Castor oil (cold-pressed, organic)

Castor oil, cold-pressed, organic

Our cold-pressed, organic Castor oil is a thick oil that cleanses, moisturises and protects the skin. It is absorbed slowly but deeply. For everyday skincare and haircare it is best incorporated into balms, cleansing lotions and gels, hair and beard oils, massage oils, soaps, shampoo and other thick emulsions. It is particularly suited for dry skin, mature skin and acne. It can also help strengthen brittle nails and promote growth of eyebrows and eyelashes.

And the benefits of Castor oil do not stop there!

​It is also effective when applied as a compress for relieving the pain of arthritis and sore muscles, for reducing stretch marks, fine lines and wrinkles, for reducing swelling and inflammation, assisting the detox function of the lymphatic system, increasing local blood circulation and healing wounds. ​See our tip below for how to make a Castor oil compress.

Ricinoleic acid: 

Many of these benefits are attributable to the high levels of ricinoleic acid in Castor oil (often as much as 90%). Ricinoleic acid is an omega-9 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and moisturizing properties. Castor oil is also rich in vitamins E and A, and zinc all of which also protect and nourish skin and hair.

Ingredients & origin: 

100% pure and natural cold pressed, organic Ricinus communis (Castor) seed oil. Free from solvents, additives and preservatives

The Castor plant is native to lands around the south-east Mediterranean, east Africa and India. Our organic Castor oil comes via a cooperative of small farms in India which ensures good working conditions and a fair trade for the farmers. Our supplier further supports the farmers and their families by funding various projects in their villages. These include education on sustainable farming practices and the harnessing solar power. The solar power is also used to for electric fences to protect the castor crops from wild antelope. 

How to use:

a) As an ingredient in skincare products. Castor oil is not soluble in water so it must be used in the oil phase during production of creams, lotions, gels. In products not containing water, hydrolates or aromatic waters, Castor oil can be added up to 100%.

b) As an ingredient in massage oil. Because Castor is a thick oil that does not glide easily over skin, we recommend that it is blended (up to 15%) with thinner carrier oils such as Almond, Apricot, Jojoba, Safflower.

c) For hair care. Place some Castor oil on your fingers and work into the scalp and hair roots. Avoid getting too much oil on the hair itself as it will be difficult to rinse off. 

d) As a compress. See tip below.

Tip - How to make your own Castor oil compress:

The preparation and use of external castor oil compresses does require patience and perseverance. It may be necessary to apply the fresh compresses regularly to the affected areas for a few weeks or even months if necessary. The following method is for abdominal application, but it can be adapted for other parts of the body.

1. Place a large sheet of plastic (e.g. a bag used to line a dustbin) on a table.
2. Soak a large cotton pad (e.g. a baby nappy) in a bowl of castor oil. Gently wring out the nappy and place it on the plastic.
3. Soak a second pad or nappy, wring it out and place it on top of the first pad or nappy.
4. Cover with two other layers of plastic (such as cling film for covering food).
5. Lift the pad off the bottom layer of plastic and place it over your belly so that the bottom pad or nappy is against your skin.
6. Place a hot water bottle on top of the pack, but make sure it is not too hot or heavy.
7. Finally, cover the entire backpack and water bottle with a thick towel that you wrap around your body and secure with safety pins.
8. If possible, let the pack sit for at least 2 hours for 3 consecutive days.
9. For the next three days, spend 10 or 15 minutes once a day massaging the area with an oil such as almond warmed in a bain marie to body temperature.

Castor oil compresses may not be suitable for your condition. We recommend that you consult a doctor or other qualified health practitioner if you have any doubts. 

Precautions:

Castor oil is a potent laxative when taken internally. It is thought to work by stimulating contractions of the muscles of the intestines. We do not advise taking Castor oil internally. Too much can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Castor oil should never be used either internally or externally during pregnancy, as it will stimulate uterine contractions. In fact in some cultures midwives use castor oil to induce labour at the right time!

If you have sensitive skin we advise you to carry out a sensitivity (patch) test on a small area of skin before using Castor oil more liberally.

Options & technical information: 

Available in 250ml, 500ml, 1ltr and 5 ltr. Larger units available on request. See technical info on separate tab on this page.

Castor oil cold pressed, organic:

Castor oil - technical information

Scientific name: Ricinus communis seed oil.    Botanical family: Euphorbiaceae     Synonyms: -

Provenance: India    Cultivation: organic    Parts used: seeds    Method of extraction: cold-pressed    Average shelf life: 2-3 years 

International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) name: Ricinus communis seed oil

Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number: 8001-79-4    European Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances (EINECS) number: 232-293-8

Composition: 100% pure and natural. No preservative or other additives. The oil has not been irradiated or refined.

ISO16128 Natural Index statement: Natural index 1; Natural content 100%;  Natural origin index 1;  Natural origin content 100%

Castor seed oil - typical fatty acid profile %:

C16:0 Palmitic acid  <2.0
C18.0 Stearic acid    <2.5
C18.1 Oleic acid      <4.0-6.0  (omega 9)
C18.1 Ricinoleic acid  85-95  (omega 9)
C18.2 Linoleic acid <1.0-7.0 (omega 3)
C18.3 Linolenic acid <1.0

Technical documents are supplied on request after purchase of the product. 

Any questions? 

We are always happy to answer questions about our products. Please contact us direct via the email contact form on the Contact Us page.