Castor oil is often touted as a natural remedy for a variety of different issues. But does it really live up to the hype? Some people believe that castor oil can clog pores and cause blackheads. So, what’s the truth? Castor oil can actually be beneficial for your skin – if you use it correctly. Read on to learn more about the benefits of castor oil and how to use it safely and effectively.
Does castor oil clog pores? Here is the truth:
Oil cleansing and other oil-based skincare have become increasingly popular, but choosing the right oil for your skin is essential to achieving optimal results. There are some oils that are extremely comedogenic and cause clogged pores and break outs, while there are other oils that are actually very safe and may even be able to prevent and cure acne. Among the most popular oils used in skincare is castor oil, which has a nice nutty scent and very light texture. But is castor oil comedogenic or is it healthy for skin?
The short answer is no, castor oil generally does not clog pores. But let’s take a more in depth look to see why, how, and who should be using castor oil.
READ more about skincare oils HERE:
Best Carrier Oil for Acne Prone Skin
Comedogenic Rating
You may have or have not heard of the comedogenic scale. Essentially, almost all skincare ingredients are on this scale with a number that suggests how likely that ingredient is to clog your pores.
Here is an example of some oils on the comedogenic scale:
As you can see, castor oil is a 1 on the scale, which means it is highly unlikely to cause acne!
Types of Castor Oil
There are two main types of castor oil, black castor oil or yellow castor seed oil. You can find these in hydrogenated forms or cold-pressed.
Hydrogenated oils are heated and sometimes contain added chemicals to increase their shelf life. Cold-pressed, unrefined oils are the way to go. They don’t last for as long, but they are less processed and higher quality.
The comedogenity will be the same no matter what type of castor oil you use, but it is best to find a high quality option for the health of your skin.
Benefits of Castor Oil
- Anti-inflammatory: A component of castor oil- Ricinoleic Acid, makes it very anti-inflammatory. It has been shown to improve inflammation caused by arthritis, and applying it on your skin. This is a great oil for anyone to use who is suffering from acne or other inflammatory skin conditions.
- Hydrating: Castor oil is a humectant, which means that it helps to draw water from the environment into the skin to keep it hydrated. It is very important to keep a hydrated, strong skin barrier, especially if you have acne prone skin.
- Anti-bacterial: Castor oil has strong anti-bacterial properties, so castor oil can effective at preventing infections and bacterial or even fungal acne.
- Antioxidant: A fourth benefit of castor oil is the antioxidant properties it contains. Antioxidants are important for skin health as well as overall health. Castor oil can protect your skin from environmental factors such as pollution and UV rays!
Castor Oil Side Effects
As with any skincare ingredient, there is risk for irritation or allergy. Castor oil is generally very safe for every skin type, including sensitive skin. Some people can’t tolerate castor oil, and even though it has a comedogenic rating of 0, there are still numerous people who have breakouts or irritation when using it.
It’s best to test any new product you are using on your skin. Before applying it over a large area, test a small amount on the inside of your wrist and wait about 24 hours.
How to Incorporate Castor Oil in Your Skincare Routine
If you want to apply castor oil to your skin, it is recommended that you mix it with another carrier oil using a 1:1 ratio to dilute it.
If you want to learn more about non-comedogenic carrier oils, you can read all about it HERE.
Diluting castor oil also helps it absorb into your skin more quickly, because castor has a slow absorption rate.
Here is a great example of what your skincare routine could look like using castor oil:
- Cleanse: wash off any makeup, excess oil, or dirt with your favorite face wash.
- Apply toner.
- Use any serums or face treatments.
- Use your diluted castor oil on your face in place of moisturizer!
- Finish with your favorite eye cream and lip balm.
Other Uses for Castor Oil
Hair- Castor oil has repeatedly been shown to be effective at promoting hair growth. It can be used to nourish and condition the scalp, which can result in stronger, healthier hair. And this can help stimulate hair follicles so they grow faster.
Eyebrows and Eyelashes- Castor oils are often used by people looking to improve their eyelash health. There is no scientific evidence to support claims that castor oils can increase the length or thickness of eyelashes. However, they may be useful for those who wish to create their own lash serums. It’s also used to thicken eyebrows.
Body Moisturizer- If you’re looking for a natural body moisturizer that will leave your skin feeling hydrated and soft, castor oil is a great option. Unlike some commercial moisturizers that can contain harsh chemicals, castor oil is gentle and won’t irritate your skin. It’s also very hydrating, so it’s ideal for dry skin. To use, simply apply a small amount of castor oil to your skin and massage in until it’s fully absorbed. You can do this once or twice a day, as needed. For best results, pair your castor oil moisturizer with a gentle body soap or cleanser.
FAQ for Castor Oil
Is Castor Oil good for Fungal Acne?
Castor oil is believed to be effective at helping clear fungal acne. There is no scientific research to prove this.
Is Castor Oil Toxic?
Castor seeds do contain a toxin called ricin, but the US Library of Medicine says that once the seed and the oils are separated, the toxin stays in the bean pulps and not the oils. Therefore, it is safe to apply on your skin when diluted properly.
What properties does Castor Oil have that make it so beneficial?
Castor oil contains high amounts of unsaturated fatty acid, which include omega-6 and omega 9 fatty acid. It’s also high in ricinoleic acid, which mediate its benefits in the human system and are not found in high concentrations in a lot of other products. Castor oil is rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein content as well.
Does Castor Oil Clog Pores?
Does castor oil clog your skin? Castor oil typically doesn’t clog pores. Castor Oil is a common and useful skin care product, even for those with acne-prone skin. However, it‘s best to be safe than sorry by doing a patch test first before using an unknown product or ingredient anywhere on the skin.