The Best Castor Oils

Sky Organics Organic Cold-Pressed Castor Oil

Pure at Heart

Equal parts effective and affordable, this additive-free option takes the cake.

Best Overall

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For one of the purest castor oils available, look no further than Sky Organics’ cold-pressed castor oil. This highly-touted oil is 100 percent pure and cold-pressed, with no icky added ingredients, fragrance, or alcohol. It’s a great natural source of fatty acids and antioxidants that help to nourish and hydrate the skin, support healthy hair and nails, and even stimulate eyelash and eyebrow growth.

Pros:

• 100 percent pure and cold-pressed; USDA-certified organic and cruelty-free.
• Free of chemicals and preservatives.
• High in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids.
• Comes in a 16-ounce bottle, so it lasts a while.

Cons:

• Leaves a little bit of a sticky residue.

Kate Blanc Cosmetics Organic Castor Oil

Enjoy Long, Thick Lashes

Always dreamed of having luxuriously long lashes and thick brows? This oil from Kate Blanc might be able to help.

Best for Lash Growth

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Though we haven’t yet discovered the fabled Fountain of Youth, products like Kate Blanc’s castor oil do their best to fill the void. How? Well, by helping to encourage eyelash thickness, of course. That’s because this top-notch oil can help stimulate hair growth and prevent breakage if you’re diligent about applying it once (or multiple times) a day. Oh, and it doesn’t just stop at the lashes — you can also use it on your eyebrows and fingernails.

Pros:

• Nourishes and strengthens lashes.
• Hexane-free formulation.
• Comes with applicator wand and brush.

Cons:

• It would be nice if this came in a bigger size.

Hair Thickness Maximizer Organic Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Au Naturel

Unrefined and free from added chemicals or preservatives, this organic castor oil does the job better than most without compromising its integrity.

Best 100% Organic

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If you’re not content settling for anything except for 100% organic Jamaican castor oil, we have two things to say. First, we commend you; second, we can help you. The Hair Thickness Maximizer is manufactured from high-quality, fire-roasted castor beans in a traditional method that gives it the “Jamaican” designation of its title, setting it apart from standard castor oils. As far as its quality goes, rest assured. Manufactured in the US, this castor oil is not only organic, but also free of fillers, fragrances, additives, or parabens. You can use it everywhere from your scalp and lashes to your brows and nails. What’s not to like?

Pros:

• Awesome natural emollient.
• Virtually odorless.
• A little bit goes a long way.

Cons:

• A bit greasier than standard caster oil, so be aware of that if you plan on using it on your scalp.

Jamaican Mango & Lime Black Castor Oil with Rosemary

A Gift to Your Nose

Rather than trying to out-do the competition by making grandiose claims, this oil's heavenly scent does all the talking.

Best Scent

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When it comes to a product as hyped as castor oil, we can understand why competing companies would hype their respective castor oils on how much better they work than the rest. People are looking for results, after all. But what we really appreciate about this one is that the company makes no such claims. Rather, they tout the magnificent scent of this castor oil as its selling point. Formulated with mango, lime, and rosemary, this formulation’s scent is truly something to behold. As far as effectiveness goes, the company’s stance seems to be: why talk about it? The proof is in the pudding, so try it and see.

Pros:

• Also available in a lavender formulation
• Quite affordable

Cons:

• If you use it on your scalp, some of the oils in the blend may weigh your hair down or make it look greasy, so it’s likely better for skin, lashes, brows, and nails

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using castor oil?

This oil is ultra-moisturizing and nourishing for the skin and hair. It’s rich in ricinoleic acid, too, which is anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory.

How should I use castor oil?

Castor oil is a fantastic scalp treatment to help stave off dandruff, it can help with hair growth and prevent breakage, and you can use it as a deep-conditioning treatment for your hair. You can also use it on your eyebrows and eyelashes to help promote growth and thickness. And, while those with oily or acne-prone skin may want to steer clear of putting it directly on their faces, if your skin is normal or dry, castor oil is a great moisturizing agent.

In addition to my hair and skin, can I use castor oil on my nails?

Yes, many people use castor oil on their nails and cuticles to help fight fungal infections and condition and strengthen nails.