Organic Castor Oil
Organic Castor Oil
Product Description
Viva Naturals Organic Castor Oil is a 100% pure, cold-pressed, hexane-free oil that is USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. A single-ingredient multitasker naturally rich in ricinoleic acid, it conditions and softens hair, lashes, brows, skin and nails, and doubles as a clean carrier oil for DIY beauty blends. Each 16 fl oz (473 ml) bottle ships with a 5-piece lash and brow beauty kit.
โจ Texture & Feel
Single-Ingredient Purity
Nothing but organic Ricinus communis (castor) seed oil โ no fragrance, fillers, solvents or chemical processing.
Deeply Moisturizing
Rich in ricinoleic acid, it acts as a humectant and occlusive to draw in and seal moisture for soft, supple skin.
Lash & Brow Conditioning
A traditional beauty favorite for coating lashes and brows, helping them look fuller and feel less brittle.
Versatile DIY Base
An ideal carrier oil for homemade serums, oil cleansers, lip balms, scalp masks and body blends.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Topical use is considered low risk, but castor oil is famously linked to inducing labor when ingested. Avoid oral use and check with your provider before using during pregnancy.
Not recommended. Ricinoleic acid is a C18 fatty acid that can feed Malassezia yeast, so castor oil may aggravate fungal acne and seborrheic conditions.
Rated 1 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale โ unlikely to clog pores for most skin types when used as directed.
Fragrance-free and free of common irritants such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates and silicones. Still, patch test before first use.
As an occlusive oil it works best as the final step. Apply water-based retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA first, let absorb, then seal with castor oil.
Popular for lashes and brows, but apply sparingly with the included spoolie and avoid getting oil directly in the eye.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฑ Organic Castor Oil (Ricinus Communis Seed Oil) 100% Proven
The one and only ingredient. Cold-pressed from the seeds of the castor plant without heat or solvents to preserve its natural nutrients. It is a humectant and emollient that softens, smooths and conditions hair and skin.
- Composition: Roughly 80โ90% ricinoleic acid, plus oleic, linoleic, stearic and palmitic acids and natural vitamin E.
- Comedogenicity: Independently rated 1/5 โ very low pore-clogging potential.
- Safety review: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel concluded castor seed oil is safe for use in cosmetics.
๐ง Ricinoleic Acid (the active fatty acid) ~85โ90% Promising
The hydroxy fatty acid that makes up the vast majority of castor oil and gives it its signature thick, polar texture. It is unusual among fatty acids for its hydroxyl group, which helps it stay in contact with skin and hair longer than most oils.
- Hydration: Helps reduce trans-epidermal water loss, keeping skin and hair shafts moisturized and less prone to breakage.
- Soothing: Studies describe anti-inflammatory activity for ricinoleic acid in experimental models.
- Note: Hair-growth claims are largely traditional/anecdotal; the well-supported benefit is conditioning and moisture retention.
1 ingredient
Organic Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
As a rich occlusive, apply castor oil last in your PM routine to seal in hydration, or use it on its own as a targeted overnight treatment for lashes, brows, scalp, cuticles and dry patches.
๐ How to Use
Patch Test First
Apply a drop to the inner forearm and wait 24 hours to check for sensitivity before using on the face or eye area.
Lashes & Brows
Dip the included spoolie, wipe off excess, and lightly coat clean lashes and brows before bed. Avoid getting oil in your eyes.
Scalp & Hair
Massage a small amount into the scalp and hair ends, leave on for 30 minutes to overnight, then shampoo out.
Skin, Nails & DIY
Use a few drops as an overnight moisturizer or on cuticles, or blend it into homemade serums, balms and oil cleansers.
Start Slow
Because it is thick and occlusive, begin with 1โ3 uses per week (especially on oily skin) and build up as tolerated.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have dry, dehydrated or mature skin and want deep moisture
- You want a single-ingredient, fragrance-free, organic oil
- You like conditioning lashes, brows and scalp or doing oil massages
- You make DIY blends or practice oil cleansing
- You value USDA organic, non-GMO, hexane-free purity
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are prone to fungal acne or seborrheic dermatitis
- You want a fast-absorbing, lightweight feel
- You dislike thick, tacky or slow-sinking textures
- You specifically need a glass or airless bottle
- You are pregnant and prefer to avoid it (consult your provider)
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Deeply nourishing and occlusive โ seals in moisture and relieves tight, flaky skin.
Adds suppleness and a healthy sheen; works well layered over a hydrating serum.
A solid sealing oil; a little goes a long way thanks to its rich texture.
Best applied to drier zones; use sparingly on the oilier T-zone.
Low comedogenic rating, but the thick, occlusive feel can be heavy โ limit to 1โ3 times a week.
Not Malassezia-safe; ricinoleic acid can feed the yeast behind fungal acne.
๐ Results Timeline
Softer, Sealed-In Moisture
Skin and hair feel instantly smoother and more supple, with a conditioned, glossy finish.
