A good moisturizer shouldn’t need a long ingredient list. Many conventional creams are full of synthetic fillers, silicones and fragrance. Castor oil is one ingredient, and its rich, cushiony texture is made for sealing in moisture.
Why Castor Oil Moisturizes So Well
Castor oil is thick and rich, which makes it excellent at locking moisture into the skin. Pressed into damp skin, it:
- Seals in hydration so skin stays soft longer
- Helps support your skin’s natural moisture barrier
- Leaves skin looking plump and dewy
- Comforts skin that feels dry or tight
The reason is ricinoleic acid, a rare fatty acid that makes up most of castor oil and gives it its signature texture.
Five Ways to Use Castor Oil as a Moisturizer
1. Face
- Warm 2 to 3 drops between your fingertips.
- Press into damp skin after cleansing to lock in moisture.
- Finish with a few slow, upward strokes.
For a lighter feel, mix it with a few drops of rosehip oil or squalane.
2. Overnight Treatment
On dry nights, castor oil makes a rich overnight layer.
- Apply a thin layer to clean skin before bed, keeping it away from your eyes.
- Focus on any areas that feel especially dry.
- Wake up to soft, supple skin.
3. Lips
Smooth one drop over your lips before bed and let it soak in overnight. It’s rich and long-lasting, without the waxy feel of many balms.
4. Body
- After showering, apply a few drops to damp skin.
- Focus on elbows, knees and heels.
- Let it absorb for soft skin that lasts all day.
You can also add a few drops to your favorite body lotion for an extra-rich feel.
5. Hands and Cuticles
Massage one drop into your hands and cuticles before bed and wake up to softer hands and smoother-looking nails.
As with anything new, patch test first and stop if irritation occurs.
Why Elham’s
Many castor oils are extracted with hexane, a petroleum-based solvent, to squeeze more oil out of every seed. Ours never is. Every bottle of Elham’s Organic Castor Oil is:
- 100% organic
- Cold-pressed and hexane-free
- Bottled in amber glass to protect it from light