How To Apply Castor Oil To Eyelashes: Best DIY Methods To Try

A detailed guide to reaping the maximum benefits of this oil to get beautiful eyelashes.

Reviewed by Elissa Peterson, Naturopath
Written by Esha Saxena, MA (Mass Communication & Media Studies)
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

If you want intense, dramatic-looking eyes, it is advisable to use castor oil for eyelashes. While makeup can temporarily accentuate your eyes, this nourishing ingredient may help improve lash growth and make them look thicker. Mascaras are helpful, but naturally thick eyebrows and lashes are to die for. Not all of us are blessed with Delevigne-esque hair growth, and that’s why castor oil can come in handy. It may help your eyelashes from breakage and promote healthy hair growth. Add this ingredient to your daily hair care regimen and prepare yourself to be amazed.

Our busy and hectic schedule leaves us very little time for an elaborate skin or hair care routine. But worry not because we are here to help. This post helps you understand how castor oil helps grow eyelashes. It also discusses some simple ways to add castor oil to your daily routine. Swipe up to read more about the DIY castor oil tricks that are healthy and affordable!

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil, derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, is a vegetable oil with 30% to 50% of fat. It is extracted from castor beans through mechanical pressing or solvent extraction or a combination of both (1). Its historical use can be traced back to ancient Egypt where it was used as lamp fuel and even found applications in medicine and beauty care.

Today, castor oil is widely used in the chemical industry as an ingredient in paints, coatings, inks, and lubricants. It is also used as a natural moisturizer, a laxative, a wound dressing component, and as a carrier for specific pharmaceuticals (2).

In the next section, we understand how castor oil helps with hair growth. Take a look.

How Does Castor Oil Benefit Hair Growth?

Besides its antifungal and antibacterial properties, castor oil is packed with beneficial nutrients like proteins, minerals, and fatty acids, such as oleic, linoleic, stearic, and palmitic ricinoleic acids (3). It also contains natural compounds that may help promote hair growth.

  • Castor Oil Contains Vitamin E

Vitamin E works as a powerful antioxidant that conditions your lashes and may prevent them from falling out. It also helps repair damage to hair follicles, which may promote hair growth (4).

  • Castor Oil Is Rich In Ricinoleic Acid

Castor oil also contains naturally high levels of ricinoleic acid, an omega-9 essential fatty acid that may help in thickening your lashes and stimulate lash growth (3), (2).

protip_icon Quick Tip
Castor oil also conditions your lashes and gives them an enviable luster.

Diana, a blogger, tried applying castor oil on her eyelashes and observed that they began to grow longer and thicker. She used a Q-tip to apply the oil twice a day to the lash line and was pleased with the results. She writes, “I see a few tiny hair bumps on the lash line and I notice when I put on mascara my right eye looks as thick as my left eyelashes (i).”

Wondering if it is safe? Check out the next section!

Castor Oil For Eyelashes – Is It Safe?

Is castor oil good for eyelashes? As opposed to the wide range of eyelash growth products in the market, which may or may not have side effects, castor oil is a natural ingredient. Much like an all-natural conditioner and at a moderate dosage, it works fine without any side effects.

Even if a little bit gets into your eye, it does not cause any damage. It only blurs your vision if you apply an excess amount (in which case, you can wash it off). The trick to keeping it from getting in your eyes is simple – apply it with precision and in small amounts. If you want to know more about how to use it the correct way, keep scrolling.

How To Use Castor Oil For Eyelashes

There is more than just one way you can use castor oil on your lashes and brows. Below are five of the most effective ways that you can combine castor oil with other wholesome ingredients to make a DIY lash serum right at home.

The best time to apply it is at night as this allows more time for the oil to saturate your lashes, and you will wake up with healthier lashes in the morning.

DIY Methods For Natural Eyelash Growth

1. Pure Castor Oil Mask – The Simple Method

Pure castor oil mask
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Image: Shutterstock

This is the easiest method to nourish your lashes with nothing but castor oil.

Step-By-Step Tutorial
  1. Cleanse your face and make sure you remove all traces of makeup from your eyes.
  2. Get hold of a clean mascara wand or a clean eyeliner brush.
  3. Dip it into the castor oil and carefully apply it on your upper and lower lashline, coating each lash thoroughly.
  4. Leave it on overnight.
  5. Remove it the next morning with a makeup wipe or some rose water.

