6 Benefits of Castor Oil for Skin

Castor oil is a type of vegetable oil that comes from the seeds of the castor or Ricinus communis plant. But unlike olive and avocado oils, castor oil isn’t used as a food. It’s most well  known as a remedy for constipation, and is FDA approved for this purpose. 

But recently, people are using castor oil for skin. Health influencers recommend castor oil for everything from dry skin to dark spots to redness. So are the claims true? 

Research specifically on castor oil’s effects on skin is limited. But castor oil has qualities that may support skin health in several ways.

1. Strengthens the skin barrier

Castor oil is high in ricinoleic acid. This is a type of monounsaturated fat that helps strengthen the skin barrier — the outer layer of your skin that locks moisture in and keeps irritants out. In this way, having a strong skin barrier is key to healthy skin.

Research suggests that fatty acids like ricinoleic acid may play a key role in maintaining a healthy, resilient skin barrier by filling in gaps between skin cells. It also supports the structure that keeps the skin barrier intact.

This prevents moisture loss that can lead to:

• Dryness

• Flaking

• Redness

• Sensitivity

• Skin that feels tight and uncomfortable

2. Hydrates skin

Your skin naturally loses water throughout the day and night. This is called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Water loss tends to increase at night while you sleep, in dry environments, and after cleansing.

But castor oil may reduce TEWL because it’s an occlusive. Occlusives are thick, moisturizing ingredients that form a physical wall on your skin’s surface to slow down water loss. This helps reduce dryness and keep skin hydrated. 

3. Helps skin absorb other skin care products

As an occlusive, castor oil can help your other skin care ingredients work better. Applying a layer of castor oil on top of serums or moisturizers overnight can seal them in and help them penetrate deeper into your skin. This skin care practice is known as slugging. Vaseline and Aquaphor are usually the go-to occlusives for slugging. But you can also use castor oil.

4. Has antimicrobial properties

Research suggests ricinoleic acid has antimicrobial properties. This means it may help slow the growth of certain bacteria on the skin. This could include bacteria that contribute to acne, like Cutibacterium acnes. To be clear, castor oil isn’t a treatment for acne on its own. But it may help create a skin environment that’s less favorable for the buildup of acne-causing or other bacteria. 

5. Softens the appearance of wrinkles

Castor oil helps with hydration. And since well-hydrated skin tends to look plumper, castor oil may help soften the appearance of fine lines, which can be more noticeable when skin is dry or dehydrated.

6. Soothes inflammation

Castor oil may also help soothe inflammation. Some studies in animals show that applying ricinoleic acid to the skin can help lower certain types of inflammation. But, more research is needed to see if these effects translate to human use.

How do you use castor oil in a skin care routine?

First, it’s important to pick high-quality castor oil. Look for castor oil that is:

• Labeled for cosmetic use: Most drugstores carry castor oil in the health or beauty section.

• Cold-pressed: This means it’s made without heat, which helps preserve its nutrients.

• Hexane-free: Hexane is a solvent used in some types of castor oil. It’s potentially irritating. Hexane-free castor oil is gentler on skin and better for topical use.

If you’re using castor oil for your skin, it’s best to:

• Do a patch test first. Apply a small amount of castor oil to your inner forearm. After 24 hours, check to see if you have a skin reaction like redness or itching. If you do, you should avoid using castor oil.

• Use sparingly. Warm a small amount of castor oil between your fingers, then gently apply it to the skin, either directly or on top of your serum or moisturizer.

• Consider mixing it with a lighter oil. If castor oil feels too heavy on its own, blend it with a few drops of jojoba oil or squalene to make it lighter and easier to spread.

• Avoid use with active ingredients. Avoid layering castor oil on top of products that contain active ingredients. Examples include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), and retinoids. Occlusives like castor oil can trap these active ingredients on your skin. This can cause irritation.

• Use it at night: Since castor oil can feel greasy, it’s a good idea to use it at night. You can use it every night or a few times a week, depending on how your skin feels.

For many people, castor oil works best on specific dry patches or inflamed areas, not all over. If castor oil feels thick or heavy for you, you can use it as a spot treatment.

What is the disadvantage of castor oil on skin?

Castor oil isn’t a fit for everyone. Before adding castor oil to your skin care routine, consider that it can:

• Lead to clogged pores: By clogging pores, castor oil can lead to breakouts. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may want to avoid castor oil. 

• Cause irritation: Some people are sensitive to the ricinoleic acid in castor oil. It can cause redness, itching, or stinging. Plus, the thick texture can trap heat and sweat, which can also irritate skin. If you’re sensitive to plant oils, you may want to avoid castor oil.

• Be messy: Castor oil sits on the skin, rather than absorbing quickly. So it can easily transfer to clothing or pillowcases. 

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Written by:

Lindsay Boyers, CHNC

Lindsay Boyers, CHNC, is a functional nutritionist, licensed esthetician, writer, and editor with over a decade of experience in evidence-based health, wellness, and skincare writing.

Edited by:

Meredith Hoffa

Meredith Hoffa is a senior health editor at GoodRx, where she leads journalists and clinicians covering various well-being topics, particularly in diet and nutrition.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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