You've probably seen it sitting on the bottom shelf of a dusty pharmacy or trending in a 30-second TikTok clip where someone claims it grew their eyelashes overnight. Castor oil isn't new. In fact, it's ancient. But there is a massive difference between the refined, chemically processed gunk used in industrial lubricants and the high-grade 100 pure cold pressed castor oil that people are currently obsessed with for skin and hair health.
If you're looking for a miracle cure, let's be real: it doesn't exist. However, if you want to understand why this specific fatty acid profile is so unique, you have to look at the chemistry. Most oils are just moisturizers. This stuff is different. It’s thick. It’s sticky. Honestly, it’s kind of a mess to use if you don't know what you're doing. But the science behind Ricinus communis—the castor bean—is actually pretty fascinating once you get past the marketing fluff.
What makes 100 pure cold pressed castor oil different from the cheap stuff?
Most people walk into a store, see a bottle labeled "Castor Oil," and think they’re getting the good stuff. They aren't. Often, commercial castor oil is extracted using heat or chemical solvents like hexane. Heat is the enemy of quality here. When you blast the beans with high temperatures, you degrade the nutrients, specifically the ricinoleic acid.
Cold pressing is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a mechanical process. The seeds are crushed under great pressure to squeeze out the oil, but the temperature stays low. This keeps the vitamins and the fatty acids intact. 100 pure cold pressed castor oil should look pale yellow or golden. If it’s clear, it’s likely been heavily refined. If it’s dark brown and smells smoky, that’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil, which is a different beast entirely because the beans are roasted first.
Why does "pure" matter so much? Because your skin is a sponge. If the oil was extracted using hexane—a neurotoxin—there’s a non-zero chance traces of that solvent are still in the bottle. You don't want that near your eyes or on your scalp. You want the raw, unadulterated fatty acids.
The Ricinoleic Acid Factor
About 90% of the fatty acid content in this oil is ricinoleic acid. You won't find this in high concentrations anywhere else. It’s a humectant. It pulls moisture into the skin. But more importantly, it has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. A study published in the Journal of International Toxicology noted that ricinoleic acid has some pretty unique analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects when applied topically. This is why people swear by it for joint pain or "de-puffing" their face, though the evidence for systemic weight loss or internal "cleansing" via the belly button is... well, it’s mostly anecdotal and scientifically shaky.
The truth about hair growth and lashes
Let's address the elephant in the room. Does 100 pure cold pressed castor oil actually grow hair?
Yes and no.
If you think it's going to flip a genetic switch and cure male pattern baldness, you’re going to be disappointed. Hair growth is governed by hormones, genetics, and blood flow. However, castor oil is incredible at retention.
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Hair breaks. Especially the tiny, fragile hairs on your eyelids and brows. By coating the hair shaft in 100 pure cold pressed castor oil, you are creating a protective barrier. This prevents moisture loss and reduces breakage. When your hair doesn't break, it gets longer. People see the length and think, "My hair is growing faster!" In reality, their hair is just finally surviving long enough to show its true length.
There's also the scalp health aspect. A dry, flaky scalp is a bad environment for follicles. The antimicrobial properties of the oil—thanks again to that ricinoleic acid—can help keep the scalp "clean" from certain fungi and bacteria that cause dandruff.
How to actually apply it without making a mess
Don't just pour it on your head. You'll regret it. This oil is thick, almost like honey.
- For Lashes: Use a clean spoolie. Dip it, wipe off the excess (seriously, wipe it all off), and brush it onto the tips. Don't get it in your eye. It won't blind you, but it’ll blur your vision and feel greasy for hours.
- For Scalp: Mix it. Take your 100 pure cold pressed castor oil and blend it 50/50 with a lighter "carrier" oil like jojoba or almond oil. It makes it way easier to spread and, more importantly, way easier to wash out.
- The Steam Trick: If you're using it on your skin, apply it to damp skin. It helps lock in that water.
Skin benefits: Beyond just moisture
I’ve talked to many people who use it as a "cleansing oil." It sounds counterintuitive—putting oil on your face to clean it—but it’s based on the "like dissolves like" principle. The thick castor oil binds to the hardened sebum and dirt in your pores.
Is it for everyone? No way. If you have cystic acne, be careful. Castor oil is technically low on the comedogenic scale (it scores around a 1 or 2), but because it's so thick, it can trap other debris against the skin if you don't wash it off properly.
Real-world results vs. "Skinfluencer" claims
You’ll see people on Instagram claiming they cured their cystic acne or removed their wrinkles in three days using 100 pure cold pressed castor oil.
