Considering that, according to studies, some form of castor oil was used in 971 cosmetic products used castor oil in 2002 alone, the questions in the title are clearly legitimate. Is castor oil effective against acne and blemishes? Because, let’s be honest, acne may be perfectly normal, but nobody wants it! 

That leads to the more general question: does castor oil work well on acne-prone skin? Perhaps or maybe not! One-size-fits-all is a long gone concept. So, let’s find out if castor oil can do anything for your acne and blemishes!

Table of Contents:

• Can castor oil clear acne?
• Oil cleansing with castor oil for acne prevention
• DIY castor oil remedies for the prevention of breakouts
• Does castor oil fade dark spots / acne scars?
• When should you use castor oil for acne prevention?
• Which skin types can use castor oil?
• Which castor oil should you add to your beauty routine?
• Conclusion

Can Castor Oil Clear Acne?

Excessive sebum, dirt, and bacteria clog pores and cause acne. Though sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands helps keep your skin moisturized, overproduction could result in clogging pores and breaking out. In such cases, p. acnes, an acne-causing bacteria that feeds on sebum, gets multiplied. And that's when castor oil slides into the picture. But, don't be fouled, this does not mean your skin does not need moisturizer. 

Castor oil comprises 85 to 90% of ricinoleic acid, which is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial and helps prevent bacteria growth and also stabilizes the production of natural oils.  

Should You Try Oil Cleansing with Castor Oil?

If you have oily-acne-prone skin, you might be thinking “eww! Who cleanses an oily face with oil?” But wait until you see the results. 

Unlike other oils, castor oil has a very thick consistency, which means that it will be hard to apply and equally hard to wash off, so you might need to dilute it first.

Oil on oily face? Well, yes! Think of it this way: ‘Birds of a feather flock together! The castor oil dissolves the sebum and excess oil and leaves your skin clean and glowing.

DIY Castor Oil Remedies For the Prevention of Breakouts

Castor oil, Grapeseed oil and Tea Tree Oil

Blend castor oil with grapeseed oil in equal parts (let’s say 5 tablespoons of each), add 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil, mix evenly and use the solution to cleanse your face. You can also use it as a spot-on overnight treatment, but make sure it gets absorbed before you go to bed. 

Castor Oil and Turmeric

Take half a spoon of castor oil and a spoonful of turmeric. Turmeric contains antiseptic properties and helps in the reduction of acne-causing bacteria. Mix the ingredients well and apply the paste on a clean face, particularly on the acne-afflicted regions. For best results, use it once a day. 

Castor Oil as a Stand-Alone Ingredient

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to get rid of sebum and other impurities. Using a clean towel, pat off the water, or you can leave it to air dry. Then take a few drops of castor oil on your palm and massage it gently and thoroughly on your face. You can leave it overnight or wash it off after 10-15 minutes.

Does Castor Oil Fade Dark Spots / Acne Scars?

Skincare enthusiasts have been reporting for a while now the benefits of castor oil on acne scars. However, there is still little research to backup these claims.

Nevertheless, by reducing inflammation and blemishes, natural oils can certainly help improve the overall appearance of acne-scarred skin. Here are a few tips on how to use castor oil for acne scars:

Castor Oil and Lavender Oil 

To a tablespoon of castor oil, add 2 drops of lavender oil. Blend it well, apply the mix on the affected areas and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before you wash it off with warm water. 

Castor Oil and Vitamin E Oil

Extract the vitamin E oil from three or four capsules and mix it with a few drops of castor oil. Apply the solution to the affected areas after cleansing your face with a gentle face wash. Wash it off with warm water after few minutes.

For best results, follow the routine every day for at least a month.

Which Skin Types Can Use Castor Oil?

Castor oil works well on most skin types. While it moisturizes and nourishes dry skin, it removes excess oil and sebum from oily skin types.

“It has been used as a face oil for acne treatment,” and "You could also just spot treat with it," says Purvisha Patel, a certified dermatologist. 

Caren Campbell, also a certified dermatologist, claims that castor oil helps inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, “Topically, it has been used in skincare to calm inflammation and pain.”

“Given its anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil can help soothe itchy, dry, or sensitive skin,” added Patel. 

Which Castor Oil Should You Add to Your Beauty Routine?

WOW Skin Science Castor Oil is 100% pure, cold-pressed, processed from the highest quality castor seeds and packed with antioxidants, vitamin E and essential fatty acids. 

Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe the skin, while Vitamin E can help improve the appearance of acne scars. 

To wrap up, go for 100% undiluted castor oil and incorporate it into your daily routine. Let it spare you the trouble of hiding behind oversized shades!