A common vegetable oil used in skin, hair, and nail care, it is extracted from the cold pressing of the seeds of the common castor oil plant or Ricinus communis, the only species of the Ricinus genus. But what are its real benefits? What about its biochemical composition? Are there any side effects associated with its use?
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What you need to know about castor oil.
Summary
- Castor oil, a bit of history
- Its extraction process and biochemical composition
- What are the benefits of castor oil?
- Are there any contraindications to the external application of castor oil?
- Which Typology skincare products contain castor oil?
- Sources
Published February 14, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
7 min read
Topics:
Castor oil, a bit of history.
The use of castor oil dates back to ancient Egypt, around 4,000 years BC. It was then used as fuel for oil lamps, as a medicine due to its laxative properties, and for cosmetic purposes: Cleopatra used it as a makeup remover and to brighten the whites of her eyes. In India, its use was also widespread for treating arthritis according to Ayurvedic medicine.
Its extraction process and biochemical composition.
Castor oil, also known as "castor oil" or "beaver oil" in Anglicism, is a rather dense vegetable oil. With a high viscosity, it is clear, colorless to slightly yellowish, and its odor is neutral. It can be extracted from castor seeds by mechanical pressing, extraction with solvent or a combination of pressing and extraction. At Typology, the vegetable oil of castor comes solely from the first cold pressing of the seeds; no solvent is used. The pressing is followed by a filtration process to remove ricin, a toxic enzyme present in the seed.
Like all vegetable oils, castor oil is primarily composed of fatty acids. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it contains over 80% of a fatty acid that is unique to it, thericinoleic acid, ahydroxylated monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. In addition to this, it contains about 5% linoleic acid or omega-6, between 3 or 4% oleic acid or omega-9, 2% stearic acid, and 1% palmitic acid. Hydroxystearic acid, arachidic acid, and/or gadoleic acid may also be present in castor oil. The quantities of active ingredients can vary depending on the cultivar, environmental growing conditions, harvest, and processing methods. As for its unsaponifiable fraction, castor oil contains vitamin E and beta-sitosterols.
What are the benefits of castor oil?
Castor oil offers numerous benefits for the skin, eyelashes and eyebrows, hair, nails, and beard.
It strengthens hair follicles and thus reduces the fall of beard hair, head hair, or even eyelashes. Thus, studies have demonstrated the ability of ricinoleic acid to reverse the process related to hair loss by inhibiting the action of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). Even though no scientific research has been conducted on its effect on eyelashes, eyebrows, or beard hair, castor oil nonetheless hydrates and strengthens them. Healthy hair follicles are in good health tend to grow more quickly.
Castor oil is anatural moisturizing agent that deeply nourishes the skin. Moreover, it diminishes stretch marks and can accelerate healing processes. Furthermore, ricinoleic acid is a potent anti-microbial agent that inhibits the proliferation of bacteria involved in acne such as P.Acnes. Since castor oil is non-comedogenic, it is therefore recommended for the care of acne-prone skin.
In regards to its effect on the nails, it strengthens them and hydrates the cuticles in order to provide them with a certain flexibility and prevent breakage. Its application also helps to protect the nails and cuticles from infections and fungal diseases.
Are there any contraindications to the external application of castor oil?
There are no contraindications for the topical application of castor oil for pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, as well as young children. It can be used safely in these cases.
Which Typology skincare products contain castor oil?
Due to its harmlessness and benefits, castor oil is included in several of our skincare products, as presented below.
Enriched with pea peptides and castor oil, our eyelash & eyebrow serum nourishes, strengthens, and promotes the growth of eyelashes and eyebrows.
The tinted lip balm is a 2-in-1 makeup product, which is both moisturizing and tinting. In addition to castor oil, it is enriched with hyaluronic acid, raspberry seed oil, and peppermint oil macerate, which provides a soothing effect, a sensation of freshness, and a minty taste.
Formulated with 0.3% retinol, the wrinkle and fine lines serum prevents skin sagging by stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin. As retinol is photosensitive, it is preferably applied in the evening, on clean and dry face, before your night cream. Its use is not recommended for sensitive and atopic skin.
The 9-ingredient lip balm is a minimalist, fragrance-free formula suitable for sensitive skin. It nourishes the lips, reducing feelings of tightness and dryness.
Therich hair oil with pequi and argan oil nourishes and restructures the hair fiber to protect it from heat. The hair becomes soft, shiny, and manageable.
Thedry hair oil containing acai and hibiscus oil strengthens, nourishes, and protects the hair fiber without weighing down the hair. It restores shine and softness to the hair.
Our sunscreen creams SPF 30 and SPF 50 are also enriched with castor oil and protect you from UVA/B rays.
Sources:
FONG P. & al. In silico prediction of prostaglandin D2 synthase inhibitors from herbal constituents for the treatment of hair loss. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2015).
MARWAT S. K. & al. Review - ricinus cmmunis - ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2017).
Akwasi YEBOAH & al., Castor oil (Ricinus communis): a review on the chemical composition and physicochemical properties, Food Science and Technology, (2021).
Iqbal J, et al. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and free radical scavenging potential of aerial parts of Periploca aphylla and Ricinus communis. ISRN Pharmacol, (2012).
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