2. Glycerin And Egg White Method

Glycerin and egg white method
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Image: Shutterstock

Create your own natural eyelash serum with the help of two ingredients that you can easily find in your kitchen cabinet. Glycerin is popular for its moisturizing properties and egg whites are known for their high protein content (5).

Step-By-Step Tutorial
  1. Pour some castor oil into a tiny bottle or container.
  2. Add two drops of glycerin to the oil.
  3. Add two drops of egg white to this mixture.
  4. Using a clean mascara wand, gently apply this homemade serum to your upper and lower lashes.
  5. You can leave it on overnight or for a couple of hours before washing it off.

3. Castor Oil And Olive Oil Combo

Castor oil with olive oil
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Image: Shutterstock

Olive oil is a rich source of vitamins A and E, and it is also packed with tons of antioxidants (6). Combining castor oil and olive oil is highly beneficial as your lashes soak up the benefits of both of these wonderful oils.

Step-By-Step Tutorial
  1. Start with an empty container or bottle to store this mixture for several uses.
  2. Pour two tablespoons of olive oil and two tablespoons of castor oil into the bottle.
  3. Make sure the oils have blended completely.
  4. Use a clean mascara wand or an eyeliner brush to apply this mixture to your upper and lower lash lines.
  5. Leave it on overnight and remove it with a makeup wipe the next morning.

4. Castor Oil And Sweet Almond Oil Combo

Castor oil with sweet almond oil
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Image: Shutterstock

Sweet almond oil is a rich source of vitamin E, essential fats, magnesium, and calcium (7). When you use it over a period, it adds shine and luster to your lashes, making them thicker, stronger, and longer. Combining almond oil and castor oil is a surefire way to help your lashes achieve better results.

Pro Tip: Create a miracle lash serum by adding a few drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil to this solution.

Step-By-Step Tutorial
  1. Start by looking for a tiny glass bottle or container to store the mixture for several uses.
  2. Pour two tablespoons of castor oil and two spoons of sweet almond oil into the container.
  3. Once the oils have blended, use a clean mascara wand or an eyeliner brush to apply one coat of this mixture to your lashes.
  4. For best results, leave it on overnight.

5. Vaseline, Coconut Oil, And Castor Oil Serum

Castor oil serum with coconut oil and Vaseline
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Image: Shutterstock

Petroleum jelly is an incredible conditioning and moisturizing agent for dry and brittle lashes. Coconut oil is rich in nutrients that will help make your lashes dark, soft, and shiny (8).

Step-By-Step Tutorial
  1. Take a clean, tiny container or jar to make this serum.
  2. Add two parts Vaseline, one part coconut oil, and one part castor oil into it.
  3. Blend the ingredients.
  4. With an eyeliner brush or a clean mascara wand, apply one coat of this mixture to your upper and lower lashes.
  5. Leave it on overnight and wipe it off in the morning using makeup removing wipes.

How Long Does It Take For Eyelashes To Grow Back With Castor Oil?

The only way to achieve effective results with castor oil is to use it every night religiously. To give you an average estimate, it takes about 3-6 months for eyelashes to grow back and for you to notice a change in their thickness, length, and overall appearance.

Castor Oil Eyelash Growth Results: Before & After

Castor oil eyelash growth results before and after
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Image: YouTube @rclbeauty101

Works like a charm!

However, there are some precautions that you need to take while using castor oil. Check them out below!


protip_icon Did You Know?
India is the largest exporter of Castor oil. The yearly export production varies between 250,000 to 350,000 tons.

Side Effects Of Castor Oil For Eyelashes

Castor oil is not known to cause any severe side effects when used in moderate amounts on your eyelashes. However, it may cause blurry vision and irritation if it seeps into your eyes. The best way to prevent this is to apply it with care and precision to avoid getting it into your eye.

Infographic: Easy Methods For Using Castor Oil For Eyelash Growth

Castor oil is one of the best hair oils you can use to improve your hair health and promote hair growth. Using it for eyelashes will help you achieve thick and long lashes in no time and enhance your beauty. You can also mix castor oil with other effective oils to make a home remedy for maximum benefits.

