Pure, cold pressed and hexane free is one the best (if not the best), oils you can have at home to use daily on your face.

It’s safe, relatively cheap, and it can be used to keep your face young and glowing, reduce acne, skin growths, fungus, irritation, inflammation, and almost any skin problem.

It will grow your eyelashes longer and your eyebrows thicker and eliminate scars that bother you for years.

How about you? What’s your experience with Castor oil? Share it with us in the comments below.

To your health and happiness,

Meital

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Comments

  1. I loved this article! I tried several times (trying to pin using different images each time) to save it to my beauty board on Pinterest, but was blocked bc it said the images could lead to spam. I saved the post to my computer, but I thought I would let you know, in case you are able to change something. Your post should definitely be on Pinterest.

  2. Thank you Kristen..:)

    I know about Pinterest, I have a problem with them and they are quite stubborn about it, so there’s not much I can do.
    If you’d like, you can save it to Facebook…I’d really appreciate it.
    Have a great day!

  3. I have been using castor oil on my hair but not on my face I’d love to use these for myself! I am so delighted that you shared your 9 Epic Uses for Castor Oil on Your Face with us at the Healthy Happy Green Natural Party! I’m Pinning and sharing this!

  4. Just wondering does it makes facial hair grow?as it thickens eyelashes and brows.

  6. Castor oil is known to dry skin out. I would not recommend anyone to put this on their eyes. It would be okay to put on eyelashes and eyebrows for growth, but not on the skin under the eye.

  7. Marilyn,

    In my experience, Castor oil is highly moisturizing. But, maybe for you it isn’t. Everybody reacts differently to different things, I always recommend trying first and seeing for yourself.
    Thanks for taking the time to comment!:)

  8. Castor oil is very helpful for the people having less hair. They can grow it using castor oil.

  9. I have been using castor oil for my hair and face over a month and could see amazing results. My hair started growing denser and it is shining too. Using castor oil as a hair/skin conditioner works really good. I could see magics on my face where all sunburn and pigmentation is getting light. i feel really happy with castor oil on my skin/hair

  11. I’ve been using Castor Oil on my face every night for about a week and I’m still breaking out. It HAS only been a week but I was wondering how long it could be before I see results? Thanks!

  13. I,am so excited to read this article..Went yesterday to my local health store and purchased the castor oil in hopes to eliminate floaters I developed following my laser surgery..

  18. Wow!! Castor oil really makes me feel good on my face… It vanished all my scars on my face and my skin looks healthy now

  19. I massaged my face with castor oil and sweet almond oil and clean it with warm towel and then i wash it with my clean and clear face wash after that i apply 2 to 3 drop of olive oil as my toner and moisturiser and with in a month all my acne and scars gone completely i do this every night before going to bed

  20. I am at the age where I am battling hair on my face such as a mustache and chin hair so if I use castor oil in my daily face cream, will it cause the mustache and chin hairs to grow? I am wondering if it will since it is known to make your eyelashes and eyebrows grow. Has anyone experienced this using castor oil on the face daily?

  21. This is an interesting post. Thank you. I mix castor oil with honey and lemon. I only started few days ago and I like the way my face feels. My skin is so oily but since I started using It, my face feels dry and I prefer it than it been oily.

  22. I used castor oil for my eyelashes.eyebrows,lips and nails now results are amazing my mom noticed that now i have thicker and longer eyelashes it is best to use as a lip gloss i don’t use any
    makeup or falsies now i have natural longer and thicker eyelashes and eyebrows and it is also great for puffy eyes and nails,i love it! Now i will try it also on my face by the way great post!:-):-)

  25. I have used CO for washing my hair for 2 months. Thinning hair in front crown of my head. New growth is coming in slowly. I have begun to use on my face for past week. Is there any brand you recommend?

  30. Honestly it’s the best bikini moisturizer around. Fades any discolouration, old scars, even acne and old spots !
    Just pat it on the skin gently after shaving, absorbs right in with absolutely 0 burning. Even on kicks and cuts!

