Castor Oil: Why Everyone Is Talking About It (And How I Actually Use It)
- Lucy Connor
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
Over the past year or two, castor oil seems to have exploded in popularity.
Suddenly everyone is talking about castor oil packs, castor oil for hair growth, castor oil for eyelashes, castor oil for lymphatic drainage and castor oil for just about everything else imaginable.
As tends to happen in the wellness world, the claims have become increasingly dramatic.
So I thought it might be useful to take a step back and look at what castor oil actually is, where it comes from, what we know about it, and perhaps most importantly, how I think it fits into a practical approach to health and wellbeing.
A Plant With A Long History
I know it might feel like you're only just hearing about it, but castor oil isn't a new wellness trend. In fact, it has been used for thousands of years.
Archaeologists have discovered castor seeds in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back more than 4,000 years, and records suggest castor oil was used for everything from skincare and beauty rituals to lamps and traditional medicine.
The famous Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest known medical texts, mentions castor oil as part of the Egyptian materia medica.
Over time, its use spread through Africa, India, China, the Mediterranean and eventually Europe, where it became a familiar household remedy. Many of us may remember older relatives talking about castor oil as a laxative (often with varying degrees of enthusiasm!), but historically its uses were much broader than that. It was used on skin, hair, joints and scalp; incorporated into beauty preparations; and valued as a versatile household staple.
Whilst modern research continues to explore its properties, I think part of castor oil's enduring appeal comes from the fact that it has survived generation after generation. Very few remedies remain in use for thousands of years. Castor oil is one of them.
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a thick vegetable oil pressed from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis).
Unlike essential oils, which are highly concentrated aromatic compounds distilled from plants, castor oil is what we call a carrier oil.
Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin, helping improve safety, absorption and ease of application.
What makes castor oil particularly unique is its chemistry. Whilst most carrier oils are rich in oleic acid or linoleic acid, castor oil is made up of approximately 85–90% ricinoleic acid.
Ricinoleic acid is a hydroxylated fatty acid that gives castor oil its characteristic thick texture and many of the properties that make it so useful. It's also one of the reasons castor oil behaves very differently to lighter carrier oils such as fractionated coconut oil, jojoba or sweet almond oil.
Most Carrier Oils | Castor Oil |
Rich in oleic/linoleic acid | ~90% ricinoleic acid |
Light texture | Thick texture |
Absorbs quickly | Stays on skin longer |
Great for everyday dilution | Great for targeted applications |
Common massage oils | Ideal for packs, scalp & lash use |
Ricinoleic acid is what gives castor oil its unique texture and many of the properties that make it so versatile.
Why Has Castor Oil Become So Popular?
Part of the answer is simply versatility.
One bottle can be used for:
Aromatherapy blends
Castor oil packs
Dry skin
Cuticles
Hair and scalp care
Brows and lashes
Massage
Overnight hand and foot treatments
DIY beauty products
In a world of increasingly complicated wellness routines, there is something appealing about a product that has been used traditionally for generations and can still earn its place in a modern home.
Will Castor Oil Clog Pores?
This is one of the most common questions people ask.
Interestingly, castor oil generally has a comedogenic rating of around 1 on the commonly used 0–5 scale.
That means it is generally considered unlikely to clog pores for most people. However, because it is thick and highly occlusive, some people with oily or acne-prone skin may find it too heavy when used neat.
Personally, if using castor oil on the face, I often prefer blending it with a lighter carrier oil such as jojoba.
Castor Oil for Eyelashes and Brows: Does It Actually Work?
This is probably where castor oil has gained the most attention online. The truth is slightly less exciting than social media would have you believe.
At present, there is no convincing clinical evidence that castor oil directly stimulates eyelash growth in the way prescription lash serums containing prostaglandin analogues do. However, that doesn't mean people are imagining the benefits. Castor oil coats and conditions the hair shaft, helping lashes and brows appear healthier, shinier and potentially fuller over time. It may also help reduce breakage, which can improve overall appearance.
So whilst I wouldn't describe castor oil as a proven lash-growth treatment, I do think it can be a lovely conditioning treatment when used carefully.
Simple Lash & Brow Conditioning Serum
10ml castor oil
Apply a tiny amount to clean lashes or brows before bed using a clean spoolie brush.
No essential oils should be added to products used around the eyes.
What Is A Castor Oil Pack?
A castor oil pack is one of the most traditional ways castor oil is used. Typically, a piece of cotton flannel is soaked in castor oil and placed over the abdomen (often over the liver area or lower abdomen). The cloth is then covered and gentle heat applied. Many people use castor oil packs as part of a relaxation ritual, to support digestive comfort, or simply to create intentional rest.
What Does The Science Say?
This is where it's important to be balanced. Research into castor oil packs remains limited and many claims currently exceed the available evidence.
However, small studies and clinical observations have suggested potential benefits for comfort, relaxation, bowel function and quality of life.
Regardless of the mechanism, many people report that the practice itself encourages rest, body awareness and nervous system regulation - all things that are often in short supply in modern life.
