Organic Castor Oil
Organic Castor Oil
Product Description
Product overview
A single-ingredient, USDA-certified organic carrier oil pressed from castor beans. Rich, deeply moisturizing, and 100% pure Ricinus Communis Seed Oil — a multi-purpose oil for hair, scalp, lashes, brows, body, and DIY beauty blends. Fragrance-free, hexane-free, and vegan, with nothing added or diluted.
Multi-Purpose Carrier Oil
One bottle for hair, scalp, lashes, brows, body, nails, and aromatherapy blends — no fillers or diluents.
Texture & feel
SENSORYMulti-Purpose Carrier Oil
One bottle for hair, scalp, lashes, brows, body, nails, and aromatherapy blends — no fillers or diluents.
Single-Ingredient Purity
100% Ricinus Communis Seed Oil. USDA Organic and hexane-free, with nothing else added.
Deep, Lasting Moisture
Naturally rich in ricinoleic acid to lock in hydration on dry skin, brittle hair, and rough patches.
Lash & Brow Conditioning
Coats and conditions lashes and brows so they look fuller and feel softer with consistent use.
Safety & compatibility
SAFETopical castor oil is generally well tolerated, but oral castor oil can trigger contractions and there is limited research. Use only externally and check with your doctor first.
A pure triglyceride oil with no esters, polysorbates or free fatty acids that typically feed malassezia — widely considered fungal-acne friendly.
Unlikely to clog pores for most users, though its thick texture means a little goes a long way on facial skin.
Plays well with most routines as a final occlusive step. Avoid layering directly over leave-on retinol or strong acids to reduce irritation.
For external use only; avoid direct contact with eyes. Patch test before first use, especially on sensitive or reactive skin.
Free of the most common allergens — no fragrance, parabens, soy, gluten, lanolin, or dyes.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSRicinus Communis Seed Oil (Castor Oil) 100%Proven
The only ingredient in this formula. Castor oil is pressed from castor beans and is naturally dominated by ricinoleic acid, a unique omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid that gives the oil its thick, occlusive, and conditioning character. It also contains small amounts of oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids plus naturally occurring vitamin E.
- Composition: Castor oil is roughly 80–90% ricinoleic acid, with about 7% oleic and 3% linoleic acid making up most of the remainder.
- Regulatory: The FDA has classified topical castor oil as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) since 1977.
- Function: Ricinoleic acid is documented for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity and acts as a strong occlusive humectant that seals in moisture.
- Cosmetic use: Reviews of castor oil for lashes report improved luster and conditioning, though evidence for actual follicle "growth" is limited.
1 ingredient
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil*
*Certified organic. 100% pure, undiluted, single-ingredient oil.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEAs a heavy occlusive oil, castor oil works best as the final step to seal in everything beneath it. For hair, use it as a pre-wash scalp treatment or overnight mask; for lashes and brows, apply a tiny amount at night.
How to use
HOW TO USEHair & Scalp
Massage a few drops into the scalp and dry areas. Leave on 30–60 minutes (or overnight), then shampoo out. Use once or twice a week.
Lashes & Brows
Dip a clean spoolie or cotton swab and lightly coat lashes and brows at night. Avoid getting oil into the eyes.
Face & Body
Warm 1–2 drops between fingertips and press onto clean, slightly damp skin as a final sealing step. A little goes a long way.
Custom Blends
Mix with lighter carrier oils (jojoba, argan) or a drop of rosemary essential oil for a thinner, more spreadable treatment.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want one versatile oil for hair, lashes, brows, and body
- Your skin or hair is dry and needs deep, sealing moisture
- You prefer a single-ingredient, fragrance-free, organic product
- You enjoy making DIY blends and castor oil packs
- You're on a budget and want a large bottle that lasts
Consider alternatives if:
- You dislike thick, slow-absorbing, or sticky-feeling oils
- You want a lightweight oil for daytime under makeup
- You specifically need a cold-pressed glass-bottle version
- You're sensitive to castor's mild natural scent
- You're pregnant and prefer to avoid it without doctor sign-off
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESDeeply nourishing and occlusive — ideal for sealing in moisture on dry, flaky areas.
Low comedogenic, but the heavy texture may feel like too much on already oily faces — use sparingly.
Best applied only to dry zones rather than the whole face; great for cuticles, ends of hair, and body.
Fragrance-free and allergen-friendly, but always patch test as castor oil can occasionally irritate reactive skin.
