Why Castor Oil is a Skincare Miracle for Rosacea, Dry Skin, Acne, and More

The Science of Castor Oil in Skincare

Castor oil is a popular ingredient in many skincare products that treat rosacea. But what exactly is castor oil? And what benefits does it have for the skin?

In this blog post, we explore the composition and properties of castor oil that make it an effective ingredient for dry, sensitive, oily, aging, rosacea, and acne-prone skin.

We also outline proper application and possible risks. Read on to learn more about how to harness the power of castor oil for skin care based on your individual skin type.

What is castor oil?

Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the castor plant, Ricinus communis L., which belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. (3) Castor is native to tropical regions such as China, India, and Brazil.

Castor oil is used commercially for a variety of industrial purposes, such as lubricating aircraft engines and producing dyes, detergents, and paints. (3)

In skin care, castor oil is used to soothe sensitive skin due to its beneficial skin lipids and phenolic antioxidants. (3)

What is castor oil made of?

The main component of castor oil is the triglyceride fatty acid ricinoleic acid, which accounts for nearly 90% of castor oil.

Ricinoleic acid is unique in that it is a hydroxy fatty acid produced by chemically modifying oleic acid. (5)

Other fatty acids found in smaller amounts in castor oil are linoleic acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. (2)

Linoleic acid and linolenic acid have anti-inflammatory properties and can moisturize the skin. The oil also contains antioxidants such as vitamin E, carotenoids, phospholipids, and beta-sitosterol.

What is ricinoleic acid?

Ricinoleic acid is an 18-carbon monounsaturated fatty acid with a structure similar to oleic acid, but with an additional hydroxyl group.

This structure gives ricinoleic acid the ability to break down fat. (It is an emulsifier.) (5)

Ricinoleic acid also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Its effects are similar to capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers.

Unlike capsaicin, however, ricinoleic acid does not cause any initial stinging or burning sensation. (6) Repeated application of ricinoleic acid over several days can reduce inflammation and swelling.

Benefits of Castor Oil in Skin Care

The ingredients in castor oil offer a variety of benefits that make it suitable for different skin types and conditions:

Ricinoleic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritation and redness. (4, 6, 7)

Ricinoleic acid can relieve minor pain. (4, 6)

Castor oil has antibacterial properties that can fight acne-causing bacteria. (8)

Fatty acids nourish and moisturize the skin barrier. (2)

Vitamin E and other antioxidants protect against damage caused by free radicals. (3)

Castor oil can help treat skin problems such as hyperpigmentation. (2)

Eye creams can be used to treat blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids). (1)

Here are some of my favorite castor oil products:

Side Effects of Castor Oil

Castor oil is generally safe for topical use. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) gave castor oil a safety rating of 2 – an excellent result.

Pregnant women should avoid taking castor oil without a doctor’s advice, as it may trigger labor. (10)

When applying castor oil, only use a small amount, as excessive amounts can leave it feeling greasy. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Skin Conditions Castor Oil Can Treat

Castor Oil for Rosacea

Castor oil is primarily composed of ricinoleic acid, which is commonly used to treat rosacea due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Ricinoleic acid is an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory properties, soothing irritated skin and reducing facial redness and flushing.

For this reason, castor oil is a popular natural remedy for rosacea.

The anti-inflammatory effects of ricinoleic acid are crucial in rosacea treatment, as it can significantly reduce the characteristic redness, facial flushing, and inflammation associated with the condition.

Castor oil for rosacea can relieve the visible symptoms of the condition and offer a natural and gentle treatment option for anyone seeking relief from this chronic and often painful skin condition.

Castor Oil for Dry Skin

The hydrating and fast-acting fatty acids in castor oil make it an excellent moisturizer for dry skin. Ricinoleic acid has a soothing effect on flaky, irritated skin.

Castor oil has a thick texture and forms an occlusive barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss.

Castor oil is found in moisturizing serums, creams, oils, and masks to combat dryness. You can also apply a thin layer of pure, cold-pressed castor oil to dry areas overnight.

Focus on dry areas such as the hands, heels, elbows, and chapped skin.

Castor Oil for Oily Skin

Although castor oil has a greasy texture, it can benefit oily and acne-prone skin when used properly. Castor oil’s antibacterial properties can eliminate acne-causing bacteria on the skin. (8) Ricinoleic acid helps reduce the inflammation that leads to breakouts.

If acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are causing dry skin, a moisturizer with castor oil can improve hydration without clogging pores.

Oily skin should use a cleansing oil with castor oil to remove makeup and dirt while retaining moisture.

Here are some of my favorite castor oil products for oily skin:

Castor Oil for Aging Skin

Castor oil contains fatty acids and vitamin E that nourish aging skin and combat dry skin common during menopause.

The antioxidants in castor oil also protect mature skin from wrinkle-causing free radicals that accumulate with age.

For sun spots and uneven skin tone, applying castor oil to areas of pigmentation can reduce discoloration due to its ability to inhibit melanin production.

Here are some of my favorite anti-aging castor oil products:

Castor Oil for Acne

When used in moderation, castor oil can help acne-prone skin. Castor oil’s antibacterial properties make it a great addition to acne cleansers.

(8) Ricinoleic acid can reduce inflammation that leads to breakouts.

When using castor oil to treat acne, don’t use pure castor oil, as its thick consistency can clog pores.

While castor oil can be safely used as one of many ingredients to treat acne-prone skin, the palmitic acid it contains may pose a comedogenic risk.

Check to see if your skin can tolerate castor oil before applying it all over your face.

Here are my favorite castor oil products for acne-prone skin:

Castor Oil Anti-Inflammatory

One of the main benefits of castor oil is its anti-inflammatory properties. Ricinoleic acid soothes irritation and swelling caused by contact.

Using castor oil can help soothe inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Castor oil can also help relieve the pain of sunburns, thanks to the analgesic effects of ricinoleic acid. Castor oil can also be added to soothing aloe vera gel to soothe sunburns.

Here are my favorite castor oil anti-inflammatory products:

Final Thoughts

Castor oil has many benefits for the skin due to its nourishing fatty acids, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties.

Ricinoleic acid can relieve inflammation, which is the root cause of many skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and sunburn.

Castor oil provides deep moisturization for dry skin and ensures that oily, acne-prone skin maintains balanced moisture levels.

When shopping for skincare products, look for castor oil in the ingredient list to meet your individual skin needs.

Castor oil is suitable for all skin types and can improve skin care all year round. Let us know your experiences with castor oil in the comments!

Take the Bowman Skin Type Test today to see if castor oil is right for you!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected