What to do with castor oil?

Imed Bourogaa
2026-04-02T23:09:51-03:00

Castor oil is a vegetable oil long known for its uses in skin, hair, nail, and scalp care. It is obtained from castor beans and is distinguished by its thick texture and its richness in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid often associated with its emollient properties.

Today, many people ask: What can I do with castor oil? The answer largely depends on the desired objective. Some use it to moisturize dry areas, others to nourish hair, or as a massage oil. It is a versatile product, but it is also important to understand its limitations and use it correctly.

1) To moisturize dry areas

Castor oil can be used on certain areas of the body that tend to become dry, such as the elbows, knees, hands, or heels. Its rich texture helps form a protective layer on the skin and reduce the feeling of tightness.

It is often appreciated in simple skincare routines, especially when looking for a natural product to apply in small quantities. As it is very thick, it is often preferable to mix it with a more fluid oil, such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, or coconut oil.

2) For hair

One of the most popular uses of castor oil is for dry, brittle, or dull hair. Many people apply it to the lengths or scalp to provide a feeling of nourishment and suppleness.

It can be useful in a hair care routine to:

nourish dry ends,

soften hair fibers,

give hair a shinier appearance,

temporarily protect lengths.

As it is very dense, it is best to use it in moderation. A small amount is often enough. It can also be mixed with another oil to facilitate application and rinsing.

3) For eyebrows and eyelashes

Some people use castor oil on their eyebrows or sometimes on their eyelashes in the hope of improving their appearance. In this case, caution should be exercised to avoid contact with the eyes.

It should not be considered a miracle solution, but rather a cosmetic treatment that can help nourish hairs and make them more supple. Application should remain very light and clean.

4) For nails and cuticles

Castor oil is also practical for brittle nails and dry cuticles. It can be applied in small quantities to soften the nail contours and make hands look more groomed.

It's a good option for people who want to care for their hands with a natural product, especially in winter or after frequent washing.

5) For massage

Thanks to its thick texture, castor oil can be used for certain local massages. It glides less quickly than other oils, which can be sought after in certain body treatments. Here again, many people prefer to dilute it with a lighter oil.

6) What to know before using it

Even though castor oil is well-known and widely used, it is not suitable for all situations.

Here are some important precautions:

perform a patch test on a small skin area before use,

avoid contact with eyes,

do not apply to irritated or broken skin,

use in small quantities, as it is very thick,

consult a health professional before any internal use.

How to use castor oil correctly?

The best way to use castor oil depends on the targeted area. For external care, the idea is often to apply it in small quantities, alone or mixed with another oil, then gently massage.

For hair, it can be applied to the ends or as a mask before washing. For skin, it is mainly used on dry areas. For nails, one drop is usually enough.

In summary

Castor oil is mainly interesting for:

moisturizing dry areas,

nourishing hair,

maintaining nails and cuticles,

serving in certain massages,

complementing a natural skincare routine.

It is a versatile, but thick, powerful oil to be used discerningly. It is useful for external cosmetic care, provided it is used simply, moderately, and carefully.

If you are considering incorporating it into your beauty routine, remember this above all: castor oil is not magic, but when used correctly, it can become a very good natural ally.