Comedogenic rating of 1 and fungal-acne safe, but keep amounts small to avoid a heavy, greasy feel.
Results timeline
8–12 WEEKSInstant Softening & Shine
Skin feels coated and conditioned; hair looks glossier and frizz is smoothed right after application.
90% noticedDry Patches Calm Down
With regular use, rough or flaky areas on skin, cuticles, and hair ends feel noticeably more hydrated.
72% noticedFuller-Looking Lashes & Brows
Consistent nightly conditioning makes lashes and brows appear thicker, healthier, and better defined.
61% noticedHealthier Hair & Scalp Routine
Used as a weekly pre-wash treatment, many report softer, stronger-feeling hair and a more comfortable scalp.
54% noticedRatings by platform
11K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Excellent value — large bottle at a low price per ounce
- 100% pure, single-ingredient, USDA organic and hexane-free
- Truly multi-purpose: hair, scalp, lashes, brows, skin, body
- Fragrance-free and allergen-friendly formula
- Deeply moisturizing; visibly softer hair and skin
Criticized
- Thick, sticky texture that absorbs slowly
- Standard version comes in a plastic (not glass) bottle
- Expeller-pressed rather than cold-pressed
- Natural scent can be noticeable to some
- Can feel heavy if over-applied to the face
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame single-ingredient organic castor oil in a smaller, lower-cost bottle. Great for trying castor oil before committing to a large size.
Cold-pressed pure castor oil at a similar price point. Comparable purity with a different extraction method some users prefer.
A pure castor oil in the same 16 oz size, though typically not USDA organic certified. Reliable everyday option at a low price.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. For facial skincare use, it's best within about 6 months of opening.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the cap tightly closed after each use.
BPA-free plastic bottle with a pump dispenser (a cold-pressed glass-bottle version is also available).
The 16 oz size exceeds the 100 ml carry-on limit; decant a small amount or choose the 4 oz size for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQTopical castor oil is generally considered well tolerated, and the FDA has classified topical castor oil as GRAS since 1977. However, oral castor oil can stimulate uterine contractions, there is limited research on cosmetic use in pregnancy, and some animal studies have raised questions. Use it only externally and check with your doctor or midwife before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Yes. Castor oil is a pure triglyceride with no esters, polysorbates, or free fatty acids of the type that typically feed malassezia yeast, so it is widely regarded as fungal-acne (malassezia) safe. As always, monitor your own skin and patch test first.
Yes, but apply it as a final occlusive step rather than mixing it directly with active treatments. Let your retinol, vitamin C, or exfoliating acid absorb first, then seal with a thin layer of castor oil. Avoid combining it directly over strong actives if you have sensitive skin, since the occlusive layer can intensify their effect.
It's best for dry and normal skin that benefits from a rich, sealing oil. Combination and acne-prone skin can use it sparingly on dry zones, lashes, brows, and body. Very oily skin may find the thick texture too heavy for full-face use.
Softer, glossier skin and hair are usually noticeable immediately. Dry patches tend to calm within 1–2 weeks of regular use, while fuller-looking lashes and brows generally take 4–6 weeks of consistent nightly application. Hair and scalp benefits build over roughly 8–12 weeks of weekly treatments.
As a heavy occlusive, it goes at the very end of your routine to seal in your serum and moisturizer. In the morning, apply sunscreen as the final step instead. For hair, use it as a pre-wash scalp and length treatment; for lashes and brows, apply a tiny amount at night.
Castor oil has a low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores for most people. Because the texture is thick, the best practice is to use a small amount and avoid heavy layering on the face. Patch test first if your skin is acne-prone.
About 12 months after opening when stored properly. For facial skincare, it's ideal to use it within roughly 6 months of opening. Keep the bottle tightly sealed in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight to preserve the oil's quality.
Verdict: Handcraft Blends Organic Castor Oil is a standout value pick — a large, USDA-certified organic, single-ingredient oil that genuinely earns its place across hair, lash, brow, skin, and body routines. It's fragrance-free, hexane-free, and consistently well-reviewed across Walmart, the brand site, and iHerb. The main trade-offs are inherent to castor oil itself: a thick, slow-absorbing texture and a plastic standard bottle (a cold-pressed glass version is available). If you want a clean, multi-purpose oil that lasts for months and won't break the bank, it's an easy recommendation — just use it sparingly on the face and check with your doctor if you're pregnant.
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
|