Castor oil: does it really work?

Imed Bourogaa
2026-03-30T21:21:07-03:00

Castor oil is today one of the most sought-after natural products for hair, skin, eyelash, and overall wellness care.

Many people ask themselves:
👉 “Does castor oil really work?”

The answer is yes… but it depends on the usage, regularity, and your body's needs.

Used correctly, it can provide visible results, especially for hydrating, nourishing, and improving the appearance of hair and skin.

🌱 What are the benefits of castor oil?

Castor oil is known for its properties:

Moisturizing

Nourishing

Protective

Strengthening

It is particularly used in natural care routines to improve:

Skin texture

Hair health

Appearance of eyelashes and eyebrows

💆 Where to apply castor oil on the body?

Here are the most popular areas 👇

🧠 1. The scalp

Castor oil is often used in scalp massage to:

Nourish the roots

Reduce dryness

Promote stronger hair

💇 2. Hair

Applied to the lengths, it helps to:

Repair dry hair

Add shine

Reduce brittle ends

👁️ 3. Eyelashes and eyebrows

Very popular for:

Fuller lashes

Thicker eyebrows

🧴 4. Skin (face and body)

It is ideal for:

Dry skin

Rough areas (elbows, knees, heels)

Intense hydration

🤰 5. The belly (castor oil pack)

Used as a compress in some wellness routines to:

Promote relaxation

Soothe certain tensions

💪 6. Muscles and joints

Applied in massage to:

Relax tense areas

Provide muscle comfort

🦶 7. Hands, feet, and nails

Perfect for:

Hydrating dry hands

Repairing cracked heels

Strengthening nails

✨ What results to expect?

With regular use, castor oil can help to:

Have softer skin

Reduce dryness

Improve hair appearance

Get denser eyelashes and eyebrows

Deeply nourish

⚠️ Important: results are not instantaneous. The key is consistency.

🧪 How to use castor oil?

Here are the best practices:

Apply in small quantity

Gently massage the area

Use 2 to 3 times a week

Mix with a lighter oil (coconut, jojoba, almond)

👥 Who is castor oil for?

It is ideal for:

Dry or damaged hair

Dehydrated skin

Natural beauty routine

Eyelash and eyebrow care

Massage and wellness

✅ Conclusion: Is castor oil effective?

Yes, for many people, castor oil brings real benefits:

✔️ Intense hydration
✔️ More nourished hair
✔️ Softer skin
✔️ Effective natural routine

🔬 What science says about castor oil

Several scientific studies have analyzed the properties of castor oil, mainly due to its richness in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid with recognized effects on the skin.

Studies indicate that this acid has anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and antimicrobial properties, which can help improve skin condition and reduce certain irritations. It is also used in some medical contexts for its protective and soothing effects.

However, despite its popularity in hair care, no solid scientific evidence confirms that castor oil directly stimulates hair growth. Its effect would rather be linked to scalp hydration and breakage reduction.

📚 Scientific references

Vieira, C. et al. (2000). Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators of Inflammation.

Patel, V. R. et al. (2016). Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in Commercial Production. Lipid Insights.

Draelos, Z. D. (2018). Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures. Wiley-Blackwell.

PubMed Central (2022). Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of fatty acids in skin care.

It is a simple, versatile, and accessible product that can easily be integrated into your daily routine.