The Aromatherapy Shop Ltd
Castor Oil - Organic
Castor Oil - Organic
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Castor Oil - Pure Organic Natural Oil for Skincare
Extracted from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis), this organic, thick oil has been valued for centuries across various cultures. Cold-pressed to preserve its natural properties, castor oil is renowned for its unique viscosity and distinctive fatty acid composition, making it a popular ingredient in natural cosmetic formulations, particularly for hair and body care.
About This Oil
Castor oil is cold-pressed from the seeds (often called beans) of the castor plant, which is native to tropical regions of Africa and India but now cultivated worldwide. This organic oil (not certified organic) typically has a pale yellow to almost colourless appearance and a mild, characteristic scent that is subtle in cosmetic formulations.
The castor plant has a long history spanning thousands of years, with evidence of its use found in ancient Egyptian, Indian, and Chinese cultures. The oil's unique properties have made it a staple ingredient in traditional beauty practices across the globe, particularly valued for hair care and body care applications.
What sets castor oil apart from other cosmetic oils is its exceptionally thick, viscous texture and its high concentration of ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid rarely found in such abundance in other plant oils. This unique composition gives castor oil its characteristic properties and makes it particularly valuable in formulations where thickness and staying power are desired.
Despite its thick texture, castor oil is often used in small amounts blended with lighter oils, or as a key ingredient in specific formulations like lip balms, hair treatments, and soap making. Its excellent stability and long shelf life make it a reliable choice for cosmetic formulators.
Important Note: While castor seeds contain ricin (a toxic compound), the oil extraction and processing completely removes this substance, making cosmetic-grade castor oil safe for external use.
Nutrient Profile
- Exceptionally rich in ricinoleic acid, a unique omega-9 fatty acid that comprises approximately 90% of its fatty acid profile
- Contains smaller amounts of oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid
- Naturally contains vitamin E and minerals
- Nutritionally distinctive addition to cosmetic preparations
Cosmetic Benefits
- Thick, Viscous Texture - Provides substantial body and staying power to formulations
- Skin Conditioning - Leaves skin feeling deeply soft and smooth
- Unique Fatty Acid Profile - Exceptionally high in ricinoleic acid
- Excellent for Hair Care - Traditional ingredient in hair treatments and scalp preparations
- Long-Lasting Formula - Thick consistency provides extended contact time
- Versatile Blending Oil - Adds viscosity when blended with lighter oils
- Exceptional Stability - Very long shelf life and highly resistant to rancidity
- Traditional Heritage - Centuries-old ingredient across multiple cultures
Uses
- Include in hair care treatments, deep conditioning masks, and scalp preparations
- Excellent for soap making - creates rich, creamy lather
- Add to body butters and intensive moisturising creams
- Blend with lighter oils for massage formulations
- Use in hand and foot care preparations
- Ideal for cuticle and nail care products
- Perfect for beard oils and grooming products
- Add to bath oils (use sparingly due to thickness)
- Excellent for DIY cosmetic recipes requiring thick consistency
- Use in ointment-style formulations
Available Sizes
- 10ml - Supplied in a glass amber bottle with inbuilt dropper & tamper evident cap
- 50ml - Supplied in a clear PET bottle (foil sealed) with screw cap
- 100ml - Supplied in an amber PET bottle (foil sealed) with screw cap
- 250ml - Supplied in a frosted HDPE bottle (foil sealed) with screw cap
A flip-top cap is included with each bottle for easier application (excl. 10ml)
Important Information
- For External Cosmetic Use Only
- Organic and cold-pressed
- Cosmetic-grade castor oil is processed to be safe for external use
- Not tested on animals
- Patch Test Recommended: Always perform a patch test before use to ensure your skin is not sensitive to this product
- Keep away from eyes and sensitive areas
- Not suitable for babies or small children
- Do not apply to broken or irritated skin
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Discontinue use immediately if irritation or allergic reaction occurs
- Close cap tightly after each use to preserve freshness
- Best used within 24-36 months of opening due to exceptional stability
- Although highly stable, refrigeration after opening can help extend shelf life further
- Discard if oil develops an off odour or changes significantly in appearance
- Keep away from heat sources
- Do not use if seal is broken or missing
- Due to its very thick consistency, this oil may require gentle warming for easier pouring
- The thick, viscous texture is a natural characteristic of castor oil
- Due to its high ricinoleic acid content, this is one of the most stable cosmetic oils available
Images are for display purposes only
