Thick oil from castor seeds with high ricinoleic acid content. Gives shine to lipsticks and balms, softens lips and holds pigment on the surface.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Safe emollient for lips and dry skin. Contact dermatitis is rare and tied to impurities in technical-grade material.
Castor oil (Ricinus Communis Seed Oil) is a thick viscous oil from castor seeds. 80-90% ricinoleic acid – a monounsaturated fatty acid with a hydroxyl group. The hydroxyl is responsible for the high viscosity, pigment retention, and skin adhesion. Where applied. Lipsticks, glosses, lip balms (30-90% – the base of most classic lipsticks), mascaras, brow products, hair masks, soap. In Spain in most traditional lipsticks from Bourjois, Maybelline to premium. Evidence base. Smith 1984 showed high efficacy of castor oil as an occlusive for lips – reduces transepidermal water loss better than mineral oil. The folk reputation as an 'eyelash growth activator' has no clinical RCTs; the user-described effect is from softening and shine, not actual growth. Safety. CIR confirmed castor oil safety (Final Report 2007). Hypoallergenic. Non-comedogenic in most cases, though at the highest concentrations in face products on acne-prone skin it may trigger comedones. Ricin controversy. Castor seeds contain ricin – one of nature's most toxic proteins. Industrial processing of seeds into oil completely removes ricin: oil is the lipid fraction, ricin is the protein fraction. There is no ricin in culinary or cosmetic oil. Pregnancy and lactation – topically safe. Oral castor oil as a laxative during pregnancy is traditionally used to induce labor and is not recommended before 37-38 weeks. Topically – no restrictions.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil suits: normal, dry, combination, sensitive.
Thick oil from castor seeds with high ricinoleic acid content.
The INCI name is Ricinus Communis Seed Oil. It may also appear as: Castor Oil, Касторовое масло.
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