How to Properly Use Castor Oil for Eyes
How to Properly Use Castor Oil for Eyes
Written by: Joanna Teljeur
Medically reviewed by: Victoria Williams R.H.N.
Est. reading time: 7 minutes
Have you noticed how many people on social media are talking about using Castor Oil for your eyes? The number is dizzying, and the claims range from helping with fine lines and wrinkles to alleviating dry eyes to treating cataracts, floaters, and even glaucoma!
But what’s safe and what actually works when it comes to Castor Oil and your eyes?
If you’re tempted to try Castor Oil for your eyes, but you want some scientific backup first, then you’re definitely in the right place. Read on my friend, because we’re going to cover the bases on what’s safe, what’s helpful, and what’s not when it comes to this ancient golden oil.
Key points on Castor Oil in the eyes
- Do not put Castor Oil directly into your eyes unless you are instructed to do so by your healthcare provider. Only apply it to the area around your eyes or over your closed eyelids.
- Putting Castor Oil in your eyes could cause unwanted side effects.
- Castor Oil has been used since ancient Egyptian times as a topical beauty tool.
- Castor Oil used with a compress can help support graceful aging as well as better sleep.
Is it safe to put Castor Oil in my eyes?
Even though it may seem like the hottest trend, putting Castor Oil directly into your eyes is not safe or beneficial.
You might be scratching your head and wondering: “Well, then why is Castor Oil such a common ingredient in commercial eye drops, and why am I seeing reputable sites saying that this is safe?”
The short answer is that while Castor Oil is used in many different kinds of commercial eye drops, pharmaceutical companies make sure that the Castor Oil undergoes a very specific sterilization process to ensure that your eyes will be safe from any foreign substances that may be present in the oil. Not only that, but artificial tear drops use a small, carefully measured amount of Castor Oil as part of a mixture.
Putting non-sterile Castor Oil directly into your eyes can cause a number of unpleasant side effects including:
- Itching
- Swelling
- Blurry vision
- Irritation
Bottom line: Do not put Castor Oil directly into your eyes!
But with that said, Castor Oil can be supportive of your eye area in other ways. Let’s take a closer look!
Castor Oil is widely known to be one of the oldest cultivated crops in history1. Legend has it that Cleopatra loved Castor Oil for its ability to brighten the whites of her eyes. Apparently, she also used it to make her hair and skin more luscious and beautiful.
Maybe you’re thinking, “Yeah, but that was 2,500 years ago.” Is this you?
Well, you’re right. Ancient history is fascinating, but there is plenty of compelling science today that underscores Castor Oil’s many amazing qualities.
When it comes to using Castor Oil for dry eyes, a study found that it can be, “. . . effective and safe”2. It works because, as a lipid or fat, Castor Oil helps reduce tear evaporation. In short, it helps keep the moisture in your eyes from evaporating and helps lubricate your eyes. But as we said earlier, the Castor Oil is carefully measured and sterilized before use.
Another study found that Castor Oil, when used as an ingredient in certain eye drops, could produce a, “ . . . more stable tear film,” that lasted longer than eye drops without it3.
And finally, a study on lipid-based versus water-based eye solutions showed that Castor Oil could, “. . . not only relieve patient symptoms immediately after topical administration, but may also directly improve the lipid tear film structure and thickness component in ocular surface disease, resulting in enhanced tear film stability.”4
So, as you can see, Castor Oil can benefit your eyes, but you should always check with your doctor first.
Now, let’s look at some safe ways you can use Castor Oil for your eyes.
Benefits of applying Castor Oil around your eyes
Whether you plan to use it to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles or to support brow and lash growth, the best Castor Oil for your eyes is always 100% pure, organic, hexane-free Castor Oil bottled in amber glass. This is the premium, cream-of-the-crop quality Castor Oil that we offer at Queen of the Thrones®.
Why is Castor Oil so beneficial for fine lines and wrinkles?
Castor Oil is a natural source of fatty acids and antioxidants like ricinoleic acid5 – known for its amazing moisturizing and inflammation-balancing action6. Not only that, Castor Oil supports nitric oxide7, 8 production which supports blood flow. Plus, when combined with a Castor Oil Eye Compress, the gentle compression may support lymphatic drainage 9.
What does this mean?
In short, it means that using Castor Oil around your eyes and with an eye compress may support circulation and lymphatic flow to your delicate eye area. Translation: Using this rich, skin-loving oil around your eyes is ideal for keeping fine lines and wrinkles at bay and supporting the overall wellness of your eyes.