Stop.
That’s not how biology works. Skin turnover takes about 28 days. Any topical treatment needs at least a month of consistent use before you can actually judge the results. What you will notice immediately is the glow. Because it's a heavy occlusive, it smooths out the top layer of dead skin cells (the stratum corneum), making your skin reflect light better. You look hydrated because you literally are.
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Safety and the "Belly Button" trend
Lately, there’s been a weird trend of putting castor oil in the navel—the Pechoti method. Proponents claim it cures everything from dry eyes to fertility issues. From a strictly medical standpoint, there isn't much peer-reviewed evidence to support that the oil travels from your belly button to your ovaries or your tear ducts.
However, the navel is a thin area of skin with a lot of blood vessels nearby. Applying oil there might help with local dryness or provide a calming ritual, but don't expect it to replace your doctor.
A massive warning: Do not ingest it unless you are under medical supervision. Castor oil is a powerful stimulant laxative. It works by irritating the lining of the bowels. In the past, it was used to induce labor, which is why pregnant women should stay far away from consuming it. Stick to topical use. It's much safer and more effective for beauty anyway.
Identifying a high-quality bottle
When you're shopping for 100 pure cold pressed castor oil, you need to be a bit of a detective. Labels are often misleading.
- The Bottle: It should be dark glass (amber or cobalt). Light and heat oxidize oil. If it’s in a clear plastic bottle on a sunny shelf, the oil is likely already degrading.
- The Ingredients: There should be exactly one ingredient. Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil. If you see "fragrance," "mineral oil," or "tocopheryl acetate" (Vitamin E) added, it might be fine, but it’s not pure. Some companies add Vitamin E as a preservative, which is okay, but it should be disclosed.
- The Certification: Look for "Hexane-Free" and "USDA Organic" if you can. It’s an extra layer of insurance that you aren't putting pesticides on your face.
What experts say about the limitations
Dermatologists are generally okay with castor oil, but they emphasize that it's a supplement to a routine, not a replacement for medical actives like retinoids or sunscreens. Dr. Shereene Idriss, a well-known dermatologist, often mentions that while castor oil is great for conditioning, it doesn't actually change the biology of hair growth.
It’s an emollient. It fills in the gaps in your skin barrier. It’s a humectant. It holds onto water. It’s an occlusive. It stops water from leaving. It’s a triple threat for hydration, but it’s not a magic wand.
Practical ways to start using it today
If you just bought a bottle of 100 pure cold pressed castor oil, here is the most effective way to integrate it into your life without ruining your pillowcases.
1. The Overnight Brow Treatment
Dip a Q-tip into the oil. Rub it vigorously into your eyebrows. You want to stimulate the skin underneath, not just coat the hairs. Do this every night for six weeks. You’ll likely notice your brows look darker and fuller simply because the hairs aren't falling out as fast.
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2. The Heel Fixer
This is probably the most underrated use. If you have cracked heels, slather them in castor oil, put on some old cotton socks, and go to sleep. Because the oil is so viscous, it stays put better than standard lotions.
3. The Cuticle Saver
Keep a small dropper bottle at your desk. One drop across all ten fingernails. It prevents that painful peeling around the edges of your nails during winter.
4. The "Oil Pulling" Alternative
Some people use it for oil pulling, but honestly, it tastes pretty bad. Coconut oil is usually better for that. Stick to using castor oil for your external "dry" spots.
Final thoughts on the "Liquid Gold"
Is 100 pure cold pressed castor oil worth it?
Yes. It’s one of the few "old school" remedies that actually has a chemical basis for why it works. It’s cheap, a single bottle lasts for a year, and it’s multi-purpose. Just keep your expectations realistic. It’s a tool for maintenance and protection.
If you're buying it, buy the best quality you can find. Avoid the plastic bottles. Avoid the added perfumes. Get the thick, golden, slightly smelly stuff that comes from a cold press. Your skin and hair will definitely tell the difference over time.
Next Steps for Implementation:
- Patch Test: Before smearing it all over your face, put a small amount on your inner forearm. Wait 24 hours to ensure you don't have a rare allergy to ricinoleic acid.
- Dilution: Purchase a bottle of organic jojoba oil to use as a base. Mix 1 part castor oil to 3 parts jojoba for a perfect, spreadable body and scalp oil.
- Storage: Move your bottle to a cool, dark cupboard. Do not leave it on your bathroom counter where the shower steam and light can turn it rancid.
- Consistency: Set a calendar reminder. Natural oils take time. Commitment for 30 to 60 days is the only way to see the "retention" benefits in hair and lashes.