Why Use Castor Oil for Eyes?
Cosmetic oils are becoming more and more popular as people move away from unpronounceable ingredients lists, and towards natural plant extracts and botanicals. An ancient ingredient making a new impact in the skin care world is castor oil – a gentle yet powerful oil that is extracted from the seeds of the castor plant.
But why do people start using castor oil for eyes?
Firstly, Castor oil contains an abundance of antioxidants and fatty acids. It has been used as a beauty treatment for centuries. It is a powerful, natural way to moisturize, reduce wrinkles and puffiness around the eyes, and even boost eyelash and eyebrow hair growth.
Secondly, Castor oil is also noted for its medicinal properties, especially for ailments of the eyes.
In a hurry? <<Click here>> to see the best selling castor oil on Amazon.com
Table of Contents
The 6 Benefits of Using Castor Oil for Eyes
Anything you put in or around your eyes should be approached with care. However, castor oil is a tried-and-tested method. Castor oil contains naturally occurring ricinoleic acid, omega-6 fatty acids, and triglycerides. Let’s explore how these active ingredients can boost your eye and skin health.
1) Soothes Dryness, Itching and Puffiness
Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties enable it to soothe irritation around the eye area. You can use it either through eye-drops, or topical application.
2) Improves Moisture Levels
Triglycerides in castor oil boost moisture levels, and its humectant properties also help the skin to draw moisture from the air, keeping it hydrated.
3) Anti-ageing Benefits
The presence of fatty acids in castor oil are thought to boost collagen production in the skin, and promote the growth of healthy skin tissue. This helps with the reduction of wrinkles and dark circles. Sky Organics is the most popular castor oil brand with high content of this fatty acid.
4) Promotion of Hair Growth
The ricinoleic acid and fatty acids present in castor oil are believed to increase blood circulation and improve hair growth. Castor oil is also a natural conditioner and boosts hair shine. You can massage it into the scalp before shampooing. In some products, they also come in tinctures with mascara-style brushes for eyelash and eyebrow application.
5) Treatment of Eczema, Acne, Conjunctivitis, Glaucoma and Cataracts
Castor oil’s powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties mean it doesn’t just soothe irritation, but can also treat a whole host of more severe ailments. Besides, it’s high fat content can also protect the skin against exposure to further spot-causing and disease-causing bacteria.
How to Apply Castor Oil?
On Under Eye Area
- Before bed, clean your face and under eye area with water
- Pour a few drops of castor oil on a cotton pad or your fingertips
- Gently tap and massage it around the under-eye area
- Use a new clean cotton pad to wipe off any excess oil
- Leave it on overnight
- Wash it off with warm water the next morning
- Repeat these steps daily before bed
On Eye Lashes
- Before bed, clean your face and eye area with water
- Pour 1-2 drop of castor oil onto a lash applicator and brush is along the lash line to moisturize your lashes
- Pour a few drops onto a clean cotton pad. Tap the pad with oil gently to the root of the lashes (close to your eyelids) Careful not to get the oil into your eyes
- Use a new clean cotton pad to wipe off any excess oil
- Leave it on overnight
- Wash it off with warm water the next morning
- Repeat these steps daily before bed
On Nails
- To use castor oil for nails, simply apply a thin level of castor oil on nails with an applicator.
- Leave it on overnight as it will help to soften cuticles, moisture and strengthen brittle nails. It also has anti-fungal properties which will help fighting off bacteria or candida.
The Best 3 Castor Oil Brands for Eyes
#1 Castor Oil by Sky Organics
<<Click here to see price on Amazon>>
Sky Organics, as the name suggests, offers a 100% organic, non-GMO castor oil. It is also cold-pressed meaning castor seeds are pressed under a considerable force to yield the oils within. In contrast, Jamaican Black Castor Oil is roasted and ground, resulting in a much darker colour.
Sky Organics Castor Oil is the lightest, purest form of castor oil. It’s approachable for beginners, and those with sensitive skin or eye-related ailments.
#2 Castor Oil by Kate Blanc Cosmetic
<<Click here to see price on Amazon>>
Kate Blanc’s is one of the most popular and economical products in the market. Thousands of users are repurchasing it and recommending it.
