Castor Oil, Cold Pressed, Organic, 100 ml

Castor oil, cold-pressed, organic

Castor oil cold-pressed from the seeds of the castor bean (Ricinus communis) is a thick plant-based emollient for hair, scalp and dry skin care. On skin and hair it forms a film that reduces moisture evaporation and leaves them supple. It most commonly appears in hair oils, scalp masks, body butters, balms and cleansing oils.

The organic quality oil is obtained by mechanical pressing without heating and subsequent filtration, without chemical solvents. The composition is dominated by ricinoleic acid (85 – 95 %), which is characteristic of castor oil.

Key properties

• Protective film – the viscous oil stays on the surface longer, reduces moisture loss and leaves skin supple. Suitable for dry and mature skin and dry, damaged hair.
• Hair and scalp care – according to the manufacturer, it nourishes the scalp, strengthens hair roots and promotes healthy hair condition.
• Cleansing effect – the manufacturer lists it as a natural cleansing oil that binds impurities and excess sebum. It is suitable for cleansing oils and makeup-removing balms.
• Antioxidant and brightening action – according to the manufacturer's data, it contains antioxidants, supports skin elasticity and helps even out skin tone. We recommend verifying the effect in the finished product.
• Solubility in alcohol – it dissolves in ethanol, making it suitable for alcohol-based skin preparations.

Use in formulation

The oil is added to the oil phase and processed below 40 °C. In cold-process formulations it is added directly to the oil blend. For emulsions, we recommend pre-blending the castor oil with lighter oils before combining with the water phase, so the thick oil disperses evenly.

Dosage is broad, 1 – 100 % depending on the product type. Pure or at high proportions it is used in hair oils and scalp treatments. In body oils, emulsions and balms it is typically kept at lower proportions, as it increases the viscosity and tackiness of the finished product. It blends with other vegetable oils but does not dissolve in water.

Castor oil has no compatibility restrictions, is not classified as hazardous under CLP and does not require a safety data sheet. It is suitable for both rinse-off and leave-on products.

Suitable for products such as

• Hair oils and serums – alone or blended with lighter oils for the lengths and ends of dry and damaged hair.
• Scalp treatments – masks and pre-wash oil treatments where the oil's adhesiveness is used to advantage.
• Cleansing oils and makeup-removing balms – an ingredient that binds sebum and impurities; in rinse-off products also suitable for acne-prone skin.
• Body butters and balms – combined with butters, it reinforces the protective film on dry skin.
• Body oils and emulsions – at lower proportions as an emollient for dry and mature skin.
• Alcohol-based preparations – as one of the oil components soluble in ethanol.

Good to know

The oil is thick and flows slowly, so it is advisable to let it reach room temperature before weighing. Measuring by drops is imprecise; weighing is more accurate. The scent is faint and neutral, so it does not introduce its own odour into the finished product.

In emulsions it increases the viscosity of the oil phase and may alter the final consistency of the product. For a first formulation, we recommend testing a small batch and checking the texture and emulsion stability after a few days.

The oil is organically certified, kosher, of plant origin, free of palm oil derivatives and readily biodegradable. It has not been tested on animals.

Frequently asked questions