Castor Oil for Eyelashes? Here’s Why It Works and How to Apply Castor Oil to Lashes

The Internet is abuzz with beauty bloggers raving about the results of using castor oil for eyelashes. But does this humble lash solution live up to the hype? Or is just a new old wives tale? Let’s deep dive in.

What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil isn’t an everyday product for most of us but take a quick look under the hood and you’ll see that this thick, viscous oil is incredibly multi-functional.

It’s a natural laxative. It’s a magical hair growth oil. It’s wonderful for reducing wrinkles. It’s even used to repel garden moles and perk up ferns!

And now, thanks to the fact that it’s highly moisturizing and rich in Vitamin E, it’s being touted as an all natural, very budget-friendly eyelash growth product.

But does it work?

The Benefits of Using Castor Oil for Eyelashes:

Eyelashes frame your eyes, flutter every time you blink and are one of the most underrated yet important features on your face.

Most girls use mascara to make them look more defined, fuller and darker ’cause after all, we all love that big doe eyed, fluttery eyelash look. Longer, more lustrous lashes make the eyes seem larger and more striking – and who doesn’t want that?

Unfortunately not all of us are lucky enough to be born with naturally gorgeous long lashes. The good news? There are many home remedies out there that can work well in creating that pretty long-lashed look.

The easiest home remedy for natural eyelash growth? It’s gotta be castor oil.

But than again, there’s a huge range of eyelash growth products out there that will help you grow covetously long, thick lashes…so why should you try a humble home remedy like castor oil?

castor-oil-for-eyelashes

Well, apart from the fact that it’ll save you a bunch of cash – castor oil has been found to be surprisingly effective when it comes getting longer, thicker eyelashes. It can also help prevent breakage and even stimulate faster, healthier eyelash growth.

Castor oil works by moisturizing and deeply hydrating dry, brittle and tired lashes, giving them the nourishment they need to grow to their full length and height and making it easy for new lash growth to come through.

That’s because castor oil is actually jammed packed with fantastic nutrients that promote natural lash growth. This thick oil is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and proteins that help strengthen your lashes and create a naturally full lash line.

By applying castor oil on eyelashes, you allow the nutrients found in castor oil to soak into your lashes and your eyelash hair follicles. The result?  You can help turn dry, damaged lashes on the verge of falling out into smooth, healthy and clearly defined ones.

Castor Oil for Eyelashes100% Pure Castor Oil

What’s the best castor oil for eyelashes? Go organic – it’s going near your eyes so you want the purest stuff possible.

Does Castor Oil for Eyelashes Work?

Okay, so you know that castor oil can provide deep nourishment for your lashes, but you’re still curious – “does castor oil help eyelashes grow?”

Well, yes…and no.

Here’s what we mean. Despite the fact that castor oil is fantastically moisturizing and chockfull of nourishing antioxidants, it doesn’t contain any ingredients that can reliably and measurably affect the length and thickness of eyelashes.

Which is why most doctors, dermatologists, ophthalmologists and even lash experts will tell you that castor oil for eyelashes is not an effective solution.

Because compared to, say, an eyelash growth serum that has a clinically tried-and-tested and proven ingredient (i.e. a prostaglandin analog) to cause measurable eyelash growth in the majority of users – castor oil pales in comparison.

Case in point: Latisse, the most well-known eyelash growth serum on the market, has clinical studies to back up their claims. One such study included 278 participants aged 22 to 78 and at the end of 16 weeks, the results showed that 78% of participants experienced a significant increase in the length, fullness and darkness of lashes.

best latisse alternative

As far as we know, there have been no such controlled trials in regard to castor oil.

Should You Use Castor Oil for Eyelashes?

Just because something hasn’t been subject to rigorous clinical trials, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work.

It just means you need to have reasonable expectations. As in, don’t expect the same kind of results from castor oil that you would get from using an eyelash growth serum that contains a prostaglandin ingredient, like the GrandeLash MD serum below.

latisse alternativesGrandeLash MD

Castor oil nourishes, hydrates and conditions eyelashes into a healthier state. Prostaglandin analogs, on the other hand, actually lengthen the natural lash growth cycle so that each and every eyelash can grow longer and thicker.

To compare the two is simply not fair. You can get solid results with castor oil – just don’t expect Snuffleupagus-like lashes.

