Castor Oil: The Ancient Beauty Secret You Should Know About
Beauty
April 11, 2024
Author: Doré
Beauty
April 11, 2024
Castor Oil: The Ancient Beauty Secret You Should Know About
Author: Doré
It sometimes seems like the world of skincare is filled with ingredients that don’t pack a punch. Almost every day, there is some new hero ingredient or miracle solution that skincare companies introduce to consumers, and they often don’t deliver on their promises. Finding the right products for your skin is already difficult enough; wading through the noise shouldn’t be something else customers have to deal with on their skincare journeys.Here at Doré, we believe in simplicity. When we find ourselves surrounded by trends, we like to strip it all away and return to the essentials. And when it comes to classic beauty ingredients, there is one hero we do think is worth the noise: castor oil.Castor oil is the world’s oldest and most valuable herbal remedy. It has been used by practitioners for thousands of years to improve the health of ancient civilizations. Though castor has gained (relatively) recent popularity as a hair and skincare remedy, the thick, golden oil has long been used for its medicinal benefits.Castor oil is anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pruritic; meaning it can reduce swelling, pain and itchiness. It is also rich in naturally occurring vitamins and bio-active compounds that have a range of different health care benefits. From soothing pain to healing scars, the ancient ritual of using castor oil as a holistic, healing treatment deserves a place in any modern medicine cabinet.What is Castor OilCastor oil is a thick vegetable oil that is extracted from the beans of the tropical castor plant. Most notably it contains ricinoleic acid, a moisturizing fatty acid that is often applied topically to skin and hair for a myriad of beauty benefits (more on that below!).While you can often find castor oil included in existing skincare and cosmetics products, you’ll usually see it as a supporting character rather than the main act. We’ll go ahead and guess that you probably didn’t buy that lipstick sitting in your purse for its castor oil content.So why do we push castor oil to center stage? When it's in its unadulterated, 100% pure form, you're getting a product that’s all about simplicity—just one ingredient. This simplicity hits the mark for an ever-increasing cadre of consumers who are on the hunt for “clean” beauty solutions. Castor oil is a simple, effective, one-stop-shop addition to any beauty regimen.The Composition of Castor OilTo better understand the benefits of castor oil, it’s important to have a feel of what it’s made from in the first place–so bear with us while we give a quick science lesson…Castor oil is a powerhouse of fatty acids and phytochemicals, which gives it a range of unique therapeutic benefits. Its distinct composition is largely due to a high concentration of ricinoleic acid, alongside other fatty acids like oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids.The star ingredient, ricinoleic acid, accounts for 85-95% of the oil's total fatty acid content. This monounsaturated fatty acid is rare (it’s not usually found in such high quantities in nature) and boasts a unique chemical structure with a hydroxyl functional group that imparts anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The hydroxyl group also makes it more polar than most fats, meaning it can interact with more substances, enhancing its solubility in alcohol and ability to form soaps. Finally, ricinoleic acid can deeply penetrate the skin due to its long carbon chain, moisturizing from the inside out and helping retain moisture by forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This also can help repair a damaged skin barrier.Castor oil is also enriched with other phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phytosterols and phenolic compounds, each playing a vital role in skin health. For example, phytosterols are known to support collagen production, crucial for skin elasticity and the reduction of aging signs.Overall, the rich composition of castor oil provides a comprehensive toolkit for nurturing healthier, more resilient skin, showcasing the power of nature in every drop.What are The Benefits of Castor OilWhile castor oil is one of the world’s oldest herbal remedies, millions of people around the globe still use it today. This simple, single ingredient oil is a great all-natural option for those who want clean beauty but don’t want to skimp on efficacy. Below are just a few of its numerous skincare benefits.It MoisturizesHave you ever noticed how dry your skin is in the wintertime? That’s because the cold, dry air outside and the hot, dry air indoors can deplete your body of moisture—that’s why you might notice that your complexion is flaky and dull, rather than smooth and dewy, in the colder months.Castor oil, jam packed with fatty acids, acts as a humectant, which means it effectively locks in moisture within your skin. And since castor oil and other skin-care oils create that skin protectant barrier, try layering castor oil on top of a moisturizer for an extra moisture boost. Other options like coconut oil, petroleum jelly, and mineral oil also function as humectants, offering similar benefits for moisturizing the skin.It SoothesCastor oil is often used as an ingredient in popular brands of eye drops, thanks to studies that show its ability to alleviate eye inflammation and dryness. The oil forms a subtle, non-intrusive film over the eye, effectively preventing moisture loss from the eye's surface.That’s why we recommend applying a small amount of castor oil on the eyelid. Its anti-pruritic properties are particularly soothing for dry, sore and itchy eyes, making it an excellent natural option for those battling dry-eye syndrome or hay fever.It ProtectsThe natural properties of castor oil are also known to improve the condition and growth of hair. This is because the fatty acids and omegas in the oil form a protective barrier over the shaft of hair as it grows, so hair can grow stronger and longer.Massaging castor oil onto the scalp or eyebrows activates its oxygenating properties, which