Castor Seed Oil
Castor seed oil is a thick, nourishing plant oil widely used in UK beauty products for its ability to moisturise, condition and add shine. It is a staple in lip balms, mascaras, hair treatments and cleansing oils thanks to its versatility and natural feel.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, castor seed oil functions as an emollient and occlusive agent that helps lock in moisture while creating a smooth, protective layer on skin and hair. Its unique ricinoleic acid content gives it excellent pigment-dispersing properties, making it a favourite in lipsticks, mascaras and colour cosmetics where it helps pigments glide evenly and stay put. It also adds viscosity and a glossy finish to formulations without feeling overly greasy when used at the right levels.
Key benefits
- Deeply moisturises and softens dry skin
- Conditions and adds shine to hair
- Helps soothe and calm dry, flaky lips
- Improves smoothness and softness of skin
- Enhances pigment dispersion in lip and eye products
- Creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture
Best for
dry skin, mature skin, sensitive skin, dull or dehydrated skin
Where it comes from
Castor seed oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), a shrub native to eastern Africa and now grown in many tropical and subtropical regions.