A viral TikTok video with over 3.1 million views from Magdalene Rose has revealed a seemingly game-changing anti-ageing treatment which penetrates deep into the skin using a product you probably already have at home: Castor Oil.
Dr Elina Tester, Biochemist and Founder of Bio-Tech company, ABG Lab, gives her expert opinion.
“A wonderful skin hydrator, castor oil provides fatty acids and vitamins that moisturise and heal skin and hair. The medicinal properties of castor oil are thought to have been utilised as far back as ancient Egyptian times when the oil was thought of as a boosting elixir.
Castor oil can help with the absorption of other products into the skin, and is thought to be inflammatory, anti-bacterial and moisturising. However, there haven’t been enough scientific studies to support these claims.
Can it clear acne? Castor oil is widely accepted to be naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which in theory means it has the potential to prevent and treat acne breakouts. Dabbing it on breakouts or applying a thin layer to your skin as a mask could help you maintain clear skin.
Once a week, dip a cotton ball in castor oil and use it to apply the castor oil. In a circular motion, gently rub it all over your face. Allow it to sit for around 10-15 minutes, or until your skin has totally absorbed it.
Castor oil is very low on the comedogenicity scale, so it won’t clog your pores and give you pimples. But its sticky texture could still be problematic and aggravate acne in some people.
Castor oil can cause skin irritation when applied topically, so those who suffer from skin conditions like dermatitis should avoid it, as it can make itching and irritation worse.
I wouldn’t use it as a first port of call for acne prone skin, however I would recommend it to support dry skin, wrinkles, hair growth, and dead-end hair repair.”