stimulates the hair follicles and has been reported to potentially lengthen the follicle's growth phase.It PreventsCastor oil is packed with antioxidants, which means that alongside its hydrating and soothing effects, it also protects your skin from free radical damage. This protective property prevents premature aging by avoiding collagen damage that can lead to wrinkles.Alongside preventing premature aging, castor oil can also prevent and reduce acne. Thanks to the oil’s humectant properties, which create a seal on the skin, castor oil reduces acne by fighting off bacteria and calming any inflammation.The Potential Drawbacks to Using Castor OilWhile these are all incredible benefits, it’s important to keep a few drawbacks in mind. Like any natural remedy, castor oil does come with some potential challenges.Proceed with Caution if Prone to PimplesIf you have acne-prone skin, you might want to think twice before layering on too much castor oil. Yes, its antibacterial properties are super helpful, but its thick consistency can be too much for skin already sensitive to oils and heavy creams.Put simply, if you have acne, proceed with caution. Better yet, consult with a dermatologist before diving in; they can offer advice on how to use castor oil effectively for your specific skin condition or recommend other suitable products.Oily Skin Is A No GoCastor oil has a thick and viscous consistency, which makes it feel quite heavy and substantial on the skin. On a positive note, this is what gives it amazing hydrating and sealing abilities. As a word of warning, though, this means it can feel very heavy on oily skin.The good news is, despite its thickness, castor oil doesn’t clog pores. In fact, it’s actually an excellent cleansing oil: the comedogenicity rating of castor oil is 1, meaning it is very unlikely to clog pores and suitable for combination skin. With these properties in mind, we suggest using castor oil as a cleansing oil or as a face oil for dry skin in need of a lot of moisture and healing.Does Not Always Meet The EyeWhile the dermatologists that we talked to while developing our products say that castor oil is generally tolerated well, one drawback to its use is potential irritation, particularly around the eyes. Additionally, as with any substance applied to the skin, there's a chance that castor oil might trigger allergic reactions such as rashes, swelling, or itching in certain individuals. If you've recently started your castor oil journey and have experienced any form of irritation, it’s best to stop using it and ask your dermatologist about possible alternatives.Concluding the Chapter on Castor OilCastor oil really is one of the best natural skincare remedies on the market. It can serve as a highly effective natural moisturizer for both skin and hair, and its antioxidant properties are known to prevent free radicals from contributing to skin aging. That said, the lack of clear answers can be a point of caution.Luckily, here at Doré, our multi-purpose Doré Le Baume (which includes castor oil!) is clinically proven to repair the skin barrier and moisturize distressed or discomforted skin. It could be the perfect entry point to give the age-old remedy a try!
It sometimes seems like the world of skincare is filled with ingredients that don’t pack a punch. Almost every day, there is some new hero ingredient or miracle solution that skincare companies introduce to consumers, and they often don’t deliver on their promises. Finding the right products for your skin is already difficult enough; wading through the noise shouldn’t be something else customers have to deal with on their skincare journeys.Here at Doré, we believe in simplicity. When we find ourselves surrounded by trends, we like to strip it all away and return to the essentials. And when it comes to classic beauty ingredients, there is one hero we do think is worth the noise: castor oil.Castor oil is the world’s oldest and most valuable herbal remedy. It has been used by practitioners for thousands of years to improve the health of ancient civilizations. Though castor has gained (relatively) recent popularity as a hair and skincare remedy, the thick, golden oil has long been used for its medicinal benefits.Castor oil is anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pruritic; meaning it can reduce swelling, pain and itchiness. It is also rich in naturally occurring vitamins and bio-active compounds that have a range of different health care benefits. From soothing pain to healing scars, the ancient ritual of using castor oil as a holistic, healing treatment deserves a place in any modern medicine cabinet.What is Castor OilCastor oil is a thick vegetable oil that is extracted from the beans of the tropical castor plant. Most notably it contains ricinoleic acid, a moisturizing fatty acid that is often applied topically to skin and hair for a myriad of beauty benefits (more on that below!).While you can often find castor oil included in existing skincare and cosmetics products, you’ll usually see it as a supporting character rather than the main act. We’ll go ahead and guess that you probably didn’t buy that lipstick sitting in your purse for its castor oil content.So why do we push castor oil to center stage? When it's in its unadulterated, 100% pure form, you're getting a product that’s all about simplicity—just one ingredient. This simplicity hits the mark for an ever-increasing cadre of consumers who are on the hunt for “clean” beauty solutions. Castor oil is a simple, effective, one-stop-shop addition to any beauty regimen.The Composition of Castor OilTo better understand the benefits of castor oil, it’s important to have a feel of what it’s made from in the first place–so bear with us while we give a quick science lesson…Castor oil is a powerhouse of fatty acids and phytochemicals, which gives it a range of unique therapeutic benefits. Its distinct composition is largely due to a high concentration of ricinoleic acid, alongside other fatty acids like oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids.The star ingredient, ricinoleic acid, accounts for 85-95% of the oil's total fatty acid content. This monounsaturated fatty acid is rare (it’s not usually found