Common Reasons People Use Castor Oil Packs
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Castor Oil Packs & Menstrual Health
One area where castor oil packs are particularly popular is menstrual and pelvic health. Traditionally, they have been used by women experiencing menstrual discomfort, pelvic tension and as part of a broader self-care approach to supporting reproductive wellbeing.
The theory is that the combination of warmth, gentle touch and castor oil may help encourage relaxation and increase local circulation to the area. Many women find castor oil packs a comforting ritual during certain phases of the menstrual cycle.
However, it's important to note that robust clinical evidence remains limited, and many of the claims made online around fertility, hormone balance and "detoxification" go beyond the available research.
That doesn't mean there's no value in the practice.
As with many traditional remedies, there can be a meaningful difference between:
"there is strong evidence this directly treats a condition"
and
"many people find this practice supportive, comforting and beneficial as part of a wider approach to wellbeing."
I think castor oil packs sit more comfortably in the second category.
Castor oil packs are commonly used as part of menstrual and pelvic self-care traditions. However, advice regarding their use during menstruation varies between practitioners, and robust clinical evidence is limited.
Most practitioners recommend avoiding abdominal castor oil packs during pregnancy as a precaution, due to a lack of safety data and the historical association between castor oil and labour induction when taken internally.
What About Putting Castor Oil In Your Belly Button?
If you've spent any time on social media recently, you've probably come across videos recommending castor oil in the belly button, often covered with a plaster overnight. The claims range from improved digestion and hormone balance to better sleep and detoxification.
At present, there is no scientific evidence that applying castor oil to the belly button has unique health benefits compared to applying it elsewhere on the skin.
The idea is often linked to concepts from traditional medicine systems and the belief that the navel represents an important energetic or anatomical centre. That doesn't mean people don't enjoy the ritual or find it relaxing, but from a scientific perspective, there is nothing particularly special about the belly button as a route of absorption. If you enjoy the practice and it forms part of a wider self-care ritual, then lovely.
I would simply be cautious of any claims that suggest it can dramatically improve health or replace established medical treatments.
My Favourite Ways To Use Castor Oil
The longer I work with plants and aromatherapy, the more I appreciate ingredients that are versatile and uncomplicated. Castor oil has become one of those staples for me. Not because I use it every day, but because it's intentional.
Overnight Heel Treatment
This is probably my favourite use and recomendation I give to people.
If your feet are feeling dry, rough or cracked after sandals, gardening or simply life, castor oil is wonderful.
Mix:
1 tablespoon castor oil
1 tablespoon shea butter (optional)
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Frankincense
Massage generously into the feet before bed and pop on a pair of cotton socks.
The combination of occlusion, hydration and overnight repair can make a remarkable difference.
A Nourishing Scalp Treatment
I love using castor oil as part of a pre-wash scalp massage.
Mix:
2 tablespoons castor oil
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
3 drops Rosemary
2 drops Lavender
Massage into the scalp and leave for 30-60 minutes before washing.
It feels like a wonderful act of self-care whilst also supporting scalp health.
Cuticles & Hands
A drop massaged into dry cuticles before bed works beautifully.
If you're constantly washing your hands or spending time gardening, it's one of the simplest ways to restore a little softness.
Castor Oil Packs
Whilst the evidence is still emerging, there's no denying the wellbeing boost of a castor oil pack ritual. They create a dedicated moment of rest, that's often the thing we're missing most.
As A Carrier Oil For Essential Oils
This is perhaps the most important use of all.
Whilst castor oil is interesting in its own right, I think its greatest strength is how beautifully it partners with essential oils.
Its thicker texture helps keep oils on the skin longer, making it particularly useful for:
Belly massage blends
Foot massage blends
Scalp oils
Joint and muscle applications
Overnight treatments
Why Quality Matters
Just as with essential oils, not all castor oils are created equal.
The quality of castor oil can vary enormously depending on how it is grown, harvested and processed.
When choosing a castor oil, I generally look for:
Cold pressed
Hexane free
Minimally processed
Traceable sourcing
Ideally organic and stored in glass
Because the less processing involved, the closer the oil remains to its natural composition.
If you're interested in learning more about quality and transparency within the wider essential oil industry, you may also enjoy my article:
Who Might Benefit Most From Having Castor Oil At Home?
Castor oil may be worth exploring if you:
Use essential oils regularly
Enjoy making your own blends
Like simple skincare
Want a richer carrier oil
Are interested in castor oil packs
Enjoy traditional wellness practices
Prefer versatile products that can be used in multiple ways
Interested In Exploring Aromatherapy Further?
One of the things I love most about aromatherapy is that it doesn't have to be complicated. Often it's the simple things - a good carrier oil, a handful of versatile essential oils, and understanding how to use them well - that make the biggest difference.
If you're curious about essential oils, wondering where to start, or would like support choosing the right products for your needs, you're always welcome to get in touch.
I offer personalised wellness consultations and also support people who would like to learn how to use essential oils safely and effectively at home.
You can get in touch here.
References
Patel VR et al. Castor Oil: Properties, Uses and Optimisation of Processing Parameters in Commercial Production. Lipid Insights. 2016.
Mutlu M et al. The Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Ricinoleic Acid. Industrial Crops and Products. 2020.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.
Handbook of Essential Oils: Science, Technology and Applications.
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