While the Egyptians used Castor beans as early as 4000 BC, history indicates they used it therapeutically as an oil for skin around 1500 BC. It has been time-tested and has proven its worth for skin care purposes, having many beneficial uses and applications.
As castor oil has humectant properties, it can draw moisture from the air into the skin and helps it to retain moisture. It’s great for keeping your skin hydrated at all times. It’s no surprise then that Castor oil is commonly used as an ingredient in skin care products, including lip balms, salves and lipsticks because it soothes, smooths, moisturizes and hydrates. It’s a fabulous therapy for chapped, dry or cracked lips.
It’s rich in the monounsaturated fatty acid ricinoleic acid, a known humectant. Humectants help the skin to retain moisture by preventing water loss through the outer layer of skin. Because of these qualities, castor oil can be applied to lips and skin, either on its own or as an ingredient, to promote hydration. Castor oil is also triglyceride that has significant antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
Castor oil is rendered by extracting from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant through a process of cold pressing. Cold pressing is a widely accepted way of separating oil from the seeds of a plant without using heat. Once collected, the oil is then clarified (made pure) by using heat.
When castor oil is included as an ingredient in cosmetics, it’s typically referred to as Ricinus communis (castor) seed oil. It’s the ricinoleic acid in castor oil that helps skin to retain moisture by preventing water loss through the outer layer of your skin.
Castor oil is considered safe for your skin and lips, and is a common ingredient used in skin care products. Although an allergic reaction to the topical application of castor oil is incredibly rare, it is a possibility, so check with your dermatologist or qualified professional if you develop a reaction to it.
Young Ever After’s Overnight Replenishing Lip Mask uses Castor Oil as one of its spotlight ingredients, helping to keep your lips healthy, supple and amazingly soft. If you have not yet tried it…… this, we promise, will be the most incredible therapy you’ll ever use on your lips. Castor oil is amazing for lips.
When starting any new skin care regimen, including using castor oil on your lips, consult your dermatologist or qualified professional.
