The Castor Seed Oil Debate

Here’s what we know about how this all-natural ingredient can benefit your brows.

Do a quick search on the internet for the best natural ingredients for hair growth, and one will keep popping up again and again. Derived from cold pressing the ripe seeds from the Ricinus Communis plant, which is common to the Eastern hemisphere, Castor Seed Oil has been used for centuries in skin and hair care for its combination of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.

At Rbrow we have included Castor Seed Oil in our all-natural formulation in combination with a host of other plant-sourced ingredients. Here’s why: While no studies exist conclusively showing that Castor Seed Oil can increase hair growth by more than 1cm a month (the FDA standard of hair growth), anecdotally many people have noticed significant growth after using Castor Seed Oil and many brow experts agree that it does indirectly promote hair growth.

The reason for this indirect action is due to the fact that Castor Seed Oil is rich in Vitamin E, Omega-9 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids which all benefit skin and hair. Additionally, more than 90% of Castor Seed Oil’s fatty acid content is Ricinoleic Acid which has been found to increase circulation and blood flow to the dermal papilla, or the root of the hair. Castor Seed Oil therefore promotes the health and vitality of the hair follicle, which means stronger strands, and less breakage.

Castor Seed Oil is also a humectant, which means it's an excellent vehicle for locking in moisture and shine, lubricating the hair shaft, increasing flexibility and decreasing the chance of breakage.

Finally, it’s a safe ingredient. Castor Seed Oil has been given the green light by the Environmental Working Group and a ‘Best’ rating by Paula’s Choice, it is also rarely associated with skin sensitivity and has been deemed safe by their Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel in products using up to 81% of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil.

Used combination with other hair and skin health promoting ingredients, we therefore believe that Castor Seed Oil is truly beneficial for your brows. Over the coming weeks we’ll be talking about some of the other ingredients contained in our formula. Stay tuned!