Castor Oil Is The Beauty Elixir You Never Knew You Needed
Welcome to the era of beauty renaissance, where a humble oil is making waves—hello, castor oil! This golden potion, once our grandma’s secret beauty weapon, is having a major moment, and trust us—you’re going to want to hop on this trend ASAP. But why the buzz? Justine Masters, AKA The Alternative Facialist, tells us more…
What’s castor oil anyway?
Castor oil is a thick, nutrient-rich oil extracted from castor beans. It’s been around for centuries, used in everything from ancient remedies to modern-day beauty hacks. Rich in ricinoleic acid—a powerhouse fatty acid—castor oil packs serious moisture, making it a must-have in any beauty lover’s toolkit.
The health & beauty benefits
Castor oil is a total multi-tasker, and here’s why beauty insiders are raving about it:
1. Lush lashes & brows: Want lashes that flutter like butterfly wings? Castor oil is your go-to. “It’s great for hair stimulation, eyebrow and eye lash growth,” says Justine. Just a tiny swipe along your lash line or on your brows before bed can help boost hair growth and thickness. With consistent use, you’ll be batting fuller, healthier lashes in no time.
2. Silky, strong hair: Dealing with dull, dry hair? Castor oil swoops in like a superhero for your strands. It’s deeply nourishing, hydrates your scalp, and even helps stimulate hair growth. Think glossy, voluminous hair that’s full of life. (Pro tip: Mix it with a little coconut oil for easier application!)
3. Glowy, radiant skin: Who doesn’t want baby-soft skin? Castor oil is super hydrating and known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can soothe dry patches, reduce puffiness, and even help fade those pesky dark spots. Dab a few drops on your face before bed for a seriously dewy complexion come morning.
4. Healthy nails & cuticles: Don’t forget your nails. A little castor oil massaged into your cuticles can work wonders. It hydrates, strengthens, and promotes nail growth, so you can the perfect mani-pedis all year round.
5. Soft, supple lips: Dry, cracked lips are no match for castor oil. A quick swipe will lock in moisture, leaving your lips plump and kissable all day long.
6. Detoxification: It’s amazing for liver detoxification, period pain, breaking down cystic, and wound healing and helping with inflammation and sore muscles
It’s amazing for liver detoxification, period pain, help with breaking down cystic, and wound healing and helps with inflammation and sore muscles
Justine Masters
Helen Mirren and Hailey Bieber who swear by castor oil
Why the sudden comeback?
Castor oil’s resurgence in the beauty world isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement. As we all pivot towards clean, natural beauty, this oil checks all the boxes: it’s plant-based, affordable, and wildly effective. “It’s a great at-home remedy and, as platforms like TikTok and Instagram rave about it, gains popularity,” explains Justine. Plus, it’s suitable for all skin and hair types, making it an inclusive staple for every beauty routine.
Who can use it?
Castor oil is versatile enough to work for all ages and skin types. Whether you’re dealing with dry skin, sensitive hair, or just looking to up your beauty game, castor oil’s gentle, natural properties make it a universal crowd-pleaser. Bonus? It’s safe for sensitive skin and hypoallergenic.
How to choose the right castor oil
“Make sure the castor oil is organic and hexane-free,” says Justine. “Which means it’s free of solvents and preserving the natural properties, as this oil is the only oil that can penetrate down and reach organs.”
How to apply castor oil (and get the most out of it)
When it comes to application, less is more. Here’s how to work castor oil into your routine:
• Lashes & Brows: Use a clean spoolie or cotton swab to apply a small amount before bed.
• Hair: Warm a few drops in your hands and massage it into your scalp or apply it as a hair mask from root to tip and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.
• Face: For hydration, pat a small amount onto cleansed skin before bed, focusing on dry areas.
• Nails: Rub a few drops into your cuticles and nails to promote growth and strength.
• Lips: Use it like a lip balm and reapply as needed throughout the day.
• Liver/Stomach/Kidneys: “Use a castor oil pack to help with larger areas like the liver and stomach and kidneys for detoxification and period pain to breaking down scar tissue and cysts. I tell clients to pop it in the belly button to help with menstrual cramps,” reveals Justine.
Any downsides to now?
“You can have an allergic reaction if overused as it can clog pores, plus it’s worth noting it’s fairly difficult to wash out if it stains your clothes or bedsheets,” Justine warns.
Who should avoid it?
Pregnant or breast-feeding women should steer clear as it can induce labour, while breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctors. Plus, anyone with certain gastrointestinal issues, especially children, as it may cause laxative issues.
Whether you’re dealing with dry skin, sensitive hair, or just looking to up your beauty game, castor oil’s gentle, natural properties make it a universal crowd-pleaser.
5 best castor oils to transform your beauty game
Castor oil is easy to find and won’t break the bank. Look for cold-pressed, hexane-free versions at your favourite beauty stores or online. Justine swears by the following:
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.