80% noticedSmoother Lashes & Less Breakage
With nightly use, lashes and brows look more defined and hair ends feel less brittle.
55% noticedConditioned & Glossier
Consistent application leaves lashes, brows and scalp feeling healthier and more nourished.
45% noticedPeak Conditioning Benefit
Long-term, regular use delivers the fullest moisturizing and conditioning payoff. Note: dramatic "hair growth" is not strongly proven.
35% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Pure, single-ingredient, USDA organic and non-GMO
- Excellent value and a generous 16 fl oz size
- Truly multi-use: hair, lashes, brows, skin, nails, DIY
- Fragrance-free with a low comedogenic rating
- Includes a handy lash and brow beauty kit
โ Criticized
- Thick and slow-absorbing; can feel tacky
- Plastic bottle rather than glass
- Not safe for fungal-acne-prone skin
- Hair-growth claims are under-proven (conditioning is the real win)
- A minority dislike the natural scent
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Also a 100% pure, cold-pressed, India-sourced organic castor oil with a lash kit. Comes in a smaller 8 oz size, so it works out pricier per ounce.
A near-identical 16 oz organic, hexane-free castor oil in recycled PET plastic. Reviewers often note a slightly thicker, heavier feel.
Organic, cold-pressed and frequently rated "best overall," often in a glass bottle โ but sold in smaller sizes (e.g. 2 oz), so cost per ounce is higher.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Viva Naturals Organic Castor Oil (Featured)
$13.99Cliganic Organic Castor Oil
$13.99Sky Organics Organic Castor Oil
$11.99Kate Blanc Cosmetics Castor Oil
$12.99๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
About 12 months after opening. For best freshness, keep tightly capped and use within a year.
Store in a cool, dry place protected from heat and direct light; keep the cap on tightly between uses.
Leak-resistant amber BPA-free PET plastic bottle, supplied with a 5-piece lash and brow beauty kit.
The 16 fl oz (473 ml) bottle exceeds carry-on liquid limits โ decant into a bottle under 100 ml for flights.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Topical use of castor oil is generally considered low risk, since its labor-related effects come from ingestion working through the digestive system. However, castor oil has a long-standing reputation for inducing labor when taken orally, so it is treated with caution during pregnancy. Never ingest it, and check with your healthcare provider before using any castor oil while pregnant or breastfeeding.
No. Castor oil is made up mostly of ricinoleic acid, a C18 fatty acid, and Malassezia yeast feeds on fatty acids in the C11โC24 range. Research and skincare databases flag both castor oil and ricinoleic acid as ingredients that can feed Malassezia, so it is best avoided if you have fungal acne or seborrheic dermatitis.
Yes, with smart layering. Castor oil is a heavy, occlusive oil, so apply your water-based actives (retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA) first, allow them to fully absorb, and then seal with a thin layer of castor oil as your final step. Applying it before actives can block their penetration. If you are new to actives, introduce one at a time and patch test.
It shines on dry, dehydrated and mature skin that benefits from a rich, sealing oil. Normal and combination skin can use it on drier areas. Oily skin can still use it (the comedogenic rating is only 1/5) but may prefer to limit it to 1โ3 times a week. It is not recommended for fungal-acne-prone skin.
Softer, more conditioned skin and hair are usually noticeable right away. For lashes, brows and hair ends, most people use it nightly for 4โ8 weeks to see them look fuller and feel less brittle. Keep expectations realistic: the strongly supported benefit is conditioning and moisture retention, while dramatic hair-growth claims remain mostly anecdotal.
Last. Because it is occlusive, it works best as the final PM step to lock in everything underneath โ applied after cleanser, toner, serum and moisturizer. It can also be used entirely on its own as a targeted treatment for lashes, brows, scalp, cuticles and dry patches.
Castor oil has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores for most people. Its main fatty acid, ricinoleic acid, is monounsaturated and resists oxidation. That said, its thick texture can feel heavy on very oily skin, and reactions vary โ so patch test and start with infrequent use if you are acne-prone.
Plan on roughly 12 months after opening for best quality, though unopened castor oil is quite stable thanks to its natural vitamin E. Store it in a cool, dry place away from heat and light, and keep the cap tightly closed. Discard it if the smell turns rancid or the oil looks or feels off.
Verdict: Viva Naturals Organic Castor Oil is a clean, no-frills powerhouse โ 100% pure, USDA organic, non-GMO and hexane-free, with a low comedogenic rating and excellent value in a large 16 oz bottle plus a lash and brow kit. It is a standout for dry, mature skin and for conditioning lashes, brows, scalp and DIY blends. Just keep its limits in mind: it is thick and slow to absorb, ships in plastic, is not fungal-acne safe, and should be approached with caution during pregnancy. For a single-ingredient organic castor oil, it is one of the easiest to recommend.
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 skinโs 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 ยซpromisesยป 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 |
Sulfated Castor Oil
Cleansing, Emulsifying, Humectant
|
Hydrating
|