There are some beauty myths that just won't die. No, pores can't open and close. Hair doesn't grow back angrier if you pluck it out. But does castor oil actually grow eyelashes (and eyebrows) longer and faster? We spoke with dermatologist Sejal Shah and cosmetic chemist Ginger King about the myths and truths of castor oil. While it is a nourishing and natural ingredient, it may not be a miracle worker for sparse hair.
Castor oil has beauty benefits.
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Castor oil can be beneficial in your beauty routine. Shah says that the oil, which is extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus Communis plant, is commonly used as a natural treatment for a number of ailments. It is also an additive in foods, pharmaceuticals, and skincare. King adds that castor oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. But, studies are lacking to prove the oil's efficacy for many of the purported claims.
"Most of its benefits are anecdotal and good
scientific studies in humans are lacking," says Shah. Castor oil is not necessarily dangerous to use, but that doesn't mean it's entirely safe in all forms. The dermatologist explains that the unprocessed castor oil seeds are poisonous and that the oil we typically use undergoes a heating process to deactivate those toxins. While it is generally considered safe, there are some risks. Some adverse side effects include skin irritation and allergic reactions, particularly around the sensitive eye
area. If you were to ingest too much of the oil, you may experience abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, or dizziness. She also says it can induce labor and advises that those who are pregnant not to use it.
There is no proof that it makes lashes grow faster.
Both Shah and King say that there is no scientific evidence that castor oil can make lashes grow faster. King says that it's beauty "folklore" that it can help grow hair, but even if that were true, growing hair doesn't mean it will also grow lashes. Shah says that because castor oil is intensely moisturizing, it conditions and protects lashes so that they are stronger and more resilient to wear and tear from makeup, lash curlers, and extensions.
But even though there isn't definitive proof that castor oil can help grow lashes faster, Shah says it's fine to use the oil for conditioning purposes. Before smearing it all over your eyes, first patch test the oil on a discreet area of skin, like the inside of your elbow or behind one ear. If you don't have a reaction to the castor oil, she says you can apply it directly on the lashes with your fingertips or with a dry and clean spoolie brush.
There are other products for lash growth.
If you're looking to grow lashes, King says the only ingredients that are proven to grow lashes are peptides. To help speed up that process, look for something that also has antioxidants and moisturizing properties.
Shah recommends Latisse, an FDA-approved medication that promotes eyelash growth. For some over-the-counter options that also are beneficial, she recommends RapidLash, Revitalash or Lavish Lash. "All three use natural ingredients such as peptides, plant botanicals, and biotin to gently strengthen and protect lashes so they can grow longer and healthier," she adds.
Another sneaky lash-breaking culprit? Waterproof mascara. King recommends avoiding waterproof formulas that will dry your lashes out and are harder to remove. Speaking of removing mascara, choose a gentle eye makeup remover that doesn't require pulling and tugging. And if you're willing to add a step to your routine, she says to condition lashes daily with an eyelash conditioner, serum, or natural oil like castor.
Audrey Noble is a freelance writer and reporter. She writes celebrity profiles and does deep-dive features about the ways race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of identity impact society via the beauty industry. Her previous work experience includes editorial positions at Vanity Fair, Refinery29, and Allure. Her writing can also be seen in Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Bustle, HelloGiggles, and more. You can keep up with her on Twitter.
Ready for a spooky lash story? During one week in high school, two of my best friends lost some eyelashes in two separate, surprising freak accidents. One of them had her lashes fried off while grilling outside— luckily unhurt but an upsetting turn of events. The other was camping at a music festival and awoke to find that someone had snuck into her tent, snipped off half her lashes with scissors, and left. In the wake of these events, I spent a significant amount of time researching how to help these friends navigate their losses. Faux lashes, eye conditioners, growth products like Latisse. But one unexpected recommendation was pure, simple castor oil.
Castor oil has been used for hair and on the skin for quite a while. It's often included in beauty products, but I hadn't heard that it could be applied to lashes. While my friends mourned their new eyelash-less life and patiently waited for regrowth, I've always pondered: Can castor oil really improve the look of lashes? Not one to take the Internet too seriously, I turned to Board Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Karan Lal, to figure out if castor oil works, is safe, and how to use it on lashes.
Does Castor Oil Really Work To Improve Lashes?
"Castor oil has not been scientifically shown to grow eyelash hair," says Dr. Lal. However, just because the data isn't in yet, it doesn't mean castor oil doesn't work. "Castor oil contains a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid, which has been shown to stimulate prostaglandin receptors that can lead to an increase in blood supply to hair follicles promoting hair growth," Dr. Lal says. Products like Latisse, which significantly improve lash growth, are a prostaglandin analog, which might be why castor oil has received lash-improving credits. Whether the oil itself categorically enhances the length, "Castor oil, like many oils is rich in fatty acids and also moisturizes the hair. It likely adds shine and some optical improvement in eyelashes after use," says Dr. Lal.
Is Castor Oil Safe To Use On Lashes?
Whenever you're going to be putting something so close to your eyes, it's always best to exercise caution. "Castor oil must be pure and organic if used," recommends Dr. Lal. If it enters the eye, it can cause irritation or contact dermatitis on the eyelids, Dr. Lal notes. To test your sensitivity, apply a drop to your arm under a bandaid for a few hours to see if you are reactive to the oil.
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How Can You Use Castor Oil On Lashes?
To avoid any adverse reaction or irritation, Dr. Lal recommends applying castor oil to the lashline with a very thin paintbrush or a clean mascara wand. If you want to be extra safe, many lash conditioning products list castor oil as an ingredient in tandem with other ingredients, which have undergone extra testing to make sure they are eye-safe. Being consistent with lash products–whether they are from a beauty line or plain castor oil–is key to seeing results. Some lash lengthening products have been shown to darken the irises, says Dr. Lal, which is why, "for patients who want a natural, less risky eyelash serum, I do recommend castor oil."
So there you have it. Whether a stranger has removed your lashes by force at a music festival or you simply want more a more luscious, flirty flutter, castor oil–either in a product or alone–might be your answer. And if any of the eyelash scientists are reading, do us a favor and get that report on castor oil written up and published. Some lash-less ladies need to know.
Tatjana Freund is a Beauty Commerce Writer, covering makeup, skincare, and haircare products and trends. She's a fan of vodka tonics and creepy Wikipedia pages.