Is Castor Oil Comedogenic and Will it Clog My Pores?

Key Points:

• • Castor Oil is a non-comedogenic oil with a rating of 0-1, meaning it is not likely to clog your pores.

• • Castor Oil has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities that may help support healthier looking skin

• • Castor Oil is an amazing moisturizer, and it is safe for most skin types.

Will Castor Oil clog my pores?

What does comedogenic mean?

Comedogenicity refers to the ability of a substance, typically found in skincare and cosmetic products, to clog pores and potentially cause comedones. Comedones are non-inflammatory acne lesions more commonly known as pimples! 

Yes, we’re talking about those all-too-familiar blackheads and whiteheads that show themselves when your hair follicles become blocked by excess oil, dead skin cells, and other debris. So, if something is non-comedogenic, it means that it will not contribute to clogged pores and breakouts. Castor Oil is non-comedogenic.

What makes a substance comedogenic?

A substance is comedogenic if it blocks pores and results in comedones – AKA pimples. It’s important to remember that individual ingredients can be non-comedogenic but may become comedogenic when mixed with other substances. For example, Castor Oil is non-comedogenic, but if you mix it with beeswax or red dye (as many cosmetics do), then the mixture can be pore-clogging.

What is the comedogenic scale?

The comedogenic scale is a rating from 0 to 5. Simply put, if a substance has a rating of 0 it is considered non-comedogenic, meaning that it is less likely to clog your pores. Substances with higher ratings are more likely to cause clogged pores and lead to pimples, acne, breakouts, zits, and whatever else you choose to call those dreaded lesions.

But again, if you love Castor Oil, you’re in luck because it has a very low comedogenic rating. So chances are, you can use it as a makeup remover and moisturizer and know that it will not contribute to breakouts!

Understanding the comedogenicity of skincare and cosmetic products is especially important if you’re prone to acne or if you have sensitive skin. So, if this is you, be sure to look for non-comedogenic products that will minimize the risk of pore clogging, like organic Castor Oil.

Download these 4 easy do-it-yourself Castor Oil Recipes for skin, hair & nails to try for yourself.

Is Castor Oil good for skin

So, now you know that despite the thick and viscous nature of Castor Oil, it has a very low comedogenic rating. But you might be thinking, How can a rich, thick oil like Castor Oil NOT clog my pores? 

Castor Oil is an ancient, versatile, and beloved vegetable oil that has been used for centuries for its numerous self-care and beauty benefits, and one of its most popular applications is in skincare. 

While it might be extra thick and even sticky, Castor Oil may help balance the bacteria that live on the surface of your skin to prevent future breakouts. Why? Because Castor Oil has natural  antibacterial properties², and your skin has its own microbiome. 

But let’s take a closer look at the main components of Castor Oil and what makes it so well suited for skincare.

1. Ricinoleic acid

Castor Oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, and by rich, we’re talking like 85-92% of the total fatty acid³ content. And this is especially impressive when you consider that ricinoleic acid is known for its remarkable anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. When you apply it to your skin, ricinoleic acid may support irritation, reduce redness, and alleviate inflammation⁴, making it an excellent choice if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. 

2. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from free radicals and environmental damage. Castor oil contains a significant amount of vitamin E,⁵ which helps in maintaining skin health and preventing premature aging. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E can also aid in reducing the appearance of scars and blemishes.

3. Omega Fatty Acids

Castor Oil contains essential omega fatty acids, such as omega-6 and omega-9. These fatty acids are vital for maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier, keeping it hydrated and nourished. Castor Oil also contains high percentages of other fatty acids including linoleic, oleic, stearic, palmitic, dihydroxystearic acid, linolenic acid, and eicosanoic acid⁶.

4. Polyphenols

Polyphenols are a group of natural compounds found in various plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, tea, dark chocolate, and wine. These compounds have antioxidant properties, enabling them to counteract harmful free radicals that might otherwise damage your cells and elevate the risk of disease.

Polyphenols are believed to support inflammation balance which is very important for clear, radiant skin.

Who should use Castor Oil for skincare?

Castor Oil works beautifully as part of a general skincare routine. If you have mature or very dry skin, then you’ll especially love its moisturizing qualities. 

If your skin is oily, then you might only want to use Castor Oil on your face a couple of times a week, because while Castor Oil is non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores, it is an oil. We’re all biochemically unique, so try it on a small area of your skin first to see how it feels. 

If you have acne, then Castor Oil may help support the inflammation. Keep in mind that acne can be fungal or bacterial. Castor Oil may work better for bacterial acne, but if you have the fungal variety, any oil could potentially exacerbate your symptoms. Again, you may want to try it on a small area of your skin first to be sure if Castor Oil is right for you.

How to use Castor Oil for skincare

Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil is ideal for direct use on your skin and especially on your delicate facial skin because it is:

• • 100% pure,
  • Certified organic 
  • Extra virgin
  • Hexane-free
  • Bottled in amber glass

Better still, Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil is sourced by a naturopathic doctor and recommended by thousands of functional medicine practitioners, chiropractors, osteopaths, mental health doctors, health coaches, and wellness influencers who all include it as a foundational part of their practice.  

Castor Oil can be added to your skincare routine in a number of ways:

• • As a moisturizer: The fatty acids may help retain moisture, giving your skin that plump look we all love. It’s especially helpful if your skin is overly dry as it may help give your skin the nutrients it craves. And if you already have well balanced skin, then Castor Oil may help support this balance.
  • A facial cleanser: Castor Oil has naturally occurring antibacterial properties that make it ideal as a gentle cleanser and make-up remover.

• As part of a face mask: The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in Castor Oil allow it to help dissolve impurities on your skin like make-up residue, while adding moisture and a protective barrier to help your skin stay hydrated.

 

• Around your eyes for fine lines and wrinkles: Because Castor Oil is so rich and thick, it works especially well around your eyes to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. To maximize the benefits, you can wear a Castor Oil Eye Compress to bed at night. Wearing an eye compress to bed may even help support a deeper sleep while it adds moisture to the delicate skin around your eyes.

If you’d love a little inspiration, you could start by trying this amazing recipe: 

Castor Oil Golden Mask: A Face Mask to Support Clear Skin

Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• • 2 teaspoons of Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil

• • 1 egg yolk: Provides zinc to soothe and Vitamin A for dry skin

• • 1 tablespoon of raw honey: Honey has natural antibacterial properties which may help keep pimples at bay.

Directions: 

1. Mix ingredients until it is smooth and spreadable 
2. Apply the mixture to your face (avoiding your eyes), and leave it on for 15-30 minutes
3. Using a warm washcloth, remove the mask until no residue is left. 
4. Follow with your favorite moisturizer, or apply Castor Oil to target areas like wrinkles, frown lines, eyelashes, and eyebrows before bed.
5. You can also deepen this practice by wearing the Eye Compress while you sleep.

So there you have it. Castor Oil is generally non-comedogenic and unlikely to block pores for most people. Its unique composition, including ricinoleic acid, vitamin E, omega fatty acids, and polyphenols, makes it a valuable addition to your skincare routine. 

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