So is castor oil still worth using? We’ll let you decide – here are some results people have seen from using castor oil for eyelash growth…

“I use this every night on my eyebrows and eyelashes and I have seen a great improvement in length and thickness. I see a few people have a problem with the oil going in their eyes (it doesn’t cause any damage, it just gives you blurry vision), but i just apply a little to the tips of my lashes and this is enough to coat you lashes because it will slowly slide over the rest of you lashes as you sleep, so you don’t end up with too much excess.”

“I bought this for my thinning eyelashes and have been putting this on after I shower at night before bed, right at the base of my lashes and it has dramatically helped and conditioned my lids and lashes.”

“My goal is to have fuller longer eyelashes. I noticed an improvement in 2 weeks. As of now I’ve been using the oil for a month and a half now and will continue for more months until I reach my goal! My husband has noticed the difference ; the other day when we were dining he told me ” wow you have nice long eyelashes” this made me feel good as others are noticing too!!!”

“I have been using this for several months and have had really noticeable results. I use it on my lashes and they definitely look both longer and thicker. They also are falling out a lot less than they used to.”

“My lashes thinned out after years of wearing fake lashes. I started using this product after a friend recommended it. I saw a difference with my lashes and eyebrows after using it consistently for a few weeks.”

“I’ve used this every other day for a few weeks on my lashes and eyebrows, and especially in my lashes I’ve seen a change. They might’ve gotten a little longer, but most of all they’ve gotten a lot stronger. I’ve had problems with my eyelashes breaking off a lot, sometimes so much that there’s a noticeable “gap” in my lashes where several has fallen off. Since I started using castor oil I’ve seen significantly less lashes break off when taking off makeup etc.”

Ready to try it for yourself? Here’s how to use castor oil to grow lashes…

How to Apply Castor Oil to Eyelashes

You only need a minimal amount of castor oil for lashes – which is great as it means it will last for absolutely ages when you buy it. Invest in a disposable eyeliner brush or mascara wand to help you. If not, you can simply use a Q tip.

eyelash growth tips

The best time to apply castor oil on eyelashes is at night before bed since this gives you plenty of time to let the oil naturally sink into your eyelashes for maximum benefit. However it’s important to take care when applying – if the castor oil gets into your eye, it can be a bit irritating. It’s not harmful, but your vision will be blurry because of the oil so don’t use too much!

Before you apply castor oil on eyelashes, make sure that your skin is really clean before you start, then gently and carefully apply the oil to just the tips of your lashes. Don’t worry about making sure you start at the roots since the oil is thick and heavy and will naturally distribute itself along your lashes during the night.

Try not to touch or rub your eye to give the oil time to fully saturate into the lash and hair follicles. In the morning give your face and lashes a good clean, but remember to go easy near the delicate skin around your eyes.

That’s it!

Castor oil is an affordable, effective home remedy if you are hoping to grow thicker, healthier eyelashes. It can strengthen your lashes and even prevent the loss of them too!

If you regularly use castor oil on eyelashes, you can expect to see some fantastic results and enjoy your beautiful longer lashed look within as little as 2-3 weeks. So go on – give it a try!

Want to take natural lash growth up a notch? Why not make a homemade eyelash growth serum using castor oil and other lash growing ingredients?

Is There Any Research To Support Using Castor Oil For Eyelash Growth?Is There Any Research To Support Using Castor Oil For Eyelash Growth

Although, there is no evidence or scientific studies that prove that castor oil can help eyelashes grow.

But, there has been adequate evidence to conclude that ricinoleic acid, a chemical compound that is present in quantities for up to 90% in the making of castor oil.

Now, There have been studies that prove that ricinoleic acid can come in handy when looking to reverse the process of hair loss.

One study concluded that the Protein prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is  found to be present in higher numbers when studying the male baldness pattern.

Due to presence of this prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), The subjects of the following study were not able to regain their lost hair. 

Apart from this study, there has been one study as well that proves that ricinoleic acid works as a chemical that can inhibit PGD2, allowing the person’s scalp to be grown back. 

Although there is a need of more studies to be done to give a clearer perspective on whether castor oil can prevent hair loss, and allow a person to gain their hair back,  There is also enough material presented in the studies enough to prove that as of now, Castor oil is one of the ways to prevent hair loss and regain hair and feel young and healthy again.

We are impatiently waiting on other studies to be done on the methods and things that can be used by a person who has hair loss and wants to grow their hair back! 

