The most popular use of castor oil is as a natural treatment for constipation. But this oil might be more complex than it first appears.
Castor oil is regularly praised for its capacity to lengthen lashes. Although it probably won’t take the place of mascara, eyelash extensions, or lash development serums, it might give the appearance that your eyelashes are longer or thicker. It’s debatable whether it actually causes your lashes to grow.
Castor oil: What is it?
Castor oil is a versatile vegetable oil made from the Ricinus communis plant’s seeds.
It has been used as a laxative, anti-inflammatory, skin lubricant, and promoter of hair growth as a natural cure. Even during the last few weeks of pregnancy, castor oil has been used to induce labor.
Castor oil for eyelashes has not been scientifically proven to work, but a study has found that its components, particularly its unique fatty acids, offer hydrating effects that may help skin and eyelashes look younger.
There is also proof that a castor oil ingredient may be able to stop hair loss and encourage the growth of eyelashes and hair.
Does Castor Oil Really Promote the Growth of Eyelashes?
Castor oil may aid in the growth of hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows, despite the fact that there is no scientific proof that it lengthens lashes. However, the science supporting this isn’t very solid.
Ricinoleic acid, found in castor oil, is a compound that prevents the body from producing prostaglandin D2, as the name suggests.
According to research, PG-D2 is found in significant concentrations in some people who lose their hair. This suggests that castor oil might assist with hair loss, but there isn’t enough information to make this a common suggestion just yet.
Hair and skin become strained and brittle for a variety of causes, including aging, exposure to the sun, and pollution. Vitamin E, an antioxidant that may assist to improve the health of your skin and hair, is abundant in castor oil.
Antioxidants applied to damaged human hair may slow down fiber deterioration and smooth hair cuticles, improving luster.
Castor oil’s restorative qualities may be able to prevent brittle hair from breaking, especially for those who frequently use waterproof mascara, eyeliners, and eye makeup.
Using Castor Oil on Eyelashes
There is probably no danger in trying castor oil because it is reasonably inexpensive in comparison to commercial eyelash serums.
The use of castor oil on the skin and hair is generally regarded as harmless. Although it’s typically tolerated well, it’s a good idea to cease taking it if it irritates you in any way. Even in particularly developed eye drops for treating dry eyes, castor oil has been utilized as an ingredient; however, you should see a healthcare professional before doing that.
A bottle of pure castor oil for eyelashes costs around $10 on Amazon and includes tiny lash wands to make application simple. Prices vary. Although many consumers utilized the product to increase their brows rather than their lashes, many evaluations are really positive. Of course, choosing your products based on Amazon evaluations is not a scientific process.
It’s still difficult to go wrong even if the sole result is a slightly glossier set of lashes.
Potential Advance of Castor Oil
Fatty acids and vitamin E, which are essential ingredients in many skin and hair products, are included in castor oil, as was previously mentioned. Positive studies on vitamin E’s medical and cosmetic applications can be found in scientific literature.
Studies have also shown that plant oils with vitamin E, such as sunflower and argan oils, can enhance the hydration and health of the skin (Lin, 2018). Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, castor oil may be used as a moisturizer for the skin and hair.
Is it okay to Apply Castor Oil to your eyebrows and eyelashes?
Animal studies have shown that applying castor oil to the skin is safe, despite the fact that no research has been done on using it directly on eyelashes or eyebrows.
Castor oil has been demonstrated to offer skin-nourishing qualities as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities.
Castor oil can be safely used for medicines or cosmetics because all hazardous components are eliminated during processing or refinement. Ricinoleic acid is a widely used ingredient in skincare products, soaps, lipsticks, conditioners, and deodorants due to its capacity to enhance hydration.
The best way to use castor oil on eyelashes
Apply a tiny amount of pure castor oil to the lash line before night using a small brush or cotton swab. Alternatively, apply castor oil directly to clean lashes each night using a fresh mascara brush.
Stop putting castor oil on or near your eyes if you notice that they are itchy or red. Also, flush your eyes with clean water.
Castor oil hasn’t been properly researched for eyelashes or hair development, and in the US, the only FDA-approved usage for it is as a stimulant laxative.
Many people use castor oil to prevent hair loss, stimulate the growth of their eyelash and eyebrow hair, and it also looks to be effective as a moisturizer and hair loss inhibitor.
Consult a dermatologist if you are worried about the health of your brows or eyelashes as there may be medical disorders that are causing lash or brow loss or thinning.