The Health and Beauty Benefits of Castor Oil: Why Grandma Was Right

If you’ve ever raided your grandma’s bathroom cabinet, you’ve probably come across a bottle of castor oil. While you may have thought it was something only used for old-school remedies or for... well, other purposes (like clearing up constipation), castor oil is actually a beauty and health powerhouse that’s been used for centuries. 

And guess what? Grandma was right! This humble oil is more versatile than you might think.

With castor oil in your DIY arsenal, you can take care of your lips, hair, skin, and even your internal health—all with one simple ingredient. It’s no wonder grandma trusted it!

Here are 5 top ways you can incorporate castor oil into your health and beauty routines—and why your grandma’s advice was worth holding onto.

Castor oil is a common ingredient in many eyelash serums, and for good reason. Packed with vitamin E, proteins, and omega-6 fatty acids, castor oil helps nourish and stimulate hair growth. It’s believed to enhance the thickness and length of your lashes when used consistently.

Simply apply a drop of castor oil to a clean spoolie brush or mascara wand and sweep it along your upper and lower lashes before bedtime. Make sure you’re gentle to avoid irritation. If you’re patient, you might just wake up to fuller, longer lashes in a few weeks! P.S. It works for brows too—so don’t leave those out!

Find more eyelash serum recipes here.

Oil cleansing is all the rage these days, but did you know castor oil makes an incredible base for this method? It’s a natural way to cleanse your skin without stripping it of its moisture. Castor oil is a natural cleanser that works wonders on oily or acne-prone skin because of its antibacterial properties.

To use castor oil for oil cleansing, combine it with a lighter oil (like jojoba, argan, or olive oil). Massage the blend into your dry face, focusing on areas with makeup, dirt, or congestion. Then, place a warm, damp washcloth over your face to open up the pores and gently wipe away the oil. Your skin will feel soft, balanced, and glowing—without that tight, dry feeling many cleansers leave behind.

My favorite oil cleansing combo is argan oil mixed with castor oil. Learn more about what oils are best for your skin type here. 

If your hair is looking a little lackluster, it might be time to give it a little TLC with a castor oil deep conditioning treatment. Castor oil is full of nutrients that nourish the scalp and promote hair growth. It also helps seal in moisture, making it an excellent remedy for dry, brittle hair.

To use, warm up a tablespoon or two of castor oil (you can mix it with coconut or argan oil for extra shine), and massage it into your scalp. Work it through the ends of your hair, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes—overnight if you want to go all in. Once you rinse it out, you’ll notice shinier, softer hair that feels deeply nourished and rejuvenated.

Learn more about creating custom deep conditioners here.

When I saw videos of people putting castor oil in their button before bed and praising the results, I thought "say what??!!"

So I tried it. 

I put castor oil in my belly button and now I'm singing the praises! 

This ancient Ayurvedic technique involves placing a few drops of castor oil on your belly button. While this might seem a bit odd, it’s believed to help balance your body’s energy, reduce inflammation, and even detoxify from the inside out.

Many people also claim it helps with digestive health, improving skin tone, and promoting overall well-being. While scientific research on navel pulling specifically is limited, the oil itself is rich in fatty acids that have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to any wellness routine. So, give it a try—your tummy will thank you!

Chapped lips are the worst, especially during colder months, but castor oil can help keep your pout soft, smooth, and hydrated. Thanks to its thick, emollient texture, castor oil is excellent for locking in moisture and healing dry skin.

Creating your own castor oil lip balm is easy and ensures you know exactly what’s going on your lips (without any unnecessary chemicals or preservatives). And it's fun to make!