Our busy and hectic schedule leaves us very little time for an elaborate skin or hair care routine. But worry not because we are here to help. This post helps you understand how castor oil helps grow eyelashes. It also discusses some simple ways to add castor oil to your daily routine. Swipe up to read more about the DIY castor oil tricks that are healthy and affordable!
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil, derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, is a vegetable oil with 30% to 50% of fat. It is extracted from castor beans through mechanical pressing or solvent extraction or a combination of both (1). Its historical use can be traced back to ancient Egypt where it was used as lamp fuel and even found applications in medicine and beauty care. Today, castor oil is widely used in the chemical industry as an ingredient in paints, coatings, inks, and lubricants. It is also used as a natural moisturizer, a laxative, a wound dressing component, and as a carrier for specific pharmaceuticals (2). In the next section, we understand how castor oil helps with hair growth. Take a look.
How Does Castor Oil Benefit Hair Growth?
Besides its antifungal and antibacterial properties, castor oil is packed with beneficial nutrients like proteins, minerals, and fatty acids, such as oleic, linoleic, stearic, and palmitic ricinoleic acids (3). It also contains natural compounds that may help promote hair growth.
Castor Oil Contains Vitamin E
Vitamin E works as a powerful antioxidant that conditions your lashes and may prevent them from falling out. It also helps repair damage to hair follicles, which may promote hair growth (4).
Castor Oil Is Rich In Ricinoleic Acid
Castor oil also contains naturally high levels of ricinoleic acid, an omega-9 essential fatty acid that may help in thickening your lashes and stimulate lash growth (3), (2). Diana, a blogger, tried applying castor oil on her eyelashes and observed that they began to grow longer and thicker. She used a Q-tip to apply the oil twice a day to the lash line and was pleased with the results. She writes, “I see a few tiny hair bumps on the lash line and I notice when I put on mascara my right eye looks as thick as my left eyelashes (i).” Wondering if it is safe? Check out the next section!
Castor Oil For Eyelashes – Is It Safe?
Is castor oil good for eyelashes? As opposed to the wide range of eyelash growth products in the market, which may or may not have side effects, castor oil is a natural ingredient. Much like an all-natural conditioner and at a moderate dosage, it works fine without any side effects. Even if a little bit gets into your eye, it does not cause any damage. It only blurs your vision if you apply an excess amount (in which case, you can wash it off). The trick to keeping it from getting in your eyes is simple – apply it with precision and in small amounts. If you want to know more about how to use it the correct way, keep scrolling.
How To Use Castor Oil For Eyelashes
There is more than just one way you can use castor oil on your lashes and brows. Below are five of the most effective ways that you can combine castor oil with other wholesome ingredients to make a DIY lash serum right at home. The best time to apply it is at night as this allows more time for the oil to saturate your lashes, and you will wake up with healthier lashes in the morning.
DIY Methods For Natural Eyelash Growth
1. Pure Castor Oil Mask – The Simple Method
This is the easiest method to nourish your lashes with nothing but castor oil.
2. Glycerin And Egg White Method
Create your own natural eyelash serum with the help of two ingredients that you can easily find in your kitchen cabinet. Glycerin is popular for its moisturizing properties and egg whites are known for their high protein content (5).
3. Castor Oil And Olive Oil Combo
Olive oil is a rich source of vitamins A and E, and it is also packed with tons of antioxidants (6). Using olive oil for your eyelashes is highly beneficial and combining it with castor oil doubles the benefits and your lashes can soak up the goodness of these wonderful oils.
4. Castor Oil And Sweet Almond Oil Combo
Sweet almond oil is a rich source of vitamin E, essential fats, magnesium, and calcium (7). When you use it over a period, it adds shine and luster to your lashes, making them thicker, stronger, and longer. Combining almond oil and castor oil is a surefire way to help your lashes achieve better results. Pro Tip: Create a miracle lash serum by adding a few drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil to this solution.
5. Vaseline, Coconut Oil, And Castor Oil Serum
Petroleum jelly is an incredible conditioning and moisturizing agent for dry and brittle lashes. Coconut oil is rich in nutrients that will help make your lashes dark, soft, and shiny (8).
How Long Does It Take For Eyelashes To Grow Back With Castor Oil?
The only way to achieve effective results with castor oil is to use it every night religiously. To give you an average estimate, it takes about 3-6 months for eyelashes to grow back and for you to notice a change in their thickness, length, and overall appearance.
Castor Oil Eyelash Growth Results: Before & After
Works like a charm! However, there are some precautions that you need to take while using castor oil. Check them out below!
Side Effects Of Castor Oil For Eyelashes
Castor oil is not known to cause any severe side effects when used in moderate amounts on your eyelashes. In fact, according to anecdotal evidence, many people regularly use castor oil for eye health. However, it may cause blurry vision and irritation if too much seeps into your eyes. The best way to prevent this is to apply it with care and precision to avoid getting it into your eye. Is castor oil safe to use around sensitive eyes? Check out the easy methods by which you can use castor oil for eyelashes in the infographic below.Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team Castor oil is generally considered safe to use around sensitive eyes. However, it is always suggested to do a patch test before topical application to prevent any irritation or allergic reaction. Also, avoid direct contact with the eyes. Can I put castor oil on my eyelashes every day? Yes, you need to apply castor oil to your eyelashes every day to achieve the desired results. Does castor oil darken the lashes? Yes, castor oil may help improve the luster and color of your lashes (8). Mixing castor oil with ingredients like coconut oil may help darken the lashes. How can I choose the right type of castor oil for my eyelashes, such as cold-pressed or organic varieties? Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right type of castor oil for your eyelashes: Cold-pressed: Look for cold-pressed castor oil as the extraction method preserves the natural nutrients and properties of the oil. It is typically labeled as “cold-pressed” or “virgin” on the packaging. Organic: This castor oil is made from organically grown castor beans and is free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This ensures that the oil is free from harmful chemicals that could cause irritation or allergic reactions. Hexane-free: Look for castor oil that is labeled as “hexane-free” to ensure that it is free from this potentially harmful chemical. Quality: Look for high-quality castor oil from reputable brands that use sustainable sourcing and production methods. Avoid buying cheap castor oil that may be diluted or of poor quality. Packaging: Look for castor oil that is packaged in a dark glass bottle to protect it from sunlight and with a dropper for easy application. Can castor oil be used on both natural and synthetic eyelashes? Yes, castor oil can be used on both natural and synthetic eyelashes. However, it is important to note that synthetic eyelashes may not absorb the oil as well as natural eyelashes and may not be as effective in promoting growth and thickness. What are some tips for choosing the right applicator or brush for applying castor oil to the eyelashes? Here are some tips for selecting the right tool:
Cleanliness: Choose an applicator or brush that is clean and free from any contaminants. You can also use a clean mascara wand, a cotton swab, or a clean and dry spoolie brush. Size: Select an applicator or brush that is small enough to apply the castor oil directly to the lash line. This ensures that the oil reaches the roots of the lashes for maximum effectiveness. Shape: Look for an applicator or brush that has a rounded tip or gentle and soft bristles. This helps to prevent irritation or damage to the delicate skin around the eyes. Material: Choose an applicator or brush made from gentle materials like silicone or nylon. Avoid using applicators or brushes made from harsh or abrasive materials that could scratch or damage the eyes.
Illustration: How To Use Castor Oil For Eyelashes Growth? - 5 Best DIY Methods
Learn how you can use castor oil to get longer, thicker eyelashes. Yes, you read that right! Watch this video to discover the safest way to apply it for maximum results.
