Castor oil has been prized for thousands of years as a versatile natural remedy. Extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, this thick, pale yellow oil is rich in ricinoleic acid — a unique fatty acid that gives it many of its properties. People around the world have used castor oil for everything from skincare to digestive relief, and while not all claims are scientifically proven, some are well-supported, while others are traditional or anecdotal.
Before we dive into ten uses you might not know about, it’s important to note: castor oil should be used responsibly, especially internally. Some uses are safe and beneficial for many people, while others require care, moderation, or consultation with a doctor. Healthline+1
#1 — Gentle Makeup Remover & Deep Cleanser
Unlike many commercial cleansers that strip the skin’s natural oils, castor oil can work as a natural makeup remover thanks to its ability to dissolve oils and impurities. Many people use it on damp skin, then wipe off with a warm, soft cloth. Because it’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, it may help maintain skin balance. However, castor oil’s thick texture means it can clog pores if used alone on acne-prone skin, so patch testing and dilution with a lighter oil (like grapeseed) are recommended first. Facty
Tip: Try mixing a few drops with lighter oils like jojoba or sweet almond oil to make removal easier and reduce pore-clogging risk.
#2 — Deep Skin Moisturizer
Castor oil’s most well-established topical benefit is moisturizing dry skin. Its rich ricinoleic acid acts as an emollient — it locks in moisture and supports the skin’s barrier function. People apply it sparingly to areas prone to dryness, such as elbows, heels, or cheeks. Healthline
Note: Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic. Always do a patch test behind the ear or on your inner arm before full-face use.
#3 — Soothe & Nourish Cracked Heels
One of castor oil’s practical, everyday uses is treating dry, cracked heels. Apply a small amount and cover with socks overnight to help soften hardened skin. The oil’s viscosity helps it stay in the cracks and deeply moisturize. dogpjs.com
#4 — Natural Laxative for Occasional Constipation
This is one use where castor oil really stands out — but also one that requires caution. Castor oil has long been used as a stimulant laxative because the ricinoleic acid it contains speeds up intestinal muscle contractions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved castor oil for temporary relief of occasional constipation. Healthline+1
However, medical experts warn that it should not be used regularly, as overuse can lead to cramping, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. It’s best reserved for occasional issues, and you should speak with a healthcare provider before taking it internally. National Geographic
#5 — Support Wound Care (Topical, with Care)
Castor oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which historically made it useful in wound healing — it helps create a moist environment that supports tissue repair and prevents hard scab formation. Clinical products like Venelex combine castor oil with other ingredients to care for chronic wounds in controlled settings. webmd.com
Important: Do not apply castor oil directly to open cuts or burns at home without medical guidance — improper use can cause irritation or infection.
#6 — May Ease Joint Discomfort (Traditional Use)
One lesser-known topical application is using castor oil packs — cloth soaked with oil and applied warm to joints or muscles. Traditional practitioners claim its anti-inflammatory action may help reduce stiffness. While solid clinical evidence is limited, many people report subjective relief from mild aches. dogpjs.com
How to Use: Warm the oil slightly (not hot), soak a cloth, and apply to the target area for 30-60 minutes, then wash and moisturize.
#7 — Antifungal Skin Aid
Castor oil contains undecylenic acid, a compound with natural antifungal activity. This makes it useful — in some cases — for addressing fungal skin issues like ringworm (not a worm, but a fungal infection of the skin) when applied consistently. dogpjs.com
However, professional antifungal medications are typically more effective. Castor oil might help in mild cases or as a complementary treatment, but talk to a dermatologist for persistent infections.
#8 — Hair & Scalp Moisture Booster
Many people apply castor oil to dry scalp or brittle hair for deep moisturization. Its high viscosity means it coats hair shafts, reducing frizz and breakage appearance. Health
While there’s no strong evidence that castor oil directly stimulates hair growth, its moisturizing and soothing properties can improve hair texture and scalp health. Healthline+1
Tip: Massage a tiny amount into the scalp and hair, leaving it on before shampooing. Mix with other lighter oils (e.g., argan or coconut) for easier distribution.
#9 — Calming Night Routine Ritual
Though research is limited, some people use castor oil as part of a nighttime ritual to help relax. Gentle massage around the temples, forehead, or eyelids can feel soothing — much like applying any calming oil or lotion before bed. dogpjs.com
This use is largely anecdotal and works best when paired with overall good sleep hygiene (cool room, consistent bedtime, reduced screen time).
#10 — Beauty Boost for Eyelashes & Brows (With Caution)
Applying castor oil to eyebrows and lashes is a popular beauty hack: some people report fuller-looking hairs over weeks of consistent use. However, the evidence is anecdotal, and individual results vary. Reddit
Safety Tip: Avoid getting castor oil directly into the eyes, as it can irritate the delicate tissues. Apply with a clean cotton swab along the lashes at night only.
Safety First: What Castor Oil Doesn’t Do
There are many viral claims online about castor oil curing serious diseases, detoxing the body, dramatically speeding hair growth, or melting fat — but there is no scientific evidence supporting these claims. National Geographic
For example:
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Weight loss or “detox” hacks like applying castor oil to the belly button have no physiological basis — and weight change is not caused by topical oils. the-sun.com
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Cancer or severe disease cures are not supported by evidence and should not be attempted. Reddit
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Routine internal use for cleansing isn’t recommended because it can cause digestive distress.
How to Choose & Use Castor Oil Wisely
✔ Go for cold-pressed, organic, hexane-free castor oil in a dark glass bottle — this ensures purity and minimal processing. dogpjs.com
✔ Always patch test before using on larger skin areas.
✔ Dilute with carrier oils (like jojoba, argan, or sweet almond) for skin or hair use to reduce stickiness or pore clogging.
✔ Consult a healthcare provider — especially for internal uses, pregnancy, or if you have health conditions.
Final Thoughts
Castor oil is far more than an old-fashioned home remedy. Its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties make it genuinely useful for many everyday wellness purposes. Some applications — like moisturizing, occasional constipation relief, and skin care — are supported by scientific evidence. Others — like labor induction, antifungal support, or joint packs — fall under traditional or anecdotal use and should be approached thoughtfully.
Used wisely and with realistic expectations, castor oil can be a valuable part of your natural wellness toolkit.