INCI Name
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Botanical Name
Ricinus communis
Castor oil is a cold-pressed oil derived from the seeds of Ricinus communis. It is uniquely rich in ricinoleic acid, giving it a thick, viscous texture that provides strong occlusive and conditioning properties. Used in balms, salves, creams, and hair care, castor oil helps lock in moisture and supports the appearance of smooth, conditioned skin.
Emollient, humectant, occlusive, skin-conditioning agent, viscosity increasing agent
Product Type(s):
Typical Usage Range:
1–20% in emulsions and oils; up to 100% in targeted applications (balms, hair treatments)
Adds rich, thick texture to formulations; helps lock in moisture; traditionally used in balms, salves, and hair care for conditioning
Primary Components:
Ricinoleic acid (~85–90%), oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid
Can be too heavy for oily or acne-prone skin; may cause buildup in hair if overused; patch test recommended
Preferred Extraction Method:
Cold-pressed
Prefer cold-pressed, hexane-free, cosmetic-grade; check for organic certification; store in dark glass packaging
Explore additional safety and regulatory data from trusted external sources:
*The ingredient details on this page are intended for general educational use and should not be considered exhaustive. Additional properties, uses, or safety considerations may be available from other sources. Root & Ritual Apothecary is not affiliated with Cosmetics Info, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), INCIDecoder, SkinSafe, EWG Skin Deep, or SpecialChem. External links are provided solely for informational purposes; Root & Ritual does not control or guarantee the accuracy, methodology, or conclusions of third-party sources, including consumer rating systems such as EWG.
Castor Oil
Some links on this page are affiliate links. This means Root & Ritual may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you choose to make a purchase. We only recommend products we genuinely trust and use, and your support helps us continue sharing trusted botanical resources.
