Is Castor Oil Really Good for Lashes and Eyebrows?

Castor oil is getting more and more popular. Among its many benefits, it would accelerate the regrowth of hair but also of eyelashes and eyebrows. Is this a myth or a reality?

More and more people are looking to return to natural skincare to improve the quality of their beauty routine. One of the best solutions is to turn to vegetable oils with multiple properties. One of the most popular is castor oil. Already in Ancient Egypt, this product would have seduced Cleopatra who used it for her hair but also to make her eyes brighter.

Castor oil actually has many benefits. It treats acne, chapped lips, prevents aging of the skin but above all, it would be the best ally for hair, eyelashes and eyebrows. It would not only make them grow faster but also make them stronger and brighter. Is it really a miracle product or just a popular belief?

Where does castor oil come from?

There are two types of castor oil that have the same benefits. First, the one that is cold pressed and appears pale yellow with a faint odor. There is also Jamaican black castor oil obtained after roasting, pounding and boiling the castor seeds. It is then darker but also thicker and purer. The second is most often used in cosmetics.

Very often, it is hydrogenated when it is introduced into the composition of beauty products. However, it is best to use pure, high-quality castor oil for added effectiveness.

Does it really ensure the growth of eyelashes and eyebrows?

Castor oil has several virtues including hydrating, strengthening, thickening and accelerating the growth of hair, eyelashes and eyebrows. Indeed, it contains a high concentration of ricinoleic acid, an essential fatty acid. This gives it natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Thus, it allows to deeply cleanse and eliminate dead skin. When the hair follicles in the scalp become clogged, it slows down or even prevents normal hair growth. Anti-inflammatory, castor oil improves blood circulation, which helps invigorate hair growth. Thus, we can quickly imagine that its benefits will be similar for eyelashes and eyebrows.

However, the fact that castor oil promotes and accelerates the growth of hair, eyelashes and eyebrows has never really been proven by scientists. However, this theory should not be completely discredited. Just because no research has been conducted doesn't mean that the link between castor oil and hair, eyelash and eyebrow growth doesn't exist. At the moment, there is simply no scientific research that supports this theory.

Increasingly used, castor oil is everywhere on social media. The before / after images of its use invade Instagram and are particularly amazing. Obviously, it's easy to change reality on the Internet. In contrast, a 2003 study found that castor oil improved hair shine. Thus, by using it on your eyelashes and eyebrows, they will only be more beautiful and shiny.

How to apply it?

Before using castor oil, it is important to take a few precautions. Beforehand, it is better to choose a pure castor oil. Depending on the ingredients it is mixed with, it could be ineffective or irritate the skin. It is also recommended to test the product on the skin before applying it to the eyelashes or eyebrows to prevent allergic reactions. The day before application, a little oil is then applied to the forearm. If after 24 hours no allergic reaction has occurred, it can be used without fear.

For proper use, it is important to remove and cleanse eyelashes and eyebrows. Then just soak a cotton swab or a special brush in a small amount of castor oil. It is then passed over the eyebrows and eyelashes, making sure that the product does not run into the eyes. In this case, rinse thoroughly with clean water.

It is advisable to apply castor oil before bedtime.

Are side effects possible?

Castor oil is used as a natural treatment. But beware, natural doesn't necessarily mean it doesn't have side effects. We must not forget that some plants, present in nature, are poisonous. Castor oil is generally safe to use. However, it exhibits low toxicity which can trigger an allergic reaction in some people, such as skin irritation. This is why it is important to take precautions before incorporating it into your daily beauty routine. If a person is allergic to the product, the oil can cause a rash or itching. It is therefore essential to wash the application area and stop using the product. Doing the opposite can damage the skin, especially the skin around the eyes, which is very fragile. Moreover, it could even have the opposite effect of the desired result by increasing the loss of hair, eyelashes and eyebrows. However, rest assured, allergies to castor oil are uncommon.

What alternatives?

Another vegetable oil, rosemary oil, is known to promote hair growth. We can then imagine that it also facilitates the eyelashes and eyebrows. There are also specialized serums, we recommend in particular our care serum Ricigel for nourished, hydrated and revitalized lashes.