But it gets even better! The nutrient and chemical composition of Castor Oil make it a superpower for your brows and lashes.
So, let’s take a look at these safe ways to use Castor Oil for your eyes!
Castor Oil for Eyelashes and Eyebrows
There’s actually scientific evidence suggesting that ricinoleic acid in Castor Oil could have the potential to reverse hair loss! A study found that elevated levels of the protein prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) are found in men experiencing male pattern baldness 10. This same protein is one of the contributing factors preventing hair regrowth in these men.
Then, in a separate study 11, ricinoleic acid was found to inhibit PGD2, potentially fostering the regrowth of scalp hair. Amazing, right?
So what does this have to do with eyelashes and eyebrows?
Well, when applied to your lashes and brows, Castor Oil not only hydrates and conditions them, but may also support growth. Plus, unlike many commercial lash and brow serums with harsh chemicals, organic Castor Oil is an excellent choice if you have more sensitive eyes. Not only that, but Castor Oil is a truly amazing makeup remover that nourishes and moisturizes your skin at the same time!
How to safely apply Castor Oil to your eyelashes and eyebrows
The same way practice makes perfect, with Castor Oil – consistency is key. Here’s a simple daily routine that will help you get started:
- Begin by washing and drying your face and removing any makeup from your eyes and eyelashes with Castor Oil.
- Dip a clean mascara wand or an eyelash brush into a dime-sized dollop of Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil. Don’t over-saturate the brush. A little goes a long way!
Gently apply the Castor Oil to your lashes the same way you would mascara, starting at the base and working your way upward. Take your time to ensure every lash is coated evenly.
3. Then, use the wand or your fingers to apply Castor Oil to your brows, and dab it into the skin around your eyes.
Tip: Wearing a Castor Oil Compress over your eyes after you finish this routine, will help the oil penetrate deeply into your skin, lashes and brows, and supports a more restful sleep at the same time!
Disclaimer: Do a patch test before first use. Although rare, hypersensitivity reactions to Castor Oil can occur, in which case discontinue use.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to seeing results. Let the oil work its magic overnight as you sleep.
Using Castor Oil for eyelash growth is not a quick fix though; it’s a journey that requires patience and commitment. Also, results may vary from person to person, but with regular use, you may notice positive changes in the length, thickness, and overall appearance of your lashes within a few weeks to a couple of months. So, embrace Cleopatra’s natural beauty secret, and watch your lashes flourish as you indulge in this simple and gentle self-care routine.
Castor Oil for Deeper Sleep
What if you could wake up with eyes that looked rested – clear eyes without puffiness or circles? This would be a dream come true, right?
If you’re searching for a natural way to bring life to your tired eyes and help smooth out the signs of aging, a Castor Oil Eye Compress may be part of your next favorite nightly routine.
So let’s take a closer look at the benefits of using a Castor Oil Eye Compress to support a more youthful and refreshed look.
The Restorative Power of Castor Oil Eye Compresses
But interestingly, using a Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Eye Compress may also support more restful sleep. You see, studies show that wearing an eye mask to bed may help naturally support your body’s sleep hormone, melatonin 12, 13, 14.
Plus, wearing an Eye Compress “comforts” your eyes similar to the way a weighted blanket would as you wind down in the evening, slide under the covers, and drift off into a deep sleep 15, 16.
This gentle compression on the skin also helps support the production of oxytocin 17– the hormone that gives you that feeling of love and connection. Plus, you know how much better you look when you have a good night of restful sleep, right?
Not only that, but when you wear a Castor Oil Eye Compress to bed at night, you’re also activating certain dermatomes 18 and Chinese meridians 19. Stimulating these points is thought to support deeper sleep as well as better organ function! How’s that for a win-win?
Want to support deeper and more restful sleep? Download the free “Why Sleep Well?” eGuide to find out how Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Packs can help you drift off to dreamland.
How to use a Castor Oil Eye Compress
Making a Castor Oil Eye Compress part of your nighttime routine not only pampers your eyes but also promotes restful sleep, making it an amazing holistic approach to both beauty and wellness.
So, now that you know how to safely use Castor Oil for your eyes, are you ready to embrace this soothing practice? Get started today and let Castor Oil work its magic to revive and rejuvenate your eyes, helping you wake up feeling and looking your best!
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Click here for references
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Dr. Marisol Teijeiro N.D. (inactive)
