4 Science-backed Benefits of Castor Oil for Lashes and Brows

There are mixed claims on the benefits of castor oil for eyelashes and eyebrows. Some say castor oil promotes eyelash and eyebrow growth, whilst others say it doesn’t do so much as hydrate them. It’s quite confusing.

So, we dug into the research to clear up what exactly are the benefits of castor oil for your lashes and brows.

In this article, we will talk about the science-backed benefits of castor oil for lashes and brows, answer the question, “Does castor oil grow eyelashes?” and more. Read on.

Benefits of Castor Oil for Brows and Lashes

Castor oil is rich in fatty acids, including ricinoleic acid, and properties like Vitamin E, which can do wonders with your brows and lashes. Here’s specifically how castor oil benefits eyebrows and eyelashes.

Prevents breakage

Castor oil is an excellent humectant, thanks to its ricinoleic acid component; it means it hydrates the hair and locks in moisture. And what does moisturizing lashes and brows do? Well, hydrated lashes and brows are more likely to grow healthier and are less prone to breakage.

Nourish hair

The fatty acids found in castor oil can deeply penetrate the hair follicles and provide loads of nourishment. Because of castor oil’s nourishing effect, it comes as no surprise that it’s used in the trendy practice called hair oiling. Applying castor oil on the scalp makes the locks appear shinier and more hydrated.

Similarly, castor oil for eyebrows and eyelashes could keep them supple and lustrous.

Helps add volume

Spoiler alert: castor oil does not help grow lashes or brows (more on that later), BUT it is pretty good at creating the illusion of thicker, darker lashes and brows. In other words, using castor oil can make your them more noticeable.

Prevent hair loss

There is some evidence, though, that castor oil for eyelashes and eyebrows helps prevent hair loss.

A study in 2015 suggests that castor oil contains properties that may help hair loss. Research shows that prostaglandins, hormone-like substances produced in our bodies, might inhibit hair growth. The study has demonstrated that ricinoleic acid can block these prostaglandins, so it prevents hair loss.

Slathering castor oil on lashes may not help with new growth but might prevent premature lash loss.

Does Castor Oil Grow Lashes?

Castor oil is a well-loved oil in the beauty industry, but are the claims true: does castor oil grow lashes? The answer is no; there is yet any concrete evidence that castor oil helps with eyelash growth. Castor oil also does not have growth-stimulating properties.

BUT it is not all bad news. As you’ve seen previously, some evidence shows that castor oil benefits lashes by preventing premature lash loss. Castor oil also has excellent nourishing and moisturizing effects on your lashes.

In short, it remains a low-risk remedy for soft, hydrated, and less prone-to-breakage lashes.

How to Apply Castor Oil to Eyelashes and Eyebrows?

With the proper application, you can get the most from castor oil. And here is how.

1. Prep your lashes and brows by removing all the eye makeup. Clean lashes and brows are crucial before you apply castor oil.
2. Dip a cotton swab or clean mascara in castor oil. Note: get the smallest amount of oil. You don’t want any seepage to run into your eyes.
3. Lightly wipe the castor oil over your eyelashes and eyebrows. Make sure you coat them thoroughly.
4. Leave the oil overnight. And in the morning, wash it off with your regular cleanser or makeup remover.
5. You may brush castor oil on your lashes and brows every night.

How Long to See Results

How long do you have to wait to see a difference in your lashes and brows? If you stick to consistent applications of castor oil, you’ll notice lashes and brows that are softer, more lustrous, and less prone to breakage in two to three weeks. For long-term changes in your lashes and brows’ health, you might have to wait for a few months.

Is Castor Oil Safe for the Eyes?

Many of you have been asking about how safe to use castor oil, and the good news is, in general, castor oil is safe to use for lashes and brows. But like any beauty product, you still have to be super careful of using it.

If castor oil gets into your eyes, it can cause eye irritation. To avoid that, only take a small amount of castor oil so that none drips into your eyes.

Another risk is that some people may be allergic to castor oil. To rule out any allergic reaction, do a patch test. Dab a small amount of castor oil on your neck below the ear and check for any reaction for 24 hours.

And since castor oil is quite thick, it can clog pores and develop pimples. People with sensitive or acne-prone skin need to be wary of using it.

Takeaway

Castor oil is often a hyped lash and brow product, and so far, it does have science-backed benefits. Thanks to its fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins, castor oil for brows and lashes helps: prevent breakage, nourish hair follicles, create a fuller, darker appearance, and prevent hair loss.

Whilst many swear by castor oil’s ability to grow longer and fuller lashes, research has yet to back this up. Even though castor oil won’t grow lashes, it still can make them healthier and have more luster—which is fantastic!

Also, castor oil, in general, is a safe lash and brow product. But it would be best if you still were wary of any allergic reaction, eye irritation, or acne breakout.

Unfortunately, castor oil can’t perform brow or lash miracles for you, but who says you can’t have your dream brows or lashes? Get those perfectly shaped brows with The Ardour Signature – Brow Shaping With Tint and those thicker, fuller lashes with our Lash Lift service. All you have to do is book an appointment, and we’ll take it from there.