Topical Uses for Castor Oil You Can Try Today

If you’ve spent any time in natural wellness circles lately, you’ve probably seen castor oil popping up everywhere—from belly packs and scalp massages to lash serums and birth prep routines. It might feel like a trendy new discovery, but the truth is, castor oil has been supporting families for generations across many cultures.

What’s new is how intentionally we’re learning to use it, especially topically, as a simple, at-home way to support skin, comfort, and natural body processes. Whether you’re soothing sore muscles, caring for dry skin, or looking for gentle ways to support your body through different seasons of motherhood, castor oil is a humble tool worth getting to know.

What Makes Castor Oil Unique

Castor oil is thicker than most oils, with a slightly sticky feel that allows it to sit on the skin longer instead of soaking in right away. That slow absorption is part of what makes it so useful for topical care. It creates a protective, moisturizing barrier that continues working over time.

What truly sets castor oil apart is its high content of ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid that makes up about 75–95% of the oil. In simple terms, ricinoleic acid is an omega-9 fatty acid known for its ability to[1]:

• Support balanced inflammation
• Offer natural antimicrobial properties
• Because castor oil is so slow to absorb, it[1]:
• Helps lock in moisture
• Supports the skin’s natural protective barrier
• Is generally considered beneficial for all skin types
• And because it works gradually, castor oil tends to be most effective when used consistently rather than as a one-time fix.

Topical Ways to Use Castor Oil

When choosing castor oil for topical use, quality matters. Look for organic, cold-pressed oil to ensure you’re getting the cleanest version possible, especially for skin and pregnancy-related care. Once you have high-quality oil, the next step is to decide how to use it on your skin.

The two most common ways to use castor oil topically are through massage or as a castor oil pack. Both methods allow the oil to sit on the skin for an extended time, which is part of what makes it so supportive.

Because castor oil is thick, things can get messy quickly. So, before you begin, it helps to lay down a towel or protective cloth.

Castor Oil Massage

To begin, warm a small amount of castor oil until it feels comfortably lukewarm. You can do this by:

Holding it between your palms for a minute or two, or

Using a heat-safe container set in warm water (double boiler method)

Avoid using a microwave, as it can heat unevenly and may damage the oil’s structure.

Once warmed, massage the oil directly into the chosen area using slow, gentle circular motions. This can be done for several minutes and then left on the skin for a few hours[2].

If you plan to rest or sleep with the oil on, cover the area with cotton or flannel to protect clothing and bedding.

You may also place a warm heat pack over a cloth-covered area for about 30 minutes to encourage relaxation and increased absorption[3, 5].

[Ref 4, 6 support pack use + heat]

Castor Oil Packs

A castor oil pack uses more oil and allows for deeper, prolonged contact.

Warm your castor oil gently.

Soak a cotton or flannel cloth until well-saturated but not dripping heavily.

You may lightly massage oil into the skin first, then place the cloth over the area.

Secure with another towel or cloth.

Add a heat pack if desired and relax for 30 minutes.

After use, store the cloth in a covered container in the refrigerator. It can typically be reused for up to a week before washing[3, 4, 5].

Most sources suggest using a pack 2–3 times per week for ongoing support[3, 5].

For everyday skin or hair care, castor oil can be diluted with lighter oils like jojoba, argon, grapeseed, almond, or coconut for easier application[6].

Area-Specific Uses & Benefits

Upper Abdomen & Liver Area

Castor oil packs over the upper abdomen are traditionally used to support[3, 5]:

• Comfort during digestion
• Healthy circulation
• The body’s natural cleansing and elimination processes

Lower Abdomen

When used over the lower abdomen, castor oil may support[5, 7]:

• Muscle relaxation
• Menstrual comfort
• Balanced inflammatory response during cycles

Perineum

In the final weeks of pregnancy, castor oil is sometimes used externally for gentle perineal massage to support[7, 8]:

• Skin softness
• Natural elasticity in preparation for birth

Joints & Muscles

When massaged into sore joints or tight muscles, castor oil may[2, 5]:

• Support comfort
• Encourage relaxation
• Support healthy circulation and lymphatic movement

Scalp & Hair

On the scalp, castor oil is commonly used to support[7]:

• Moisture balance
• Healthy-looking hair
• The appearance of stronger, fuller strands

Navel Application

Applying a small amount of castor oil to the navel is a traditional practice believed to support[9]:

• Digestive comfort
• Overall abdominal relaxation

Feet

Applied to the feet, castor oil may[5]:

• Help maintain soft, hydrated skin
• Offer natural antimicrobial support in cases of dryness or irritation

Dry Skin

Castor oil[5]:

• Supports the skin’s natural moisture barrier
• Encourages balanced inflammation
• Helps reduce dry, flaky texture

Eyelashes & Eyebrows

To condition lashes and brows:

• Place one drop of castor oil on a clean mascara wand
• Lightly brush through nightly
• This simple routine supports the appearance of stronger, fuller lashes and brows over time[7].

Safety Note

Because castor oil is known to support natural movement in the body, topical use is best avoided during:

• Early pregnancy
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Always discontinue use if irritation occurs and consult a qualified healthcare provider with specific concerns.

Castor oil is one of those beautifully simple remedies that reminds us how powerful consistency can be. It doesn’t work by force, it works by supporting the body gently, over time, through moisture, comfort, circulation, and balance.

Whether you’re smoothing it over dry skin, massaging sore muscles, caring for your scalp, or creating a quiet ritual of rest with a castor oil pack, this humble oil offers a grounding way to support your body in daily life.

Sometimes the most meaningful wellness tools aren’t complicated at all. They’re the ones that meet us right where we are, one gentle routine at a time.

Disclaimer - This blog post is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services and its statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider regarding a specific medical condition.

References:

[1] Patel, V. R., Dumancas, G. G., Kasi Viswanath, L. C., Maples, R., & Subong, B. J. (2016). Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in Commercial Production. Lipid insights, 9, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.4137/LPI.S40233 [2] Knee Pain Centers of America. (2025, April 14). How to Use Castor Oil for Knee Joint Pain. https://www.kneepaincentersofamerica.com/blog/castor-oil-for-knee-joint-pain [3] Portland Clinic of Natural Health. (2023, July 20). Embrace the power of castor oil packs: A simple home therapy. Portland Clinic of Natural Health. https://portlandclinicofnaturalhealth.com/castor-oil-packs-home-therapy-detoxification-liver-naturopathic/ [4] Head 2 Toe Health. (2020, April 6). Castor oil pack instructions. https://head2toehealth.com.au/castor-oil-pack-instructions/ [5] Sonoran University. (2025, July 23). Castor oil: Benefits and safety. https://patients.sonoran.edu/2025/07/23/castor-oil-benefits-and-safety/ [6] hbno.com. (n.d.). Best carrier oils for castor oil for skin, hair & face. https://www.hbno.com/blogs/news/best-carrier-oils-for-castor-oil-for-skin-hair-face [7] Carolina Birth and Wellness. (n.d.). Castor oil benefits. https://www.carolinabirthandwellness.com/blog/castor-oil-benefits [8] NotJustSkin.org. (n.d.). Avoiding tears and episiotomies. https://notjustskin.org/avoiding-tears-and-episiotomies/ [9] Helgoe, C. (2024, July 25). What are the health benefits of castor oil? Experience Life. https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/article/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-castor-oil/