What is castor oil?

Castor oil is a natural plant oil made from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis). It’s known for its thick texture and is commonly used in skincare, hair care, massage, and traditional external self-care routines.

Naturally rich in ricinoleic acid, castor oil is widely known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory feel when used topically. Many people reach for it on dry or irritated-feeling skin, or blend it with lighter oils for massage to support relaxation and recovery.

It’s also popular for castor oil wrapping, a wellness ritual in which natural fabric is used to apply castor oil to targeted areas of your body. Using Castor Packs is often described as grounding and comforting, especially when you’re feeling inflamed or run-down.

How to use: Castor oil for skin

Castor oil is a popular choice for deep moisturising, especially when skin feels dry or reactive. Known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory feel when used topically, some people apply it to irritated areas, minor rashes, or patchy dryness to calm the look of redness and discomfort. Castor oil is also used in massage for sore muscles and areas of swelling, where gentle application may support circulation and recovery.

Common ways people use it

• As a body moisturiser for rough patches like heels, elbows, and hands
• Massaged into areas that feel swollen or sore
• As part of a relaxing massage or evening wind-down routine

Step-by-step: relaxing massage

1. Start with clean, slightly damp skin (after showering is ideal).
2. Warm a few drops between your palms.
3. Apply to the area and massage gently using slow, circular movements.
4. Use sparingly; a little goes a long way.
5. Let it absorb for a few minutes before dressing.

Step-by-step: targeted dry or sore areas

1. Apply a small amount to the area.
2. Massage for 30–60 seconds.
3. For overnight care: apply, then use socks/gloves, or place a towel over the sheets to protect them.

Tip: Prefer a lighter feel? Many people blend castor oil with jojoba or frankincense. For convenience, our pre-blended options are ready to use.

How to use: Castor oil for face

Castor oil can be a beautiful face oil when applied thinly. Naturally rich in fatty acids and vitamin E (tocopherols), it is often used to help soften the look of fine lines by sealing in moisture and supporting a healthy-looking glow. 

• A thin layer as a final step at night (in place of a night cream)
• Gentle face massage with gua sha
• Mixed with a lighter oil for easier spread and added benefits

Step-by-step: simple night routine (with roll-on)

1. Cleanse, then apply toner or mist so skin is slightly damp.
2. Roll a thin layer over cheeks, forehead, jaw, and under the eyes.
3. Massage in with fingertips.
4. If it feels too rich, use less next time or mix with a lighter oil.

Step-by-step: face massage (with gua sha)

1. Apply a thin layer of castor oil or face oil, so the tool glides easily.
2. Hold the tool at a low angle (almost flat to the skin, not upright).
3. Start with the neck: glide downward on the sides of the neck 3–5 times (gentle pressure).
4. Jawline: Place the gua sha at the centre of the chin and glide out toward the ear 5 times per side.
5. Cheeks: start beside the nose and sweep out toward the ear 5 times per side.
6. Under-eye (very light): glide from the inner corner outward toward the temple 3 times per side (feather-light).
7. Forehead: glide from brows upward to the hairline, then from the centre outward toward the temples (3–5 strokes each).
8. Finish by sweeping from the centre of the face outward once more, then take a few deep breaths.
9. Wipe any excess oil if needed, and clean your gua sha with warm water + gentle soap.

Tip: A castor oil roller is an easy way to control how much you apply. After using it, wipe the excess off the top of the ball with a tissue to keep it clean and dry.

How to use: Castor oil for hair 

Castor oil is a staple in natural hair rituals because it’s deeply moisturising and helps hair feel softer, smoother, and more protected from dryness. It’s also widely used in “hair growth” routines. Many people believe its signature fatty acid (ricinoleic acid) and consistent scalp massage can help stimulate hair follicles and support the look of thicker, stronger, healthier-looking hair over time.

Common ways people use it

• Works well for scalp massage before washing
• As a nighttime deep moisture treatment
• Often blended with lighter oils for easier application

Step-by-step: scalp massage before washing (beginner-friendly)

1. Start with dry hair before a wash day.
2. Apply a small amount of castor oil or hair oil to the scalp and roots, then massage in gently.
3. Smooth any remaining oil down the mid-lengths and ends, focusing on dry or damaged areas.
4. Cover with a cap or hair wrap and leave for 30–60 minutes, or for a more intense moisturising treatment, leave in overnight and wash out in the morning.
5. Shampoo thoroughly and condition as usual.
6. Start once weekly for 3–4 weeks, then adjust based on how your scalp and hair respond.