Things to know Before You Apply Castor Oil to Your Eyelashes:Things to know Before You Apply Castor Oil to Your Eyelashes

Of course, Castor oil is a chemical, and there should be a few things a person should know about before they start using chemicals for their own usage. Before you apply castor oil to your eyelashes, make sure of these following things: 

Make sure that Castor Oil doesn’t get exposure to your eyes: Without a doubt, the eyes are the most sensitive visible part of the human body. There are many things that if eyes directly come with, it may cause eyes harm. Harmed eyes can be a real problem as you might have issues with your sight and you might not be able to see as clearly as before.

Now, Castor oil is usually regarded as unharmful for the human body but Castor Oil, regardless of its benefits for the hair and be available to users at a very effective price, Castor Oil can be really harmful if it comes in direct contact with the eyes of the person.

In case if it does go into your eyes, be sure to take prompt action and wash your eyes immediately. In case that you don’t you might get swollen eyelids and tenderness on them.

There have been some cases in which people have reported to have an allergic reaction to the castor oil, before using Castor oil in larger amounts, it is vital that you apply it to a smaller area of your skin. Let the castor oil sit for 24 hours and see if you have any allergic reactions to it. If you get all clear, then go ahead and apply the castor oil! 

Castor Oil Versus Lash Serums:Castor Oil Versus Lash Serums

When it comes to choosing between castor oil and Lash serums, Lash serums happen to be found in larger quantities in markets.  

When the users go through the long variety of lash serums when looking to purchase them, most of these lash serums include star oil as one of their main ingredients. 

When it comes to the efficiency of both the castor oil and lash serums, there isn’t much of a difference that will make them stand out from the other options. This is so because these lash serums are usually infused with Castor oil. 

The main and key difference between the two mentioned items is that lash serums are likely to have a comfortable and easy application. 

The castor oil has a very increased viscosity which makes it rather difficult to use. Some versions of castor oil specifically, the Jamaican black castor oil. In this variant of castor oil, the beans are roasted and boiled before they are further used in making the Jamaican Black Castor Oil. This feels goopy and when applied on the lash line, feels rather heavy.

The use of lash serums introduces its users to a tad new healthy ingredients, such as aloe vera and peptides. This gives them a slight boost over the castor oil option. However, if you find castor oil more working and suitable, then you should stick to it. 

But, when it comes to the new upcoming lash serums, it’d be unfair not to mention that they are way better than the castor oil and have proven results that using them can increase eye lashes.

3 Best Castor Oils For Eyelashes:

From the article above, users can conclude that Castor Oil is one of the best ways for increasing eyelashes. These are the best castor oils that a user can buy for their eyelashes:

1. Kate Blanc Cosmetics Castor Oil

Kate Blanc Cosmetics Castor Oil

For anyone that is looking to have better eyelashes, this is definitely the right product. 

This is made from USA Certified components and costs no more than the $10 dollars which make it a great choice. Moreover, this product comes with Full kit which makes it easily applicable. There is also a dropper included which allows a person to use this castor oil on their scalp or skin.

The pointed brush allows the users to disperse the oil in a thin line across the eyelids near the root of the eyelashes.

2. Live Fraiche Organic Castor Oil

Live Fraiche Organic Castor Oil

What can be better than a product that is ready to be used right after it is unboxed? The tube of this castor oil is pure, The components it is made from is pure US materials which accounts for great quality. 

The complete kit provided with it is what makes this product a great choice. Apart from being the most user-friendly option, the quantity it comes in is rather less and would send you in the market looking for more. 

3. Pura D’Or Castor Oil

Pura D’Or Castor Oil

The price of this castor oil is only a low 15 dollars! This product provides complete value for money. 

Apart from being made from the best and pure ingredients, this product comes with two mini bottles in which you can disperse the castor oil. One bottle comes with a spoolie brush top, and the other one has a pointed brush, making it one of the user-friendly options on this list.

Conclusion!

Castor oil is an affordable, effective home remedy if you are hoping to grow thicker, healthier eyelashes. It can strengthen your lashes and even prevent the loss of them too!

If you regularly use castor oil on eyelashes, you can expect to see some fantastic results and enjoy your beautiful longer lashed look within as little as 2-3 weeks. So go on – give it a try!

Want to take natural lash growth up a notch? Why not make a homemade eyelash growth serum using castor oil and other lash growing ingredients?