Best Organic Castor Oil (Products Listed Below)

Organic castor oil is one of those must-have products because of its affordability despite its versatility. In 2012, a group of researchers from Pakistan’s COMSATS Institute of Information Technology released the results of their study about the castor bean’s antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Apparently, the castor bean’s antioxidant and free-radical scavenging abilities rival that of synthetic antioxidants. That’s why it offers a host of health and beauty benefits, especially when applied topically on the skin.

Apart from providing intensive moisturization, castor oil helps soothe irritated or itchy skin, fight acne, cure fungal infections, lighten scars, and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But to gain any of those benefits, you need to know how to use it properly and how to identify high-quality products. Then, consider some of the most popular and top-rated organic castor oils in the market today.

Contents

Best Organic Castor Oil (Products Listed Below)

Top Uses of Castor Oil for the Skin

For moisture. Apply castor oil all over the face. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight, if possible. Then, wash off with warm water.
For cleansing. Castor oil can remove excess oils, makeup residue, and dirt. Apply it over your face and massage in circular motions for approximately 2 minutes. Then, wipe it off with a warm washcloth.
For acne. Applying oil on acne might seem counterproductive, but castor oil’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the redness and swelling caused by pimples. It also has anti-microbial effects, which help treat breakouts. For this purpose, use it as a spot treatment.
For fungus. Though research on castor oil’s antifungal properties has mostly been related to dental care, it has long been used as a home remedy for a variety of fungal infections. Simply apply it daily onto the affected area and its surrounding skin until the signs of fungus disappear.
For itching. Castor oil soothes the skin and relieves it from itching because of its anti-inflammatory effects and also because it addresses dryness. It also offers relief from pain and itching from insect bites.
For chapped lips. Castor oil is a common ingredient in commercial lip balms and can be used on its own for windburned, chapped, or dry lips.
For sunburn. It’s anti-inflammatory effects and soothing properties also make it an excellent healing balm for sunburn.
For scar lightening. Apply castor oil liberally and religiously over your scar, and you’ll notice that it lightens over time. It also helps to apply it after a hot shower, and following a gentle exfoliation routine.
For eye bags. Castor oil is perfect for reducing puffiness and providing intense moisture. So, applying it under your eyes will help reverse eye bags and possibly even dark circles.
For anti-aging. Thanks to its deep moisturization, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties, it is commonly used to reverse the signs of skin aging.

Types of Castor Oil

All castor oil is extracted from castor beans. But, the differences in cultivars, climate, and extraction methods have led to a variety of types. All of which offer their own unique benefits. Generally, all castor oil can be categorized into four different types:

1) Jamaican Black Castor Oil

As its name suggests, this was a method of extraction made popular in Jamaica. Castor beans are roasted prior to extraction, giving it its distinctly darker appearance. This process leads to higher pH levels and, therefore, better purifying effects.

2) Hydrogenated Castor Oil

The addition of hydrogen to castor oil leads to a more solid version of the oil. In cosmetics, this is commonly used as a thickener. However, this is most frequently used for non-cosmetic commercial products like crayons and candles.

3) Chemical Extracted Castor Oil

The fastest and most inexpensive way to extract oil from castor beans is through solvents like hexane and heptane. However, chemical impurities lead to a lower-quality product. For cosmetic applications and for internal use, it’s best to avoid this type.

4) Cold Pressed Castor Oil

Cold pressing, or extraction without the use of heat, results in a usable oil that’s closest to its natural state. As such, it is most potent when it comes to healing and soothing. These are available in refined and unrefined versions.

How to Choose the Best Castor Oil

Finding a high-quality castor oil mainly involves taking the time to scrutinize the labels. For skin applications, make sure you go for cold-pressed variants to gain the most benefits. Additionally, use only products that are certified organic. Non-organic castor oil may have traces of harsh chemicals used for cultivation. Lastly, try to select an unrefined castor oil. This might be tricky because not all labels state whether or not the contents are refined, but if you find one that explicitly states it is unrefined, that might be a good choice.

Best Organic Castor Oil Brands

Here are some of the best-rated organic castor oils that should give you maximum benefits and excellent value for money:

1) Sky Organics – Organic Castor Oil