What’s better than a natural serum for glowing and youthful skin? In a world where the skincare shelves are lined with laboratory-prepared chemicals, turning to natural remedies is a brilliant idea. These organic cures offer a gentler and more effective alternative. One such timeless example is the ‘Castor Oil.’ Castor oil is a natural pale-yellow elixir extracted from the ripe castor beans of the Ricinus plant.
Due to its origin, castor oil is also known as Ricinus oil, and owing to its cosmetic benefits, it is well-known as the magical skin elixir. However, many of you may be unsure whether to apply this serum to your face. Well, it's a straight YES. Though castor oil can irritate some, it's true, tried, and tested that you can safely apply castor oil to your face. But what's more important is to learn “How to Use Castor Oil on Face?” Scroll down to learn the secret castor oil recipes for glowing skin.
Can You Apply Castor Oil Directly on Your Face?
Pure castor oil is exceptionally thick and sticky, so applying it directly to the face is much more challenging. The best and most effective way is to dilute it with other oils. This method not only makes this elixir easy to apply but also enhances its therapeutic benefits. So now that you know the safety of castor oil application, learn how castor oil works to enhance the beauty of your face.
The Science Behind Castor Oil Magic
Castor oil, also known as Ricinus oil, is rich in ricinoleic acid, about 92+% and several other essential constituents, such as omega fatty acids, linoleic acid, oleic acid, antioxidants, vitamin E, phenolic acids, amino acids, and phytosterols. Ricinoleic acid, the primary active principal, is a potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and humectant.
Anti-inflammatory Effect
Ricinoleic acid inhibits cycloxygenase enzymes involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are crucial in mediating the inflammatory cascade, so their inhibition reduces inflammation. Therefore, it's the best natural elixir for reducing puffiness in your face.
Antioxidant
Ricinoleic acid, vitamin E, and other tocopherols are excellent antioxidants. These constituents neutralize free radicals in the skin, which causes oxidative stress, aging marks, wrinkles, and inflammation on your face.
Humectant
Ricinoleic acid is also a powerful humectant. Humectants are substances that attract and retain moisture. It means castor oil is a natural moisturizer that you can safely apply to your face to make your skin super hydrated and glowing.
How to Use Castor Oil on the Face?
Follow this 5-step method to get flawless skin and a bright face.
- Take the finest-quality, organic, cold-pressed castor oil. Ensure it is free from parabens, GMOs, and BPA. Pour one teaspoon of castor oil into a bowl and dilute it with other carrier oils, such as almond, grapeseed, avocado, olive, jojoba, argan, or coconut, in the same ratio (1:1).
- If you live in colder areas, warm this DIY skin potion in a microwave for better absorption into the skin. Nevertheless, you can also warm it between your palms before application.
- Take some oily mixture into your hand and rub it against your palms; once it becomes liquid, massage it gently on your face in a circular motion. Pay attention to the areas where you have dark spots, wrinkles, or dry patches. Train yourself through YouTube to do the best facial massage, as it will help drain lymph and reduce puffiness from your face in a matter of minutes.
- Leave the oils on your face for at least 20 minutes. You can do this facial massage every morning as part of your skincare routine, particularly if your face gets puffy after waking up. You can also apply this skin potion to your face when doing Gua sha, which is the best method to lighten and tighten your skin naturally.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply a moisturizer. If you have dry skin, leave this face pack overnight (but learn ‘how to apply castor oil on face overnight’) and wash it the following day. However, take a skin sensitivity test before applying castor oil to your face, as it may irritate your skin.
Benefits of Castor Oil on the Face
What does castor oil do for the face? Here's a list of benefits of castor oil on the face. Note my interesting castor oil recipes for each facial problem.
Castor Oil for Wrinkles
Wrinkles generally form due to a lack of fats and collagen in the deep tissues, resulting from dehydration and exposure to the sun. Therefore, increasing hydration, collagen production, and nourishment to the skin may significantly delay this aging process. Since castor oil exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it is excellent for reducing the appearance of wrinkles on your face. But how to use it? Note down my secret recipe below.
How to Apply Castor Oil on Face for Wrinkles?
Gather Supplies:
2 tablespoons of cold-pressed castor oil
1 tablespoon of cold-pressed jojoba oil (vitamin E and other antioxidants)
1 tablespoon of rosehip oil (vitamins A and C in rosehip seed oil help boost collagen production and improve elasticity)
4-5 drops of organic vitamin E oil
Follow these Steps:
- Mix all the ingredients and pour them into an amber glass bottle.
- Pour some of it on your palm and rub to make it warm.
- Apply it on your face and gently massage it in an upward and circular motion.
- Focus on the areas prone to wrinkle formation, e.g., around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.
- Leave the elixir for 20-30 minutes, and then wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply your moisturizer and stay hydrated.
