Castor Oil, Refined, 1 l

Castor oil, refined is added to formulations because it softens and nourishes the skin and imparts smoothness to hair. It is pressed from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis), and refining removes its odour, colouring substances and impurities, so it introduces only the pure oil component to a product without any scent of its own. In a formulation it functions as an emollient, conditioning agent, film-forming substance and carrier, depending on the product type and the proportion in which it is used.

It differs from other vegetable oils in its fatty acid composition. The predominant component is ricinoleic acid. The oil is also soluble in alcohol, which extends its use beyond conventional oil-based formulations. It is particularly suitable for products for dry skin and dry hair, in lip balms and in cleansing oils.

What the oil does in a formulation

• Nourishing and softening the skin – it forms a continuous film on the skin that limits water evaporation and supports hydration; the effect is most noticeable in body butters, creams and balms for dry skin.
• Hair conditioning – it imparts smoothness and softness to hair and is particularly suited to dry hair; the manufacturer also states nourishment of the scalp.
• Lip film – in lip balms and lipsticks it forms a film that prevents drying out, which is why it is used at a high proportion in lip care products.
• Carrier – it is blended with oil-based active ingredients, essential oils and fragrance compositions; in its pure form it serves as a base for massage, hair and cleansing oils.
• Odourless – stripped of its scent by refining, it does not affect the fragrance of the finished product and allows the added perfume to come through.

According to the manufacturer's marketing materials, the oil contains antioxidants, helps remove impurities and excess sebum from the skin and supports a more even skin tone. These are manufacturer claims, not verified effects of the finished product.

Use in formulation

It is added to the oil phase. When making an emulsion, it is heated together with the other oils and waxes; the processing temperature should not exceed 80 °C. For anhydrous products, oil serums and massage oils it is blended in cold, with thorough mixing being sufficient.

The recommended dosage is 1 – 100 %. In emulsions it is used at lower percentages; in hair and body oils, lip balms and cleansing oils it is commonly used at a high proportion or on its own.

The oil is insoluble in water, miscible with other oils and soluble in alcohol. It can be incorporated into aqueous products only through an emulsifier or solubiliser. Solubility in alcohol allows its use in alcoholic hair tonics and similar preparations; behaviour at a specific alcohol concentration is recommended to be verified in the finished formulation. Compatibility with common cosmetic raw materials is unrestricted.

Pure oil and anhydrous oil blends do not require a preservative. Preservation is only required for a product with an aqueous phase, in which the oil is one of the ingredients.

Suitable for products such as

• Hair oils, serums and masks for dry hair and scalp
• Lip balms and lipsticks, where together with waxes it determines firmness
• Body butters, creams and lotions for dry skin
• Facial creams and oils, including products for the eye area
• Cleansing oils and cleansing balms, both rinse-off and leave-on
• Body and massage oils and oil bases for essential oils and fragrance compositions

What is good to know

Refining includes degumming, neutralisation, bleaching and deodorisation. The result is a clear to yellow, odourless oil that is suitable for perfumed and light-coloured products where the oil's own scent or colour would be undesirable. It is dosed in the same way as other vegetable oils, into the oil phase.

The oil is of plant origin, available in both food-grade and cosmetic-grade quality, and carries Vegan and Kosher certifications. It does not contain fragrance allergens according to Annex III of the Cosmetics Regulation, parabens, alcohol, palm oil derivatives or GMO-derived ingredients. It is not classified as hazardous under the CLP Regulation and is readily biodegradable.

It is suitable for both rinse-off and leave-on products and for the face, body, lips, hair, scalp and eye area.

Frequently asked questions