Check out the easy methods by which you can use castor oil for eyelashes in the infographic below.

easy methods for using castor oil for eyelash growth (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Mascaras help give the appearance of thick lashes, but using castor oil might actually make your eyelashes thicker and healthier overtime. Castor oil is plant-based and contains natural compounds and is packed with essential nutrients that may boost hair growth and help repair damaged hair follicles. You may use castor oil for eyelashes by making a serum and applying it before hitting the bed. If you use it religiously, you may begin to see results within 3-6 months of the treatment. Also, you may have to be careful while applying it to the lashes to avoid getting into the eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put castor oil on my eyelashes every day?

Yes, you need to apply castor oil to your eyelashes every day to achieve the desired results.

Does castor oil darken the lashes?

Yes, castor oil may help improve the luster and color of your lashes (8). Mixing castor oil with ingredients like coconut oil may help darken the lashes.

How can I choose the right type of castor oil for my eyelashes, such as cold-pressed or organic varieties?

Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right type of castor oil for your eyelashes:

  Cold-pressed: Look for cold-pressed castor oil as the extraction method preserves the natural nutrients and properties of the oil. It     is typically labeled as “cold-pressed” or “virgin” on the packaging.

  Organic: This castor oil is made from organically grown castor beans and is free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This            ensures that the oil is free from harmful chemicals that could cause irritation or allergic reactions.

  Hexane-free: Look for castor oil that is labeled as “hexane-free” to ensure that it is free from this potentially harmful chemical.

  Quality: Look for high-quality castor oil from reputable brands that use sustainable sourcing and production methods. Avoid buying    cheap castor oil that may be diluted or of poor quality.

  Packaging: Look for castor oil that is packaged in a dark glass bottle to protect it from sunlight and with a dropper for easy     application.

Can castor oil be used on both natural and synthetic eyelashes?

Yes, castor oil can be used on both natural and synthetic eyelashes. However, it is important to note that synthetic eyelashes may not absorb the oil as well as natural eyelashes and may not be as effective in promoting growth and thickness.

What are some tips for choosing the right applicator or brush for applying castor oil to the eyelashes?

Here are some tips for selecting the right tool:

  • Cleanliness: Choose an applicator or brush that is clean and free from any contaminants. You can also use a clean mascara wand, a cotton swab, or a clean and dry spoolie brush.
  • Size: Select an applicator or brush that is small enough to apply the castor oil directly to the lash line. This ensures that the oil reaches the roots of the lashes for maximum effectiveness.
  • Shape: Look for an applicator or brush that has a rounded tip or gentle and soft bristles. This helps to prevent irritation or damage to the delicate skin around the eyes.
  • Material: Choose an applicator or brush made from gentle materials like silicone or nylon. Avoid using applicators or brushes made from harsh or abrasive materials that could scratch or damage the eyes.

Key Takeaways

  • Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid and omega-9 nutrients that thicken the lashes and stimulate their growth.
  • When used as a natural essential in moderate amounts, it works effectively without any side effects.
  • Using combinations of castor oil with almond oil, egg whites, olive oil, etc., can be very beneficial to boost lash growth.
  • If it seeps into your eyes, castor oil may slightly blur your vision and cause irritation.
Castor Oil for Eyelashes

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how you can use castor oil to get longer, thicker eyelashes. Yes, you read that right! Watch this video to discover the safest way to apply it for maximum results.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in Commercial Production
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5015816/
  2. Castor Oil
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551626/
  3. Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in Commercial Production
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5015816/
  4. Effects of Tocotrienol Supplementation on Hair Growth in Human Volunteers
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3819075/
  5. Naturally Occurring Hair Growth Peptide: Water-Soluble Chicken Egg Yolk Peptides Stimulate Hair Growth Through Induction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Production
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29583066/
  6. Topical Application of Oleuropein Induces Anagen Hair Growth in Telogen Mouse Skin
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462586/
  7. Genotypic and Environmental Effects on Tocopherol Content in Almond
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/7/1/6/htm
  8. Effect of mineral oil sunflower oil and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
  9. Optical properties of hair: effect of treatments on luster as quantified by image analysis
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14528387/
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