Organic Castor Oil
Organic Castor Oil
Product Description
A pure, cold-pressed organic castor oil rich in ricinoleic acid (90%) that deeply moisturizes skin and hair. This single-ingredient, hexane-free formula comes with a complete 5-piece beauty kit for easy application to eyelashes, eyebrows, scalp, and body. USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified.
โจ Texture & Feel
90% Ricinoleic Acid
A rare fatty acid with exceptional moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that penetrates deep into skin layers.
Cold-Pressed Extraction
Extracted without heat or chemical solvents to preserve natural nutrients, vitamins, and the oil's therapeutic properties.
5-Piece Beauty Kit Included
Comes with mascara wand, 10mL mascara vial, brush stopper, brow brush, and liner brush for precise application.
Single Pure Ingredient
100% organic castor oil with no additives, fillers, or synthetic ingredients. Hypoallergenic and free from common allergens.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Topical application is considered safe during pregnancy. Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, or other pregnancy-restricted ingredients. Avoid oral ingestion as it may induce labor.
Safe for topical use while breastfeeding. Avoid applying on breast area or areas where infant may come into contact. Do not ingest orally.
Castor oil contains fatty acids (C18) that can feed Malassezia yeast. Avoid if you have fungal acne, seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff.
Very low risk of clogging pores due to its unique molecular structure. However, the thick texture may not suit all skin types.
Always perform a patch test before full application. Some individuals may experience sensitivity or allergic reactions.
No fragrances, preservatives, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, gluten, nickel, or lanolin. Suitable for sensitive skin.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฟ Ricinoleic Acid ~90% Proven
The primary fatty acid in castor oil, ricinoleic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid with unique properties not found in most other oils. It's responsible for castor oil's moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and potential antibacterial benefits.
- Moisturizing: Hydrophilic properties attract and retain water molecules, improving skin hydration and elasticity.
- Anti-inflammatory: Studies show ricinoleic acid can reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin.
- Penetration: Unique molecular structure allows deep penetration into skin layers for better absorption.
- Antimicrobial: Lab studies suggest activity against certain bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus.
๐ง Linoleic Acid ~4% Proven
An essential omega-6 fatty acid that helps maintain the skin's natural barrier function and moisture retention.
- Barrier Support: Helps strengthen and repair the skin's protective barrier.
- Sebum Regulation: May help balance oil production in acne-prone skin.
๐ป Oleic Acid ~3% Proven
A monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that enhances the oil's penetrating and moisturizing abilities.
- Emollient: Softens and conditions skin and hair.
- Carrier: Helps other beneficial compounds penetrate the skin.
1 ingredient
Organic Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use PM only for face. Can also be used as an overnight hair mask, lash serum before bed, or mixed with other carrier oils. Best applied to damp skin/hair for better absorption.
๐ How to Use
For Eyelashes & Eyebrows
Fill the included mascara vial with oil. Using the mascara wand or liner brush, apply a thin layer to clean lashes and brows before bed. Be careful to avoid getting oil in your eyes.
For Hair & Scalp
Warm a small amount between palms. Massage into scalp and work through hair ends. Leave for 30 minutes to overnight, then wash out with shampoo. Use 1-2 times per week.
For Skin & Body
Apply a few drops to slightly damp skin after cleansing. Massage in circular motions until absorbed. Best used at night due to thick texture. Can mix with lighter carrier oils.
For Nails & Cuticles
Apply a drop to each nail bed and cuticle. Massage gently to hydrate and strengthen nails. Use daily for best results.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You want to promote healthier-looking eyelashes and eyebrows
- You have dry, damaged, or brittle hair
- You prefer single-ingredient, organic products
- You need deep moisturization for dry skin
- You want a natural nail and cuticle treatment
- You enjoy DIY beauty blends and formulations
- You have normal, dry, or combination skin
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne, seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff
- You prefer lightweight, fast-absorbing oils
- You have very oily or acne-prone skin
- You dislike thick, viscous textures
- You need a glass bottle (this comes in plastic)
- You're sensitive to castor oil specifically
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Provides deep, long-lasting hydration. The thick consistency locks in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss.
Works beautifully to maintain healthy, balanced skin. Use sparingly as a night treatment or mix with lighter oils.
Apply only to dry areas. Avoid T-zone if oily. Best mixed with jojoba oil for better balance across face zones.
Use very sparingly, 1-2x per week only. The thick texture may feel heavy. Better suited for hair and lash use.
Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formula is gentle. Patch test first as some may experience sensitivity.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5), but thick texture may cause issues. Not suitable for fungal acne. Use cautiously.
๐ Results Timeline
Initial Moisturization
Skin and hair feel immediately softer and more hydrated after each use. Dry patches and rough cuticles begin to smooth out.
85% noticed improvementHair Texture Improvement
Hair feels stronger, shinier, and more manageable. Scalp dryness and flakiness may decrease with consistent use.
