Oils

Castor Oil: Comedogenic Rating & Safety Profile

Also known as: Ricinus Communis Oil

A thick, viscous oil rich in ricinoleic acid. Used as an emollient, conditioner and the base of oil cleansing methods.

Comedogenic

1/5

Low Risk

0 = won't clog pores · 5 = highly pore-clogging

Irritancy

1/5

Low Risk

0 = inert · 5 = often irritating

Function

Oils

Pregnancy

Generally considered safe

Vegan

Typically yes

Also Known As

Ricinus Communis Oil

Quick verdict

Castor Oil is a oil with a low risk comedogenic profile (1/5) and low risk irritancy (1/5). A thick, viscous oil rich in ricinoleic acid. Used as an emollient, conditioner and the base of oil cleansing methods.

What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a thick, viscous oil pressed from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. Its defining component is ricinoleic acid — a hydroxylated fatty acid that gives the oil its distinctive viscosity, mild antimicrobial activity and humectant properties. Castor oil has been used in folk medicine for centuries and is widely used in cosmetics as a base for oil cleansers, lash and brow conditioners and lip products.

Comedogenic Rating: What 1/5 Means for Your Skin

Castor oil is rated 1/5 comedogenic. Used neat on facial skin it can feel heavy and contribute to congestion in some users, but in oil-cleansing blends (typically 30% castor + 70% lighter oil) it is generally well-tolerated.

Benefits for skin

Antimicrobial properties
Excellent for oil cleansing
Conditions brows, lashes and hair

Potential side effects & who should avoid it

Castor oil has a 1/5 irritancy rating. Allergy is rare. The main practical concerns are heaviness on facial skin and the strong gut-stimulating effects if accidentally ingested. Pregnant users should not consume castor oil — but topical use on skin and hair is fine.

Best for

All skin types
Combination
Oily (cleansing only)

Avoid if

Pure leave-on application on the face for some users

How to use Castor Oil safely

For oil cleansing, dilute castor oil 1:3 with a lighter oil like jojoba or sunflower. As a brow or lash conditioner, apply a tiny amount with a clean wand at night.

Commonly found in

Castor oil is in oil cleansers, lip balms, lash and brow serums, hair growth oils and many lipsticks.

Found Castor Oil in your skincare?

Paste the full ingredient list into our INCI Analyser to see how this ingredient interacts with everything else in the formula.

Frequently asked questions

Is castor oil comedogenic?

Mildly — 1/5. Diluted with a lighter oil, it is fine for most skin types.

Is castor oil safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin?

Yes in moderate concentrations. Pure leave-on castor on facial skin can feel heavy.

Can I use castor oil every day?

On lashes, brows and hair, yes. On the face, every other day or as part of an oil cleanse.

Does castor oil grow lashes?

Anecdotally many users report fuller lashes; controlled studies are limited. It conditions the lash hair which can reduce breakage.

Other oils to know

Squalane

A stable, saturated oil that mimics the skin's natural sebum. Modern squalane is derived from sugarcane or olives, not sharks.

Coconut Oil

A rich, semi-solid plant oil high in saturated fats. Effective on the body and hair but notorious for clogging facial pores.

Jojoba Oil

Technically a liquid wax ester rather than a true oil. Its molecular structure is almost identical to human sebum.

Argan Oil

A nutrient-dense oil from Moroccan argan trees, rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid and tocopherols.

Want the full picture on pore-clogging ingredients? Read our complete guide to comedogenic ingredients for the dermatology research behind the 0–5 scale and the full list of high-risk ingredients to avoid.

Sources

Written by ScanSkinAI Cosmetic Science Team · Last updated June 2026

This information is for educational purposes only. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.