It is known for it’s effectiveness in promoting hair growth and moisturizing your skin. It’s accompanied by an eyelash and eyebrow kit, and guides on how to use it for hair and nail growth.
‘100% pure’, this is USDA certified organic and cold-pressed. Kate Blanc suggests a programme for hair that involves washing with aloe vera and argan oil, moisturising with jojoba, and finishing with castor oil for growth.
Opt for this one if you’re more interested in hair and beauty benefits.
#3 Castor Oil by Namskara
<<Click here to see price on Amazon>>
Namskara’s Castor Oil product is a great all-rounder. This is a super ethical product from a conscientious brand. It’s everything-free: gluten free, perfume free, sulphate free, and free of dyes. It’s organic, unrefined, non-GMO, and hexane free too.
Namskara’s version comes in a dropper bottle, but also includes a wand for eyelash application, and a small brush for those wishing to encourage eyebrow hair growth.
FAQ
1. Does castor oil really make eyelashes or hair grow?
Yes – the ricinoleic acid and fatty acids present in castor oil can increase blood circulation and nourish your hair follicles. When the hair follicles are in healthy stage, the hair will growth stronger and fuller.
2. Is it safe if I get castor oil accidentally into my eyes?
It is generally safe if you get castor oil into your eyes. It was used for eye cataract treatment decades ago although there was no anecdotal evidence supporting this. New studies have found that castor oil is not be effective in treating cataract. However, its mild characteristics will not cause harm if you get it accidentally into your eyes.
However, a small number of people can be allergic to castor oil. Therefore, for a safety measure, test a drop of castor oil on your hand first. You can wait for an hour to make sure your skin has no allergic reaction to it, before applying to your eyes’ area.
3. Where can I apply castor oil besides eye?
Eyebrow, hair, nail, face, body, stretch mark, scars, acne, beard.
4. How long does it take to grow the lashes longer?
Genetics determine the growth rate of your hair. However, the rate can change depending on your follicle health, your hair care practices and hormonal change. Using castor oil around your lashes, can nourish your follicle with nutrients. This will speed up the growing process. It normally takes around 3+ months for most users to see a difference.
5. What are the side effects of using Castor oil on eyes?
For users who apply the oil directly into eyes, it may cause blurry vision. But once your eye has absorbed the liquid, the vision should be cleared after a few moments.
It’s important to test the castor oil on a small area of your skin on hand to see if you have any allergic reactions first. (Before you apply it around the eye area). Some people may experience a redness or itchiness of skin due to allergic reaction. Other possible side effects are diarrhea, cramps, nausea etc.
6. How to pick a good Castor Oil brand?
When shopping for castor oil, it is important to look for brands that is “hexane-free”. Hexane is a chemical that is used when extracting oil from a plant’s seed. Hexane is a relatively inexpensive and fast extraction process used by a number of brands.
A study from US Environmental Protection Agency has found that hexane can cause “mild central nervous system (CNS) effects, including dizziness, giddiness, slight nausea, and headache”. Therefore, always look for brands that use a “cold pressed” extraction method instead.
7. What are the substitutes for Castor Oil?
If your skin is allergic to castor oil, you can try argan oil, jojoba oil, marula oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, rose oil, rosehip oil, apricot oil, or coconut oil for similar moisture boost.
If you have extremely oily skin, we recommend you to avoid using coconut oil because of its high comedogenic score.
Final Note
Sky Organics brand is the no.1 brand with most number of positive reviews.
When shopping for the perfect castor oil product, stick to cold-pressed, pure, organic, and hexane free. It is because they are the safest options. Also, your castor oil should always come in an amber bottle, to protect it from UV rays.
You may come across Jamaican Black Castor Oil in your search, but this version tends to be heavier and less pure, with a higher pH level due to the ash from roasting the castor seeds.
If you have an eye-related condition, always consult your ophthalmologist before use, especially if you’re on other medication, or awaiting cataract surgery.
Recommended read: Using Rosehip Oil for Hair: Little Known Facts, Benefits, and Top Brands
