Castor Oil
Castor Oil
Product Description
Product overview
Kate Blanc Castor Oil is a USDA Certified Organic, 100% pure, cold-pressed and hexane-free single-ingredient oil prized as a multi-tasking beauty staple. Rich in ricinoleic acid and naturally occurring vitamin E, this nutrient-dense vegetable oil conditions and softens lashes, brows, hair, scalp, nails, and dry skin. Packaged in protective amber glass with a glass dropper for clean, precise application — no fillers, no carrier oils, no synthetics.
Lash & Brow Conditioner
Coats and conditions hairs to support fuller, softer-looking lashes and brows with nightly use.
Texture & feel
SENSORYLash & Brow Conditioner
Coats and conditions hairs to support fuller, softer-looking lashes and brows with nightly use.
Scalp & Hair Treatment
Massaged into scalp and lengths as a pre-wash mask to soften brittle strands and soothe dryness.
Skin Moisturizer & Barrier Seal
Forms an occlusive layer that locks in hydration on dry patches, elbows, knees, and cuticles.
Cuticle & Nail Oil
A drop on cuticles softens dry, peeling edges and conditions weak, brittle nails.
Safety & compatibility
SAFETopical use is generally considered low-risk, but castor oil is famously labour-inducing if ingested. Avoid abdominal application and consult your OB-GYN before use.
Ricinoleic acid is an 18-carbon fatty acid (C18:1-OH) that does not feed Malassezia yeast. No esters, polysorbates or short-chain fatty acids.
Castor oil rates 1/5 on most comedogenic scales. Generally well tolerated, though acne-prone users should patch test first.
Plays well with retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide and peptides. Apply as the final step or pre-wash treatment. Keep away from active acids on the same area.
For external use only. Apply to lash line and brows, not into the eye itself. Patch-test on inner elbow before first full use.
No essential oils, preservatives, alcohol or synthetic fragrance — minimal allergen exposure for sensitive and reactive skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSRicinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil 100%Proven
The sole ingredient — pure, cold-pressed, USDA Certified Organic castor oil from castor beans grown in India. Roughly 85–90% of its fatty-acid profile is ricinoleic acid, a rare hydroxylated omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid that gives castor oil its uniquely thick, water-binding, and humectant-like character.
- Fatty acid profile: ~85–90% ricinoleic acid, ~3–6% oleic, ~3–5% linoleic, plus small amounts of palmitic and stearic.
- Vitamin E (tocopherols): Naturally occurring antioxidants help protect the oil and skin lipids from oxidation.
- Cold-pressed & hexane-free: Mechanical extraction without petrochemical solvents preserves fatty acids and trace nutrients.
- Occlusive humectant: Forms a breathable film that slows transepidermal water loss while drawing moisture into the upper layer.
- Anti-inflammatory action: Ricinoleic acid has documented anti-inflammatory effects useful for irritated scalp, dry patches and minor blemishes.
- Comedogenic rating: 1/5 — low risk of clogging pores compared with coconut oil (4/5).
1 ingredient
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil*
*Certified Organic by USDA / CCOF
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINECastor oil works as the final occlusive step at night. For lashes and brows, apply it as a standalone nightly treatment over clean, dry skin.
How to use
HOW TO USEPatch test first
Apply a drop to the inside of the elbow and wait 24 hours to rule out sensitivity.
Lashes & brows (nightly)
Dip the included mascara wand or eyeliner brush into 1 drop. Lightly coat the lash line and brow hairs before bed. Keep away from the eyeball itself.
Scalp & hair (1–2× per week)
Warm 1–2 teaspoons in your palms and massage into the scalp and dry mid-lengths. Leave on 30 minutes to overnight, then shampoo twice to remove.
Face & body spot moisturiser
Press 1–2 drops onto dry patches, cuticles, elbows or scars after your usual moisturizer to seal in hydration.
Castor oil pack (optional)
Saturate organic flannel, place on the area, cover with a towel and apply gentle warmth for 30–60 minutes.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want sparser brows or lashes to look fuller and more conditioned
- You have very dry, flaky scalp or brittle, breakage-prone hair
- You like multi-use, single-ingredient products with no fragrance
- You prefer USDA Organic, hexane-free, vegan and cruelty-free formulas
- You're looking for an affordable, long-lasting nighttime occlusive
- You enjoy DIY beauty, oil cleansing, or castor-oil packs
Consider alternatives if:
- You hate thick, slow-absorbing oils or sticky residue on the skin
- You're pregnant and uncomfortable using oils on the abdomen
- You have very oily skin and dislike a glossy nighttime finish
- You expect dramatic, drug-level lash growth (results are conditioning, not Latisse-level)
- You react to castor oil or have a known sensitivity to it
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLocks in moisture beautifully on chronically dry, flaky areas — a star match for winter routines.
Better used on lashes, brows and scalp than on the full face. Slow-absorbing finish may feel heavy.
Ideal as a targeted treatment for dry zones and brows; avoid layering on already-shiny T-zone areas.
Single ingredient and fragrance-free, so allergen exposure is minimal. Patch test still recommended for very reactive skin.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5) and fungal-acne-safe. Best applied to localised dry patches rather than full face.
Fatty acids and vitamin E help soften the look of fine, dehydrated lines around the eyes and lips.
Results timeline
4–6 MONTHSSmoother, glossier hairs & sealed dry patches
Lashes and brows look conditioned and laid-down; dry skin instantly feels softer and more comfortable thanks to the occlusive film.
