Organic castor oil is a thick, versatile oil used on hair, skin, joints, and even as an occasional laxative. Its main active component, ricinoleic acid, has natural anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that make it useful for several purposes. Because it’s so thick and sticky, the key to using it well is knowing how to dilute it, how long to leave it on, and how often to apply it.
Do a Patch Test First
Before using castor oil anywhere on your body, test it on a small area of skin like the inside of your forearm. Apply a drop or two, leave it for 24 hours, and check for redness, itching, or swelling. If nothing appears, the oil is safe for you to use more broadly. This step is especially important before applying it near your eyes or on your face.
How to Apply It to Your Scalp and Hair
Use castor oil on your scalp no more than once a week. More frequent use leads to buildup and matting that’s difficult to wash out. Mix one part castor oil with two parts of a lighter carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. This makes it easier to spread, easier to rinse, and tones down the strong smell that some people find off-putting.
Rub a few drops of the mixture into your scalp using your fingertips, working in small circular motions. You can also smooth some through the midsection and ends of your hair to help with breakage and texture. Leave it on for about two hours, then wash it out. You’ll likely need two rounds of shampoo to fully remove it. Leaving it on too long can actually dry out your hair and scalp, so don’t treat it as an overnight soak.
Castor oil stains fabric easily. Cover your hair with a shower cap or an old t-shirt while it sits to protect your pillows, towels, and clothes.
Using It on Your Face and Body
Ricinoleic acid, which makes up about 90% of castor oil’s fatty acids, acts as a natural anti-inflammatory when applied to the skin. Research has shown it works similarly to capsaicin (the compound in hot peppers), reducing inflammation with repeated use over one to three weeks, but without the burning sensation. This makes it useful for calming irritated or inflamed skin.
For your face, castor oil is too thick to use on its own. Mix it with a carrier oil before applying. One part castor oil to two parts jojoba oil works well for facial skin, since jojoba closely mimics your skin’s natural oils. For body skin, a 1:1 ratio with coconut oil is a common starting point. Begin with one tablespoon of castor oil to two tablespoons of the carrier oil and adjust based on how it feels.
Apply the mixture to clean skin before bed. You can leave it on overnight or wipe it off with a warm cloth after one to five minutes if you prefer a lighter treatment. The antibacterial properties can help with acne-prone skin by reducing the bacteria that clog pores, though you should monitor how your skin responds over the first week or two.
Eyelashes and Eyebrows
To apply castor oil to your lashes, start with a completely clean face, free of all makeup. Dip a clean cotton swab lightly into pure castor oil (check the label to confirm it isn’t blended with other ingredients). Run the swab gently along the top of your lash line. Use a very small amount. The best time is right before bed so the oil can sit undisturbed overnight.
Be extremely careful not to get oil into your eye. If it does get in, flush immediately with water, as it causes significant irritation. In the morning, wash it off with water or your regular makeup remover. For eyebrows, the same method applies: a light swipe with a cotton swab along the brow line before sleep.
Making and Using a Castor Oil Pack
Castor oil packs are a traditional method for applying the oil over larger areas, commonly placed on the abdomen for digestive discomfort or over sore joints and muscles. People who use them for joint pain typically apply castor oil to affected areas twice daily.
To make a pack, you’ll need unbleached wool or cotton flannel, castor oil, a bowl, tongs, scissors, and a piece of plastic sheeting (a small garbage bag works). Cut three to four pieces of flannel into rectangles roughly 12 by 10 inches. Soak each piece completely in castor oil, then stack them flat on the plastic sheet.
To use it, lay down on a large towel to catch drips. Place the pack directly on the area you’re treating. Cover it with the plastic sheet to hold in heat and prevent mess. Adding a hot water bottle or heating pad on top increases the warming effect. There’s no firm rule on duration, but 30 to 60 minutes per session is typical. Store the pack in a sealed container and reuse it, adding a bit more oil each time as needed.
Taking It Internally as a Laxative
Castor oil is FDA-recognized as a stimulant laxative. It generally produces a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours. The standard dose for adults and children over 12 is 1 to 4 tablespoons (15 to 60 mL) taken as a single dose. For children ages 2 to 12, the dose is 1 to 3 teaspoons (5 to 15 mL). It should not be given to children under 2.
This is strictly for occasional use. Do not take it for more than one week. If you’re taking other medications, take castor oil at least two hours before or after, since laxatives can interfere with how other drugs are absorbed. Stop using it if you experience rectal bleeding or no bowel movement occurs. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid internal use without professional guidance.
Pregnancy Cautions
Castor oil stimulates the production of prostaglandins, which can trigger uterine contractions and cervical changes. This is why it has a long history as a folk remedy for inducing labor. A meta-analysis of clinical studies found that castor oil significantly increased the odds of vaginal delivery and improved cervical readiness scores. In one study, labor began in 91% of women who consumed it.
However, common side effects in these studies included nausea in the majority of participants and occasional vomiting. Some women experienced overly strong uterine contractions. Because of its ability to stimulate labor, castor oil should not be taken internally during pregnancy unless under direct medical supervision. Even topical use on the abdomen during pregnancy warrants caution.
Choosing and Storing Your Oil
Look for oil labeled “100% pure organic castor oil” with no added ingredients. Cold-pressed versions retain more of the beneficial compounds than those extracted with chemical solvents. Jamaican black castor oil, which is roasted before pressing, has a darker color and ashier scent but works similarly for hair and skin.
Store castor oil in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly sealed. It has a long shelf life, typically 1 to 2 years, but discard it if the smell turns noticeably rancid or the color changes significantly. A little goes a long way with this oil, so even a small bottle lasts months with regular use.