Is ricinus oil or castor oil a miracle remedy?

More volume and more sheen for your hair? A skin that glows with health? A luxuriant beard to be proud of? The benefits and applications of ricinus oil or castor oil are almost endless. It is not without good reason that this vegetable oil is sometimes called the miracle oil. Rightly or wrongly? In this blog, we will check the claims.

What is ricinus oil or castor oil?

Ricinus oil, castor oil or miracle oil… Three different names for the vegetable oil obtained from the Ricinus communis. Which is also known as the miracle tree. So where does this intriguing name come from? For one thing, the tree grows remarkably fast. But it is above all the oil, pressed from the tree's beans, which works the miracles. This is something that was already known to the ancient Egyptians, some 4,000 years before the birth of Christ. The oil was also much prized by the Greeks and Romans. In other words, it is an oil with a long record of popularity and success. And that is always a good sign!

There are two different kinds of ricinus oil. The first is cold-pressed ricinus oil, where the oil is extracted by pressing the tree's beans. This oil has a light-yellow colour and a syrup-like consistency. It is also the purest and least processed form, which explains why Physalis has opted to use this quality. The second is Jamaican black ricinus oil, where the beans are first roasted, following which the seeds are mashed and boiled, resulting in a darker colour in the finished oil.

What makes ricinus oil so special?

Nourishing, hydrating, repairing, strengthening and softening your skin and hair, keeping them young and supple. That is the versatility of this rich natural oil! What makes it so different from other oils? The answer is simple: its unique composition. The oil consists for 90% of ricinoleic acid, an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that fortifies, purifies and softens both skin and hair.

The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids also play a role in hydrating skin and hair, so that they remain silky and supple. Another plus-point? Vitamin E keeps skin young and revitalises tired hair.

Let's take a deeper look at these skin and hair benefits.

Give your hair or beard a boost with ricinus oil

Are you troubled by dry or frizzy hair? Or by split ends? Ricinus oil will make your hair thicker and healthier. How? The fatty acids contained in the oil nourishes the individual hairs, right down to deep in their roots. In addition, the oil repairs and strengthens hair fibres. What's more, we are not just talking about head hair: your eyebrows and eyelashes will also sparkle like never before. And for men? If you want a full beard and moustache, ricinus oil is just the thing for you!

• For your hair: pour a little oil onto your hands and spread it evenly over your wet hair and scalp. Allow it to work in for a few hours and then wash your hair with shampoo.

Tip: Ricinus oil is thick and is not easy to wash out of your hair. You can solve this by mixing the oil with another carrier oil, such as almond oil or coconut oil.

• For your eyebrows and eyelashes: apply a small amount of oil to an old mascara brush or a cotton bud and brush it onto your brows and lashes before going to bed. Rinse it off next morning with some lukewarm water.

Tip: Cover your bed cushion with an old towel, because the fatty ricinus oil can leave stains.

• For your beard: first cover your beard with a warm towel for 5 to 10 minutes, in order to open the pores in your hair and skin for better absorption, before gently massaging in the ricinus oil. Repeat two to three times each week.

Let your skin shine with ricinus oil

Is your skin dry? Is it showing the first signs of ageing? Ricinus oil to the rescue! The oil penetrates the skin easily and so improves its elasticity. In addition, it helps to eliminate impurities. Ideal for removing your make-up and even for treating blackheads and spots.

How to use ricinus oil for your skin

• To clean your skin: combine one part of ricinus oil with three parts of jojoba oil and apply a few drops of the resulting mixture to your skin. Wipe away gently using a cotton pad, before rinsing your face with water.
• To hydrate your skin: after cleaning the skin, apply some ricinus oil to any dry spots. It is best to do this in the evening, before going to bed. Alternatively, massage the oil once each dry into the dry spots and let it sink in, before rinsing your face with lukewarm water.

Also take a look at these formulas with ricinus oil:

↪ Hair growth oil with miracle oil and lavender
↪ Ricinus face oil for problem skin

Does miracle oil live up to its promises?

Although called the miracle oil, it cannot work magic! You will need a little patience. The first results are only seen after a number of weeks. Using the oil correctly is also all-important. So read the instructions carefully and follow them closely. But one thing is certain: with so many beneficial properties, ricinus oil is a welcome and worthy addition to your care ritual!