  32. I b ought a bottle of hexane free cold pressed castor oil in a glass bottle from a health food shop a week ago. I have dry eyes especially of a night and often wake up unable to open my eyes for a while because of the intense ache. I have bee putting one drop of castor oil in each eye before I go to sleep and am fine until morning. I will certainly recommend this remedy to others with dry eyes. Thanks for the information.

  35. I have just started using CO as a full facial moisturizer at night…and kind of by accident. I had been getting eyelash extensions for the past couple of months and decided to take a short break while my eyelash girl is on vacay. I noticed a little bit of thinning so I decided to try a CO treatment for them during my break from extensions. Well after waking up from the first night of application on my eyelashes (and eyebrows too, cuz “what the heck”) I noticed my whole eye area was supple and soft and noticeably fresh. I have combination skin and normally use a glycolic serum or lactic acid lotion to alternately slough/hydrate with much success but after applying CO to my full face I’ve noticed my hyperpigmentation, acne scars (yes I’m a 40 y/o and still subjected) and spotty dryness have cleared up. I’d say my skin is the best it’s been in yeeeeeaaaaars. It’s glowing, all one tone and completely moisturized which lasts all day.
    PS I haven’t noticed how much my eyelashes/brows have grown yet BUT I have noticed my blonde peach fuzz is growing faster than normal but that’s a minor down side for me.

  37. i have pimpkes and acne in my face and my skin is so delicate …can i use castor oil ????

  39. I have a dark circle under my eyes and around nose and eyes i have dry skin. Is it ok if i use castor oil. Hope you reply faster asap u can.
    Thanks

  41. I have a very sensitive skin, my face is easy with rush, & it leaves small spots all over my nose
    can I use CO only? & won’t it leave me with an oily face?

  43. Hi,the back of my hands are damaged and thinned out from chemical peels ,PIH too,can I use castor oil for this?

  45. Hi Ma’am, How Can I Use It For Deep Under Eye Wrinkle And Fine Lines?

  46. Hi wondering why you can’t use it when pregnant or nursing. And how do you use it on your hair

  49. I have been applying castor oil to the area I have noticed thinning hair my crown and the front. I part my hair in the middle all the time, it was noticeable. I started to side part my hair. The other day I decided to part my hair in the middle, I do not know if it was my imagination but I noticed that it didn’t look as thin as it did in the past, so I checked my crown and same thing. I will keep using it as my regular therapy. I have been using it on my face, at night I use it straight, in the morning I use a combination of my face cream and CO. My face has a nice smooth texture and a glow all day. Mix it with your body cream to help with softness and easy applying. Good Luck.

  51. I have excessive facial hair but can I use castor oil once in a while on my face if not everyday. Because it really helps with my acne but due to the hair I am a little cautious

  53. That was my main concern about applying castor oil to my face. I already do a daily battle with freaking menopausal facial hair so I hesitate to use it but I decided to bite the bullet and give it a try. I just made myself a new batch of anti-aging cream and added a few drops of castor oil to the cream. I have only been using it for 2 days so far and I ‘m not sure I even put enough in it to make much of a difference where my acne is concerned but I do have other ingredients that will help with the acne as well so the only thing I will be looking out for is if I notice a difference with my facial hair.

  56. I have severe dry eye. My eye doctor had tried different OTC and prescription drops and gels but they helped very little. I saw your post on Facebook and tried CO. It definitely has helped. I started by putting it on my lashes with no ill effects so now I put 2 drops in each eye at bedtime,once during the night and 2 to 3 times during the day. It relieves the pain and discomfort and after 3 weeks my eyes are not as dry. It seems to be curing the problem not just treating the symptoms.

  57. I’m thrilled to hear that Ruth – how great! In my experience it took about 2 months for me to completely get rid of dry eyes, and I’ve been fine ever since (more than a year). Good luck!