Step-by-step: hair ends + shine routine

1. Warm 1–2 drops in palms.
2. Smooth through mid-lengths and ends (avoid roots if you get oily easily).
3. Leave for 30 minutes, then wash out.

Tip: If it feels too heavy, use a pre-blended hair oil that has been diluted with jojoba and rosemary oils for added benefits.

How to use: Castor oil for eyelashes and brows

Castor oil is a favourite in natural beauty routines for lashes and brows because it’s deeply conditioning and helps protect delicate hairs from dryness and breakage. Many people use it to support the look of fuller brows and longer-looking lashes over time, especially if you’re dealing with sparse patches, over-plucking, or brittle lashes.

For easy, controlled application, a roller is one of the simplest options, especially in smaller sizes like 10mL (handbag/travel) or 50mL (at-home daily use).

Step-by-step: brows (roller)

1. Start with clean, dry brows (remove makeup and skincare first).
2. Using the castor oil roller, do a light pass through each brow from the inner to the outer corner.
3. Use a fingertip or clean cotton bud to gently distribute the oil evenly, especially through sparse areas.
4. Let it absorb for a minute before applying other products or going to bed.

Tip: One pass is usually enough — if it feels heavy, use less next time.

Step-by-step: eyelashes (roller)

1. Start with a clean eye area (no mascara or eyeliner).
2. With the roller, apply the tiniest amount along the lash line and lashes
3. Use your fingertip or cotton bud to spread evenly and prevent excess product.
4. Let it settle before bed.

If you’re sensitive: Use less, keep the application lighter, and pause if your eyes feel irritated or watery.

Results expectation: Like most natural routines, consistency matters. Many people assess their brows and lashes over 4–8 weeks of regular use.

How to use: Castor oil packs 

Castor oil packs (sometimes called a castor oil compress or castor oil wrap) are a classic wellness ritual in which castor oil is applied to a piece of natural fabric and placed on the body during rest time. People love castor oil packs because they can feel deeply soothing and grounding, especially when the body feels tense, inflamed, or run-down. Many people use them to help soothe sore muscles or achy joints, and they’re also popular over the lower abdomen as a comforting ritual during indigestion, period pain, or endometriosis-related discomfort. In holistic wellness, packs are also often used as a gentle “liver support” or detox-style practice.

Step-by-step: simple castor oil pack routine

1. Apply about 1 tablespoon of castor oil to the wrap or cotton pad.
2. Smooth it in with the back of a spoon (or wait 10 minutes for the oil to absorb).
3. Place it on the desired area (often the abdomen or joints).
4. Secure the wrap and add a heat pack if desired.
5. Relax for 30–60 minutes.
6. Remove and wipe off excess oil with a warm cloth.
7. Store or wash the wrap as directed.

A purpose-made castor oil wrap helps keep it comfortable and far less messy, especially if you’re doing castor oil packs regularly at home.

Choosing a quality castor oil 

If you’re looking for the best organic castor oil in Australia, these are the quality markers to look for:

• Cold-pressed castor oil
• Hexane-free castor oil
• Pure castor oil (100% castor oil, no fillers)
• Organic castor oil
• Bottled in dark glass (helps protect quality)

Why it matters? Because castor oil is often used directly on the skin, scalp, lashes/brows, and in packs where it absorbs into the skin, quality matters. 

Mass-market castor oils are often produced to hit a price point, which can mean solvent extraction, heavier refining, and plastic packaging.

Here at A Better, our Organic Castor Oil is sourced from India via an ACO-certified Australian supplier. It’s 100% pure, organic, hexane-free, cold-pressed, and bottled in amber glass.

What to buy first

If you’re new to castor oil, these are the simplest starting points:

1) Castor Oil Roller (recommended for skincare routines)

Great for skincare routines and controlled application (also handy for targeted dry patches).

2) 50mL Pure Organic Castor Oil with dropper

The easiest first bottle to try on skin, hair, and face without overcommitting.

3) Starter Pack (recommended for packs)

If you want to try castor oil packs straight away, this is the most comfortable way to start.