Castor Oil for Acne
Some people say that castor oil flares up acne and pimples. But this isn't true because castor oil has a low comedogenic score, making it less likely to clog your pores and cause breakouts. However, if you have oily skin, you should not use any oily product on your face; apply only water-based products for cleansing and hydration.
How to Apply Castor Oil on Face for Acne?
Gather Supplies:
2 tablespoons of cold-pressed castor oil
2 tablespoons of cold-pressed jojoba oil
2-3 drops of tea tree oil
1 teaspoon of organic aloe vera gel
Follow these Steps:
- Mix all the ingredients and pour them into a glass jar.
- Apply it on your face and gently massage.
- Leave it for 20 minutes, then wash your face and apply an ice pack to close your pores to end this short treatment.
- Apply a water-based moisturizer to prevent oil accumulation on your face.
Castor Oil for Sunburn
Scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of castor oil for sunburn is limited. Yet many claim castor oil can decrease the inflammation and pain associated with sunburns. Simply mix some castor oil with aloe vera gel and apply it to your face overnight. Do not use castor oil for sunburn if you are allergic to ricinoleic acid, or it will aggravate redness on your face.
Castor Oil for Chapped Lips
Castor oil is a great humectant and emollient. It has extraordinary hydrating and moisturizing properties, which are excellent for chapped and dark lips. Follow my secret recipe to make yourself a perfect castor oil lip balm.
How to Use Castor Oil for Chapped Lips?
Gather Supplies:
1 tablespoons of cold-pressed castor oil
1 tablespoon of shea butter
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
1 teaspoon of organic beeswax
2-3 drops of organic essential oil (lavender, peppermint, or vanilla)
Follow these Steps:
- Melt beeswax and shea butter in a heat-safe bowl using a double boiler method.
- Then, add the oils to the above mixture and stir vigorously until hom*ogenous (mix in one direction, either clockwise or anticlockwise, to make a smooth paste).
- Cool the mixture, then add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Gently stir and pour it into a lip balm container. Refrigerate until solidified.
- Apply several times a day to heal your chapped and cracked lips.
Castor Oil for Facial Puffiness
Ricinoleic acid, a potent anti-inflammatory, makes castor oil the best natural serum to reduce puffiness on the face. Many women experience swollen faces and eyes after waking up every morning; castor oil is a great savior for them. Follow my ‘depuffing facial serum’ recipe below.
How to Put Castor Oil on Face to Reduce Puffiness?
Gather Supplies:
1 tablespoon of cold-pressed castor oil
1 tablespoon of cucumber seed oil
1 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel
2-3 drops of lavender essential oil (it will help soothe inflammation)
Follow these Steps:
- Mix oils in a bowl and add aloe vera gel. Stir vigorously until hom*ogenous. If you use fresh aloe vera, cut it into cubes and blend them with the oils in a blender.
- Add the calming lavender essential oil and apply it to your face. It's best to use this serum when cool and massage it with a Gua sha.
- Another way is to slightly warm the serum and massage it for a few minutes for better absorption. You can then use a frozen Gua sha tool to drain your lymph, reduce puffiness, stimulate blood flow and collagen production, and relax your face.
Castor Oil for Dark Spots
Though castor oil does not have bleaching properties, its antioxidant and emollient properties may lighten dark spots or hyperpigmentation over time. Here's my secret recipe to bid farewell to uneven skin tones.
How to Use Castor Oil for Dark Spots on Face?
Gather Supplies:
1 tablespoon cold-pressed castor oil
1 tablespoon cold-pressed jojoba oil
1 tablespoon organic rosehip seed oil
2-3 drops of lemon essential oil
2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil
Follow these Steps:
- Combine all the oils in a bowl. Then, add essential oils and give a gentle mix.
- Apply it to your face and massage it lightly. For the best results, leave this serum overnight. Nevertheless, 20 minutes is a good and safe start for a new facial product.
Castor Oil for Glowing Face
Due to its natural goodness and therapeutic properties, castor oil can make your face glow like a radiant star. Try my glow-on-the-go serum recipe.
How to Use Castor Oil for Glowing Face?
Gather Supplies:
1 tablespoon cold-pressed castor oil
1 tablespoon argan oil
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
3-4 drops of vitamin E oil
Follow these Steps:
- Combine all ingredients and give a gentle mix. Apply it on your face every morning and night as a part of your skincare routine. Apply for at least 20 minutes or overnight. Use it regularly for the best and instant glowing results.
Castor Oil for Beard Growth
Several scientific studies have demonstrated that castor oil does not increase hair growth on the scalp, but that's not the whole truth. Castor oil does facilitate hair growth in certain body areas, such as the beard and eyelashes. But how? Well, there are two simple mechanisms to know: ‘How does castor oil increase beard growth?’
Firstly, castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which potentially inhibits PGD2 receptors meant to shrink hair follicles. Inhibition of these receptors opens the hair follicles and facilitates the supply of ample oxygen and nutrients required for hair growth. Secondly, since ricinoleic acid is an excellent antimicrobial, it prevents the attack of microbes on the hair follicles and avoids clogging the pores. No bacteria, no debris, more oxygen, and nutrients help the beard and eyelashes grow faster. Follow my secret ‘hair potion’ recipe.
How to Apply Castor Oil to Face for Beard Growth?
Gather Supplies:
2 tablespoons cold-pressed castor oil or Jamaican black castor oil
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
3-4 drops of peppermint essential oil
3-4 drops of rosemary essential oil
Follow these Steps:
Combine all ingredients and store your DIY hair potion in an amber-colored glass bottle or jar.
Pour some of it on your palm and gently massage on your beard. You can also use a bamboo brush or a massager to accelerate blood circulation and absorption of the serum into the hair follicles. Use every time after you bathe and apply overnight for the best results.
Potential Side Effects of Castor Oil on Face
Castor oil may cause allergic reactions in some people, particularly those with dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis. This is because of the rich constitution of ricinoleic acid, a potent irritant. It may also cause a rash even if you don't have any skin conditions but have sensitive skin. Therefore, it is crucial to do a patch test before using this skin elixir directly on your body. Consulting a dermatologist is also recommended to avoid any interactions and reactions.
FAQs
How Long to Leave Castor Oil on Face?
It's best to apply castor oil on your face for at least 20 minutes and gently massage in a circular motion. It will help drain your lymph, reduce puffiness, and accelerate blood circulation to your face, leaving a perfect glow and healthy-looking skin. Moreover, if you have normal, combination, dry, or sensitive skin, you can leave the oil on your face overnight and wash it the following day for magical results. People with sensitive skin should take a skin sensitivity test against castor oil before application. However, avoid applying castor oil overnight if you have oily skin, or you will end up with breakouts.
Does Castor Oil Whiten Skin?
Castor oil may help reduce the appearance of dark spots, acne marks, or hyperpigmentation on your face over time. It's because of the oils' antioxidant and emollient properties that help improve your skin tone, making it clearer and brighter. Indeed, it is a perfect elixir for brown girls. But, it does not have bleaching properties to whiten your skin tone or change your natural complexion.
Does Castor Oil Increase Facial Hair?
No, castor oil does not impact hair growth on your face or any other body part. There is no scientific evidence supporting this claim either. However, some naturopaths recommend this elixir to improve beard growth. The possible scientific theory behind this could be the ability of castor oil to protect hair follicles from damage or microbial attack due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Castor oil is also rich in fatty acids, triglycerides, vitamin E, and proteins that help hair follicles fortify and nourish, indirectly improving beard volume and texture.
Can Castor Oil Remove Dark Spots?
Yes, castor oil is the best natural elixir for lightening dark spots, age spots, scars, acne marks, and freckles. It's because the oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce pigmentation and grow new and healthy skin cells. Castor oil also contains antioxidants that fight against free radicals and make your skin clearer, healthier, and brighter.
Does Castor Oil Tighten Skin?
No, castor oil does not tighten your skin but may improve its texture, fade age spots, and enhance its glow, which is why you feel younger and brighter.
Can Castor Oil Make Your Skin Darker?
Castor oil does not affect your skin’s natural pigmentation. Though the oil is rich in tocopherols and omega fatty acids, it cannot lighten or darken your skin. However, castor oil can help clear your skin, fade dark spots, reduce puffiness, and glow up your face.
How to Use Castor Oil on Face Overnight?
Castor oil is very thick and sticky, so you can apply it to your face by diluting it with other plant oils such as argan, jojoba, coconut, almond, or grapeseed. When choosing such oils, consider their benefits for the skin; for example, tea tree oil can help fight acne, and argan oil can rejuvenate the skin.
To apply: Gently cleanse your face and apply the castor oil mixture. If you have dry to normal skin, leave the oily mixture as it is overnight. Nevertheless, if you have ‘combination’ or ‘oily’ skin, pat dry your face with a soft tissue after 5-10 minutes of application. Moreover, avoid applying castor oil directly to your face overnight, mainly if you are allergic to it and develop a rash.
Outlook
Castor oil is a magical skin elixir that you can safely apply on your face with a cotton ball or a face pack. But since this natural oil is very thick and sticky, you must dilute it with other essential oils. The choice of the other oils will depend on your skin's concern. For example, if you wish to fight acne, incorporate tea tree oil, or if you want to boost the youthfulness of your face, add a few drops of argan oil into your elixir. You can try a variety of face packs made with castor oil to manage a particular condition (as described above).
Apply it for either 20 minutes regularly or overnight thrice a week for magical results. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, vitamin E, other tocopherols, antioxidants, proteins, omega fatty acids, and triglycerides. These essential constituents collectively serve as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and emollient to exert actions, such as reducing facial puffiness, fading scars and dark spots, and improving blood circulation. All such properties make castor oil a powerful skin potion. Regular use gives you clear, bright, healthy, and younger-looking skin.
