Castor oil’s popularity is on the rise in the beauty industry throughout the world, valued as a natural, clean alternative to products overloaded with potentially harmful chemicals like parabens and phthalates.
Castor oil is most valued for its moisturizing properties and versatility. It has been used as an addition to a skincare routine, a haircare product, and even a body massage oil. Of course, castor oil has also been thought to help nourish eyelashes, and that’s what we’ll be focusing on today.
In the guide below, we will discuss what castor oil is, the potential benefits it may bring to your eyelashes, and how to apply it safely.
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is an odorless, thick vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the castor plant, or Ricinus communis. It has been a part of human history for thousands of years, with the use of this oil as a beauty and medicinal product being traced as far back as Ancient Egypt.
Does Castor Oil Help Eyelashes?
Research into castor oil’s effectiveness is still ongoing, particularly as a beauty and haircare product. However, castor oil is thought to have a moisturizing property due to its high concentration of the omega-9 fatty acid, ricinoleic acid. That’s why it’s commonly seen in haircare products formulated with dry hair in mind.
When applied to eyelashes, castor oil may have a conditioning effect and also act as a protective barrier. Some people believe that this can help to prevent the eyelashes from breaking and falling out, resulting in a fuller, softer, and healthier look.
Does Castor Oil Help Eyelashes Grow?
No, castor oil should be seen as a supplementary beauty treatment rather than something to rely on for eyelash growth. While it can potentially improve the appearance and strength of your eyelashes, there is no data that suggests castor oil (or ricinoleic acid) can help promote new eyelash growth.
If eyelash growth is your goal, it’s best to stick to an FDA-approved lash treatment. Prescription treatments like Latisse contain bimatoprost, which has been proven to stimulate hair growth.
You can also consider a lash tint or lash extension. However, these treatments can be expensive. They are typically only needed if the eyelash loss is severe, often as a result of an underlying medical condition.
Natural remedies like castor oil are still worth trying as a first measure, even if the research is still unclear.
How to Apply Castor Oil to Eyelashes
Before you apply castor oil to your eyelashes, it’s important to do a patch test. This involves applying a small amount of the oil to a part of your skin to ensure it doesn’t trigger an adverse reaction. Apply it to your arm and check regularly for any signs of irritation or redness.
If you experience any effects, stop use immediately and speak to a doctor for advice. If there is no irritation, then the castor oil is likely safe to use.
You should also make sure you’re using an organic pure castor oil. Castor oil blended with other ingredients is much more likely to cause irritation or other skin concerns. If the blend also only contains a small amount of castor oil, it’s unlikely to have the intended nourishing effect.
Here’s how to safely apply castor oil to your eyelashes:
- Remove makeup and ensure your eyelashes are clean.
- Dip a cotton swab into a drop of castor oil.
- Brush the cotton swab along your lash line, making sure to avoid your eye.
- Leave on overnight (or for a few hours), and then remove with water or a gentle makeup remover.
If you do accidentally get any of the castor oil in your eye, wash out your eye immediately with water. If you experience further irritation, consult a medical professional.
Quick Tips for How to Apply Castor Oil to Eyelashes
Castor oil hasn’t been proven to promote eyelash growth. However, it does have nourishing properties that may help to condition the lashes and minimize breakage. Many people find that they experience fuller, healthier eyelashes after adding castor oil to their beauty routine.
When applying, be mindful that any results won’t be immediate. Apply regularly over the course of several months to get a better sense of whether castor oil is beneficial for your lashes. If you notice no difference, then it’s worth considering alternatives like FDA-approved lash treatments.