70% noticed improvementLash & Brow Conditioning
Eyelashes and eyebrows may appear fuller, healthier, and more conditioned. Individual results vary significantly.
55% noticed improvementLong-term Benefits
With consistent use, hair breakage may decrease, skin remains well-moisturized, and nails appear stronger and healthier.
65% noticed improvementโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO verified
- Single pure ingredient with no additives
- Generous 16oz size offers excellent value
- Includes 5-piece beauty kit for easy application
- Cold-pressed and hexane-free extraction
- Versatile for hair, skin, lashes, and nails
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
- Highly moisturizing for dry skin and hair
- Lowest phthalate levels per independent testing
โ Criticized
- Comes in plastic bottle (not glass)
- Very thick consistency, slow absorption
- Can be difficult to wash out of hair
- Not suitable for fungal acne sufferers
- May feel too heavy for oily skin types
- Large size may expire before using it all
- No scientific proof for hair growth claims
- Natural scent may not appeal to everyone
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Nearly identical formula at a lower price point. Smaller 8oz size with similar beauty kit included. USDA Organic and Non-GMO verified. Same single-ingredient purity.
Same size with competitive pricing. USDA Organic certified. Known for consistent quality year-round. No beauty kit included but comes with dropper cap.
USDA Organic certified with hexane-free cold-pressing. Comes with castor oil pack wrap. Similar quality and size at comparable price. Slightly thicker texture.
USDA Certified Organic with mascara and eyebrow kit. Popular choice for lash growth. Comes in amber glass bottle for those who prefer glass packaging.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Viva Naturals Organic Castor Oil
$14.99Cliganic Organic Castor Oil
$9.99Heritage Store Castor Oil
$12.99Pura D'Or Organic Castor Oil
$16.99๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
24 months after opening when stored properly
Store in a cool, dry place protected from heat and direct light. Room temperature is ideal.
Leak-resistant amber plastic bottle with flip-top cap. Includes 5-piece beauty kit in separate packaging.
No, 16oz exceeds TSA liquid limit. Transfer to smaller container under 3.4oz (100ml) for carry-on travel.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, topical application of castor oil is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The oil contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, or other pregnancy-restricted ingredients. However, DO NOT ingest castor oil orally as it can induce labor contractions. When breastfeeding, avoid applying to breast areas or anywhere the baby may come into contact with the oil. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
No, castor oil is NOT safe for fungal acne. It contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths (primarily C18 ricinoleic acid) that can feed Malassezia yeast, potentially worsening fungal acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff. If you have these conditions, opt for MCT oil (C8/C10 only) or squalane instead, which are Malassezia-safe alternatives.
Yes, castor oil is compatible with most active ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. As a pure oil without active ingredients, it won't interact negatively with these treatments. Apply castor oil as the last step to seal in other products. For sensitive skin, wait 20-30 minutes between applying actives and castor oil to avoid potential irritation.
Castor oil works best for dry and normal skin types due to its rich, deeply moisturizing properties. It's also excellent for dry, damaged hair and brittle nails. Those with combination skin can use it on dry areas only. Oily and acne-prone skin types should use sparingly (1-2x weekly) or limit use to hair and lashes only. Not recommended for fungal acne sufferers.
Results timeline varies by use: Skin moisturization is immediate. Hair softness and shine typically appear within 1-2 weeks of regular use. Improvements in lash and brow appearance may take 6-8 weeks of nightly application. Nail strengthening usually shows results in 4-6 weeks. Note that while castor oil provides conditioning benefits, there's limited scientific evidence for actual hair growth stimulation.
Apply castor oil as the second-to-last step in your PM routine, after serums and treatments but before heavy creams (if using). The order is: cleanser, toner, essence, serums, treatments, castor oil, then moisturizer if needed. For morning use, it's generally too heavy and may interfere with sunscreen and makeup. For lashes, apply at bedtime after removing all makeup.
Castor oil has a low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it's very unlikely to clog pores for most people. Its unique molecular structure allows for deep penetration without blocking follicles. However, the thick, viscous texture can still cause issues for some, particularly those with oily or acne-prone skin. Always patch test first and use sparingly on the face.
When stored properly in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct light, Viva Naturals Organic Castor Oil lasts approximately 24 months after opening. Signs of expiration include changes in smell (becoming rancid), color darkening significantly, or texture changes. The 16oz bottle is quite large, so consider sharing with family or using for multiple purposes to avoid waste.
Verdict: Viva Naturals Organic Castor Oil is an excellent choice for those seeking a pure, certified organic oil for hair, skin, lash, and nail care. The USDA Organic certification, Non-GMO verification, and single-ingredient formula ensure high quality without additives. The included 5-piece beauty kit adds genuine value for lash and brow application. While the thick texture isn't for everyone and it's not suitable for fungal acne sufferers, the generous 16oz size offers great value for a premium organic product. Best for: dry to normal skin, damaged hair, lash conditioning, and DIY beauty enthusiasts. Skip if: you have fungal acne, prefer glass packaging, or need a lightweight oil.
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
|