in such high quantities in nature) and boasts a unique chemical structure with a hydroxyl functional group that imparts anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The hydroxyl group also makes it more polar than most fats, meaning it can interact with more substances, enhancing its solubility in alcohol and ability to form soaps. Finally, ricinoleic acid can deeply penetrate the skin due to its long carbon chain, moisturizing from the inside out and helping retain moisture by forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This also can help repair a damaged skin barrier.Castor oil is also enriched with other phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phytosterols and phenolic compounds, each playing a vital role in skin health. For example, phytosterols are known to support collagen production, crucial for skin elasticity and the reduction of aging signs.Overall, the rich composition of castor oil provides a comprehensive toolkit for nurturing healthier, more resilient skin, showcasing the power of nature in every drop.What are The Benefits of Castor OilWhile castor oil is one of the world’s oldest herbal remedies, millions of people around the globe still use it today. This simple, single ingredient oil is a great all-natural option for those who want clean beauty but don’t want to skimp on efficacy. Below are just a few of its numerous skincare benefits.It MoisturizesHave you ever noticed how dry your skin is in the wintertime? That’s because the cold, dry air outside and the hot, dry air indoors can deplete your body of moisture—that’s why you might notice that your complexion is flaky and dull, rather than smooth and dewy, in the colder months.Castor oil, jam packed with fatty acids, acts as a humectant, which means it effectively locks in moisture within your skin. And since castor oil and other skin-care oils create that skin protectant barrier, try layering castor oil on top of a moisturizer for an extra moisture boost. Other options like coconut oil, petroleum jelly, and mineral oil also function as humectants, offering similar benefits for moisturizing the skin.It SoothesCastor oil is often used as an ingredient in popular brands of eye drops, thanks to studies that show its ability to alleviate eye inflammation and dryness. The oil forms a subtle, non-intrusive film over the eye, effectively preventing moisture loss from the eye's surface.That’s why we recommend applying a small amount of castor oil on the eyelid. Its anti-pruritic properties are particularly soothing for dry, sore and itchy eyes, making it an excellent natural option for those battling dry-eye syndrome or hay fever.It ProtectsThe natural properties of castor oil are also known to improve the condition and growth of hair. This is because the fatty acids and omegas in the oil form a protective barrier over the shaft of hair as it grows, so hair can grow stronger and longer.Massaging castor oil onto the scalp or eyebrows activates its oxygenating properties, which stimulates the hair follicles and has been reported to potentially lengthen the follicle's growth phase.It PreventsCastor oil is packed with antioxidants, which means that alongside its hydrating and soothing effects, it also protects your skin from free radical damage. This protective property prevents premature aging by avoiding collagen damage that can lead to wrinkles.Alongside preventing premature aging, castor oil can also prevent and reduce acne. Thanks to the oil’s humectant properties, which create a seal on the skin, castor oil reduces acne by fighting off bacteria and calming any inflammation.The Potential Drawbacks to Using Castor OilWhile these are all incredible benefits, it’s important to keep a few drawbacks in mind. Like any natural remedy, castor oil does come with some potential challenges.Proceed with Caution if Prone to PimplesIf you have acne-prone skin, you might want to think twice before layering on too much castor oil. Yes, its antibacterial properties are super helpful, but its thick consistency can be too much for skin already sensitive to oils and heavy creams.Put simply, if you have acne, proceed with caution. Better yet, consult with a dermatologist before diving in; they can offer advice on how to use castor oil effectively for your specific skin condition or recommend other suitable products.Oily Skin Is A No GoCastor oil has a thick and viscous consistency, which makes it feel quite heavy and substantial on the skin. On a positive note, this is what gives it amazing hydrating and sealing abilities. As a word of warning, though, this means it can feel very heavy on oily skin.The good news is, despite its thickness, castor oil doesn’t clog pores. In fact, it’s actually an excellent cleansing oil: the comedogenicity rating of castor oil is 1, meaning it is very unlikely to clog pores and suitable for combination skin. With these properties in mind, we suggest using castor oil as a cleansing oil or as a face oil for dry skin in need of a lot of moisture and healing.Does Not Always Meet The EyeWhile the dermatologists that we talked to while developing our products say that castor oil is generally tolerated well, one drawback to its use is potential irritation, particularly around the eyes. Additionally, as with any substance applied to the skin, there's a chance that castor oil might trigger allergic reactions such as rashes, swelling, or itching in certain individuals. If you've recently started your castor oil journey and have experienced any form of irritation, it’s best to stop using it and ask your dermatologist about possible alternatives.Concluding the Chapter on Castor OilCastor oil really is one of the best natural skincare remedies on the market. It can serve as a highly effective natural moisturizer for both skin and hair, and its antioxidant properties are known to prevent free radicals from contributing to skin aging. That said, the lack of clear answers can be a point of caution.Luckily, here at Doré, our multi-purpose Doré Le Baume (which includes castor oil!) is clinically proven to repair the skin barrier and moisturize distressed or discomforted skin. It could be the perfect entry point to give the age-old remedy a try!