Castor Oil
A thick, glossy seed oil that helps cleansing balms dissolve makeup and gives lip care its cushion and shine.
Ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, castor seed oil, ricinus oil
Dry & dehydrated skin
What it does
A common ingredient in skincare products, castor oil is a thick, glossy oil pressed from the seeds of the castor plant. It helps cleansing oils and balms dissolve makeup and excess oil, and gives lip products their cushion and shine. It is often found in soaps, shampoos and topical creams.
How it works
A wonderful binding agent, castor oil can hold many different ingredients together to create easy to use formulations. It is also an emollient, with the oil known for helping soften skin and hold on to moisture. Around 90% of castor oil is ricinoleic acid, an unusual fatty acid that gives the oil its thick, glossy texture.
MG says
Castor oil is the first ingredient in Auteur Definitive Lip Renewal Treatment, which I’ve not been without since it launched: it instantly comforts and nourishes the lips. You’ll also find it in Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm, which lifts even waterproof makeup and sunscreen.
Cautions
Castor oil is generally well tolerated, but it can occasionally cause irritation or an allergic reaction, so patch test first. There’s no good evidence that it helps brows or lashes grow, and neat oil should be kept out of the eyes.
