Castor Oil on Your Face: Skincare Superhero or Overhyped Trend?

Castor oil, a vegetable oil that comes from the seeds of the castor plant, is often touted for benefits across the board. While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the oil for use as a laxative, its anti-inflammatory properties have also been studied as an alternative treatment for arthritis pain, menstrual cramps and more. Most recently, the oil has been making an appearance in many people’s skincare routines, which begs the question: Should you use castor oil on your face?

“The internet is all over castor oil as a go-to skincare product,” explains Dr Mina. The claims TikTok creators have made about the ingredient run the gamut of complexion concerns, from its Botox-like effects to its ability to lighten under-eye circles and even treat acne. But can one unassuming oil really do all that good stuff?

Ahead, dermatologists explain the potential science-backed benefits of using castor oil on your face. Plus, possible side effects to watch out for and everything you need to know before trying the buzzy skincare ingredient for yourself.

Benefits of using castor oil on your face

The superhero within castor oil is ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that, research shows, has significant potential in skincare. “But the results are mixed on whether it really delivers” in the form of castor oil, Dr Mina explains. In other words, science is still working on validating the oil’s powers, but the potential benefits from applying it include:

• Moisture: Ricinoleic acid contains “moisturising properties that can help support skin barrier function,” explains Dr Vafaie. “Its occlusive (that is, protective) nature can lock in moisture, potentially making the skin appear smoother and more hydrated.” In other words, castor oil may act as a shield between your skin and drying stressors like winter weather. It may also make the skin look and feel softer.
• Anti-inflammatory: Ricinoleic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties, says Dr Collins, so it may soothe irritated or sensitive skin. Research in animals shows that ricinoleic acid may also fight swelling and pain when applied topically. In fact, another study in people found it was as effective at treating symptoms of knee arthritis as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Wound healing: Castor oil’s “emollient nature can help with minor wound healing by maintaining a moist environment conducive to repair,” says Dr Collins. It also has “mild antimicrobial and antifungal properties, potentially helping to prevent certain skin infections,” she adds. This may mean it could also aid in the clearing of certain types of acne, but more research is needed to confirm that.

How to use castor oil for your face

Before applying castor oil to your face for the first time, it’s a good idea to perform a patch test in a less conspicuous area of skin, like your inner arm, to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction, Dr Collins says.

If your skin is super dry, you could rub a small amount of castor oil directly onto a clean face, smoothed over in a thin layer. But it’s most easily applied and comfortably worn when diluted with a carrier oil like jojoba or argan, Dr Vafaie adds. Also, if you’re acne-prone, she says that cutting it with a carrier oil is the best option because its thick texture can clog pores.

“Gently massage the mixture onto clean skin, then pat away any excess with a soft towel,” Dr Vafaie says. “This helps create a balanced formulation that is less likely to cause breakouts.”

Castor oil side effects

There aren’t many potential side effects to trying out castor oil. The main few are:

• Clogged pores or worsened acne: “Castor oil can clog pores in acne-prone skin and cause irritation, especially if used undiluted. Always patch-test first to avoid a reaction,” says Dr Mina.
• Allergic reaction or sensitivity: “Some people may experience redness, itching or irritation,” Dr Collins says. “Prolonged use or improper dilution can lead to sensitivity or skin barrier disruption.”

Can castor oil remove dark spots?

“There was one study suggesting castor oil helped reduce dark under-eye spots, but this wouldn’t be my go-to for hyperpigmentation,” says Dr Mina, referring to marks left behind by acne or sun damage. “There just isn’t enough strong evidence that it helps lighten pigmentation. Stick to proven ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide or retinoids instead.”

Does castor oil tighten skin?

All of the dermatologists we spoke to said castor oil may offer the temporary illusion of tightness and plumpness due to its moisturising properties, but it hasn’t been found to permanently tighten sagging skin or stimulate collagen or elastin. That is something more effectively treated by collagen boosters, retinoids, and professional procedures like radiofrequency or microneedling, according to Dr Collins.

“Bottom line: We have better studied ingredients for skin hydration and moisturisation, and I would stick to that for healthy skin,” says Dr Mina.

Does castor oil work better for certain skin types?

Everyone’s skin is different, which means not everyone will have the same results when they try to incorporate castor oil into their skincare routine. “Castor oil may work best for people with very dry or mature skin because it’s highly occlusive, meaning it helps lock in moisture,” explains Dr Rastogi.

That said, it won’t be a good fit for everyone. Dr Rastogi warns that people with sensitive, oily or acne-prone skin should proceed with caution, as it may lead to clogged pores. Plus, “while some people tolerate it well, there’s little high-quality research showing that castor oil treats acne, wrinkles or other common skin concerns,” she adds.