~95% notice immediate softeningHealthier-looking brows & reduced scalp dryness
Sparse-looking brows start to appear fuller as existing hairs are conditioned; scalp feels less itchy and flaky.
~70% notice visible improvementFuller-looking lashes & less hair breakage
Many users report visibly longer, less-broken lashes and reduced shedding when applied consistently every night.
~55% report fuller-looking lashesMaximum cumulative benefit
The most dramatic visual results — denser-looking brows, smoother hair, healthier-feeling scalp — typically appear after 4+ months of nightly use.
~45% report long-term "wow" resultsRatings by platform
175K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- USDA Certified Organic and 100% pure single-ingredient formula
- Hexane-free, cold-pressed, vegan and cruelty-free
- Affordable for the volume — a few drops cover lashes, brows, scalp and skin
- Free mascara wand and liner brush kit included
- Amber glass bottle protects the oil from light degradation
- Visible conditioning of brows and lashes after 1–3 months
- 1-year satisfaction / authenticity guarantee from the brand
Criticized
- Very thick, slow to absorb — can feel sticky on bare skin
- Hard to fully wash out of hair without two shampoos
- Dropper sometimes dispenses more oil than intended
- Included applicator brush feels stiff; some users replace it
- Hair-growth claims are mostly anecdotal, not strongly clinically proven
- Pregnancy-safe topically only — never to be ingested
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame single ingredient — Ricinus Communis Seed Oil — also USDA Organic, cold-pressed and hexane-free. Bigger bottle for a similar price, with the same lash kit accessories. Slightly thinner consistency.
Identical INCI (100% castor oil) in a 16oz bottle — significantly cheaper per ounce. Not always USDA-certified on every batch, but cold-pressed and hexane-free. No lash applicator kit.
USDA Certified Organic and cold-pressed; 100% pure castor oil with no fillers. Larger 16oz bottle with no applicator kit — better suited for body and hair use than precision brow/lash work.
Long-trusted natural-pharmacy brand. Organic, hexane-free, cold-pressed and pure castor oil, but tends to have a slightly more noticeable nutty scent compared with Kate Blanc.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Unopened bottles stay stable up to 24 months from manufacture date.
Store upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Always re-cap tightly to limit oxidation.
Amber glass bottle with a glass dropper, a mascara wand and an eyeliner-style brush in the kit.
Yes — 2oz (60ml) bottle is TSA carry-on compliant. Glass packaging warrants extra care in luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQTopical castor oil on lashes, brows, hair and scalp is generally considered low-risk during pregnancy and breastfeeding because virtually nothing is absorbed systemically. However, castor oil has historically been used orally to induce labour, so it should never be ingested while pregnant, and many practitioners advise against rubbing it directly on the abdomen. The product itself contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. Always check with your OB-GYN or midwife before adding any new product during pregnancy.
Yes. Castor oil is dominated by ricinoleic acid, an 18-carbon hydroxylated fatty acid that does not feed Malassezia yeast (the organism behind fungal acne / pityrosporum folliculitis). The formula contains no esters, polysorbates, short- or medium-chain fatty acids, or fermented ingredients that typically trigger fungal acne, making it one of the safer plant oils for those prone to it.
Yes — castor oil is non-reactive and won't deactivate active ingredients. Apply your retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA serum first on clean skin, let it fully absorb, then layer castor oil only on dry patches or as the final occlusive at night. Avoid applying castor oil and a strong acid to the exact same spot at once, as the occlusive film can amplify any irritation.
It's best suited for dry, mature, sensitive and combination skin, where its occlusive, fatty-acid-rich nature helps lock in moisture and soften flakes. Oily and very acne-prone users should stick to using it on lashes, brows, scalp, hair and body rather than the full face, since the heavy texture can feel suffocating. Its low comedogenic rating (1/5) means it rarely clogs pores when used sensibly.
Hydration and conditioning effects on lashes, brows and dry skin are usually visible within minutes. For brow density and lash fullness, most users report noticeable changes between 2 and 3 months of consistent nightly use, with the most dramatic results at 4–6 months. Hair-shedding and scalp comfort improvements often appear after 4–6 weekly scalp treatments.
For face use, apply it as the very last PM step, after serum and moisturizer, to seal everything in. For lashes and brows, it's used on its own at night before bed with the included wand or brush. For scalp and hair, it's a pre-wash treatment — massage in 30 minutes to overnight, then double-shampoo. Skip it in the morning if you wear makeup or SPF.
Castor oil scores 1 out of 5 on most comedogenic scales — significantly lower than coconut oil (4/5). Most people, including many acne-prone users, tolerate it well. That said, comedogenic ratings are individual: if you have very oily, congestion-prone skin, use it as a targeted treatment for lashes, brows and dry patches rather than as an all-over face oil.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is approximately 12 months. Stored upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight in its original amber glass bottle, the oil resists oxidation well thanks to its naturally occurring vitamin E. Discard it sooner if you notice any change in colour, scent (rancid or sour notes) or unusual cloudiness.
Verdict: Kate Blanc Castor Oil earns its cult-favourite status by doing one thing exceptionally well — being pure, organic, hexane-free castor oil at a sensible price, packaged in protective amber glass with a free lash and brow kit. It's a fantastic multi-tasker for conditioning sparse brows and lashes, soothing dry scalps and sealing in moisture on chronically dry skin. Expect slow absorption and the need for double shampooing in hair, plus realistic — not miraculous — growth results that build over months of consistent nightly use. For anyone who values single-ingredient simplicity and clean credentials over fast-absorbing luxury textures, this is one of the best-value castor oils on the market.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|