  58. Can I mix castor oil and coconut oil with my night cream to minimise oily and for radiant skin please reply

    Regards

    Wendie

  60. I’ve been using castor oil on my face for over 30 years. I am now 51 and my skin looks amazing I get compliments all the time. You will love it. I cover everyhing, my eyes lips ect. Never ever have I grown unwanted hair. I use it on my 14 year old daughter’s skin who has acne and scars and her face is really clearing up nicely. Also massaging your scalp gently your hair will triple. Be consistent wash your face every night and use Organic free Hexan free cold pressed Castor oil.
    .

  62. I have ovarian cysts and since I’ve been rubbing castor oil on my abdominal and applying a heat pack they have shrunk. The OBGYN also found a growth in my uterus. I’m also applying castor oil there to see if it shrinks. Will find out in March 2018!

  63. Hi! I read your article because I’m experiencing extreme, scary dry eye. No drops have helped so I’ve started with the lashes. I’m excited. I put full strength on the eye lids and all around the eye. Do you find that people use full strength a lot? I’m also visualizing people putting it in full strength on their faces… But some say with coconut oil? What’s the normal recipe. Thanks! Also, do you use the drop in your eyes daily now that the dry eye is gone? Did it improve your vision? Thanks!

  64. Some people use castor oil, others use coconut oil. Everyone has different results. As for me, no, I don’t use it anymore since the problem is gone now. Yes, it has somewhat improved my vision since the dry eyes used to cause some blurriness. Good luck!

  65. Hello.

    What do you think of Bell’s B Label cold drawn castor oil? This is the only one I can find and I got it from a pharmacist who said it is ‘internal castor oil’
    My question is, is it safe to use it on my face?

  67. Hello can I use bell b cold drawn castor oil for my melasma? How do I apply this? It’s really depressing. Thanks. I hope you get to reply me ASAP.

  68. Yes, you can. Mix some Castor oil (about 1/2 tea spoon) with a little coconut oil or other carrier oil and apply on your face – 1-2 times a day.
    Good luck!

  69. It is now a month since I started using a mixture of castor oil and coconut oil to clear melasma. The results are wonderful. The melasma is breaking, though slowly but my entire face is now glowing. my face is now smooth, clear frm acne, youthful and healthy. the only stains left on my face are melasma and I believe they will be gone soon because they are breaking. All other marks were cleared.

  71. HiI just want to ask if i can apply CO directly to my face every night ?I have pimples and have deep acne scars. I have sensitive skin .

  72. Yes, you can, but I recommend mixing it with just a little coconut oil, to help you apply it well – it’s a very thick oil. It can do wonders for acne – so go for it:)

  73. Can I use full strength castor oil directly on my dry skin face every night? And How many times should I apply it per day?

  74. Yes you can, just dilute it with some carrier oil. Once a day (for 20 minutes) is enough, some people use it over night and wash it off in the morning.

  75. I have started using CO on my face. i am 57 and a smoker (yeessss I know). and i have noticed that it is much better hydrated. After a couple of weeks of this, I was looking at my skin in a 10x mirror and noticed it is very very finely peeling – almost like have had a very light chemical peel. I think this might be the acid in the CO, but it’s working. The smallest lines are smaller and overall my face is glowing. Thank you.

  76. Hi, can i use castor oil for my stretch marks? Please tell me the most effective way to get rid of my stretch marks using castor oil.

  77. The most effective way in my experience is combining castor oil with an infrared massager. First, use a heated massager for about 10 minutes on the area and then rub castor oil. You don’t need much – just a few drops. Mix it with coconut oil to make it easier to apply on your skin. if you don’t have an infrared massager I highly recommend that you get one. Here you can find the best ones – https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-body-massagers/

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The information in natural-alternative-therapies.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical help or advice but is to be used only as an aid in understanding common health problems. A physician should always be consulted for any health problem
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