Castor oil is obtained from the seed of the castor plant, a shrub that grows in tropical countries such as Madagascar. Depending on how it is extracted, castor oil can be used in cosmetics, as it is or as an ingredient in products, but also as a natural remedy for certain ailments.
In view of its properties, this oil is recommended for hair and skin care. It can also be useful for nail, eyelash and eyebrow care.
What are the cosmetic benefits of castor oil?
Answers.
What are the characteristics of castor oil?
Castor oil is a highly sticky liquid with a yellow color that may vary in hue. Very sticky to the touch, this oil also has a distinctive smell that can be very strong.
Castor oil contains many fatty acids, including 88% ricinoleic acid. Its rich fatty acid content also includes omegas 9, 6 and 3.
This vegetable oil has a comedogenicity index of 1, which means that it is not very comedogenic for the skin. This is also the case for Tsara nourishing castor oil, which is suitable for both skin and hair care. It can even be applied to the face.
Lastly, castor oil is highly resistant to oxidation and high temperatures. As a result, castor oil can be heated if necessary and stored for long periods.
Why use castor oil as a skincare product?
Castor oil has many cosmetic virtues, including soothing, softening and repairing properties. This is due to its high omega-9 fatty acid content. On the skin, castor oil soothes dryness and irritation. It also helps reduce brown spots on the face and hands.
The omega-6 contained in the acid has a nutritive function, which has a positive impact on the formation of keratin, a component of nails and hair.
Thanks to the antifungal and antibacterial properties of ricinoleic acid, castor oil also has a purifying action, particularly on the scalp.
Finally, it contains vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. It protects hair against external aggression and promotes scalp microcirculation.
How to use castor oil?
Castor oil is indicated for the care of dry skin prone to imperfections such as brown spots. It reinforces the hydrolipic film of the epidermis and soothes irritation on dry skin, accelerating the healing process.
To use castor oil on the skin, we recommend diluting it 50% in another more fluid vegetable oil such as argan oil, shea oil or sesame oil.
It can also be used to treat brittle, dull and damaged hair. Its application strengthens the hair fiber and, above all, stimulates hair growth. As for the skin, castor oil can be used in synergy with other plant oils (avocado, shea, coconut, argan, etc.), in a bath before shampooing. It can also be mixed with lavender or ylang-ylang essential oils to deeply nourish very dry hair.
Castor oil can even be used to grow and maintain beards. It strengthens and softens hairs, and adds density to hair thanks to its stimulating action on keratin.
Insofar as castor oil provides the nutrients needed for hair regrowth, it is equally beneficial for eyelashes and eyebrows. Applying castor oil to these areas every night before bed helps them grow denser and faster. To distribute the oil more evenly, use a cotton bud or mascara brush. However, be careful not to get oil in your eyes.
Castor oil can also be used to treat brittle nails. Simply apply it directly to the nails and massage for a few minutes until it is completely absorbed. This treatment should be carried out 2 to 3 times a week for optimum efficiency.