While the anecdotal evidence for castor oil eyelash growth is promising, a number of factors influence whether your eyebrows and lashes grow longer and thicker, including your diet, heredity and physical health. So, if you’re thinking about replacing your Latisse regimen with this natural remedy, it’s important to patch test first.
Moisturizes
While experts say that applying castor oil to eyelashes will not make them grow longer, they do agree that it can help keep them looking thick and full. It’s also an intensely hydrating oil, and a staple ingredient in many homemade lash serums.
The ricinoleic acid found in the oil can help moisturize the skin and hair, and it may prevent transepidermal water loss by coating the skin with an emollient film, Marcus says. Douglas adds that the oil can help “prevent dryness and brittleness of lashes, enabling them to grow longer.”
In addition to its moisturizing properties, castor oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can also promote healthy cell growth and a healthier complexion, Pande explains. It can also prevent the buildup of makeup residue and other debris on the lashes, which is a common cause of eyelash discoloration.
The oil also has a low comedogenic score, which means it’s unlikely to clog pores or cause blackheads, if applied correctly, Ziering says. It’s also relatively inexpensive and available at most grocery stores, making it a cost-effective addition to your skincare routine.
You can apply the oil to your eyelashes using a cotton swab or thin brush. Just be careful not to get it in your eyes, since doing so can lead to temporary blurred vision. The best time to apply it is at night, so your lashes have several uninterrupted hours to absorb it.
Ziering suggests waiting a few minutes for the oil to sink in before going about your day. She also recommends removing it in the morning with an eye – safe cleanser. Regardless of how you use it, Ziering warns that you should always do a patch test first before trying any new skin or hair products near your eyes. “The last place you want to discover a skin allergy is on your peepers,” she says.
While research on the benefits of castor oil for eyelashes is still limited, it’s generally believed to be safe and effective for most people. The oil can be applied directly to the lashes or mixed with other ingredients like coconut or argan oils in a homemade eyelash serum.
Strengthens
Imagine waking up with lush, fluttery eyelashes that you can bat flirtatiously to catch your crush’s attention from across the room. This dreamy look doesn’t come from falsies or pricey serums, but rather the secret beauty elixir that’s uber-cheap
and available at your local drugstore: castor oil.Take also other drops: Careprost, Careprost 3 ml
Basically, the oil acts as a conditioner to keep lashes hydrated so they’re less likely to break or become weak. Plus, it’s a natural moisturizing agent, so you can skip the chemical-laden lash products that are sold in drugstores (though they may be just as effective).
A study published in International Journal of Science and Research suggests that using castor oil can increase blood circulation to the hair follicles, helping them grow thicker. It’s also rich in fatty acids, including ricinoleic acid, which can improve the appearance of hair and eyebrows. It can also help prevent the thinning of hair caused by a hormone called prostaglandin D2 that triggers hair loss.
You can find pure castor oil for eyelashes at your local drugstore or online. Most bottles are about $10 and often come with little lash- specific wands for easy application. If you’re concerned about getting the oil in your eyes, you can purchase a lash serum that has been formulated with other ingredients that will make it more gentle.
Just be careful when applying it, though. If you accidentally get any of the oil on your lid, it can cause a slight burning sensation. You can also opt for a lash serum that contains other healthy ingredients, like aloe and peptides, to give your lashes an extra boost.
As for whether the oil actually makes lashes longer, there isn’t any scientific evidence that it does. However, it can have a positive impact on the appearance of your eyelashes by making them appear thicker and glossier. The key is to apply it consistently over time. Ultimately, the results will be subtle but noticeable.
Makes Eyelashes Look Glossier
If you hang around TikTok long enough, you’ve probably seen videos of people claiming to have longer and healthier-looking lashes by slathering them with castor oil. But is there any truth to the claims? According to dermatologists, it might not make your lashes grow any longer, but it could give them a glossier appearance.
The oil, which comes from the seeds of the Ricinus Communis plant, contains fatty acids, vitamin E, and other nutrients that are good for your hair and skin. And though it doesn’t have much scientific backing, it’s thought to boost blood circulation in the eye area, which may improve lash and eyebrow health.
That’s why it’s a popular ingredient in many natural and DIY beauty products. You can use it as a moisturizer to keep your lashes and brows healthy, or you can mix it with other oils (like olive or argan) to create a makeup primer. Some experts recommend applying the oil to your lashes and brows before you apply any makeup, as it helps the products stick better.
Another benefit of the oil is that it’s said to be an effective conditioner, making your lashes look glossy. “As we age, our lashes become thinner and duller, so using a hydrating oil like castor can help to maintain your current lash length and color,” says dermatologist Mona Gohara.
Just be careful not to get the oil in your eyes, warns dermatologist Marisa Garshick. “As with any topical product, you should always do a patch test before putting the
oil near your eyes,” she says. Swatch a little on the inside of your wrist or arm for 24 hours to make sure you’re not allergic to it.
It’s also important to choose a quality product, she adds. Garshick recommends looking for 100% pure cold-pressed castor oil, which is gentler on your lashes and skin. You can find it at most natural food stores and online.
One option is this Live Fraiche castor oil, which comes in a handy travel tube and has a dual- ended brush for your brows and lashes. It costs less than $15 for a 4-ounce bottle, and it’s made with organic ingredients, so you can feel good about using it around your sensitive eye area.
Helps Eyelashes Grow Longer
As for the rumor that castor oil can help eyelashes grow longer, there’s no scientific evidence supporting this claim. The oil may be beneficial, however, because it coats the lashes to thicken them and prevents dehydration, which can cause lash breakage. It also contains ricinoleic acid, an omega-9 essential fatty acid that has been shown to stimulate hair growth and promote thickness (1).
It’s also worth mentioning that the oil can have some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help keep the skin around the eyes healthy (2). In addition, it’s rich in vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that may help to repair damage caused by environmental factors and other oxidative stressors (3).
To use the oil, experts recommend putting a few drops of it on a cotton swab and running it along the lash line. Be careful not to get the oil in your eyes, though, as this can be painful and dangerous. You can also try applying the oil with a clean mascara wand or thin brush. Make sure to wash your hands first, and don’t let the oil get on any other sensitive areas of the face.
Another option is to mix together a few tablespoons of olive oil and a few drops of castor oil. You can store the mixture in a container or bottle for several uses. Just apply the mixture with a clean mascara wand or brush and leave it on for a few hours before washing it off.
While the claims about the benefits of Castor oil for eyelashes are interesting, it’s important to remember that Latisse is the only proven treatment for actual lash growth. The drug slows the “growth phase” of the lashes, making them appear longer before they shed. It also helps the lashes retain more length after shedding (4).
If you’re hoping to grow your lashes longer, you’ll have to be patient and stick with Latisse for a few months. In the meantime, you can experiment with other lash-lengthening products like lengthening mascaras, lash extensions, and lash lifts. Alternatively, you can also try castor oil, which is safe for the eyes when used in small amounts and is usually formulated with a clear or darker Jamaican black castor oil that’s been certified organic, cold-pressed, and hexane free (5).