Cold Pressed Castor Oil: Benefits and How to Use
Are you a fan of clean beauty? You have probably heard of the nearly magical abilities of castor oil in promoting healthy hair and skin. Known for its moisturizing properties and rich texture, castor oil is a popular ingredient in many skincare and haircare products, including serums, lotions, and moisturizers.
As you explore different kinds of castor oil, you may notice some labeled as “cold pressed”. To help you understand what cold pressed castor oil refers to, we have put together this detailed guide covering how to distinguish between different types of castor oil, its properties, and how to use it.
What Is Cold Pressed Castor Oil?
As the name suggests, cold pressed castor oil is extracted mechanically from castor seeds without the use of heat or chemical solvents. Cold pressing aims to retain the oil’s fatty acid profile and thereby preserve its natural properties.
Castor oil, including the cold pressed variety, consists mostly of ricinoleic acid. It is an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that contributes to the oil’s thick, rich texture. Ricinoleic acid has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.
Cold pressing minimizes the number of manufacturing steps, ensuring that the oil’s chemical composition remains close to its natural state.
How Is Cold Pressed Castor Oil Made?
Cold pressing castor oil is done in two main parts. The first part is all about obtaining the perfect seed for extraction. The process starts with harvesting mature castor seeds from the Ricinus communis plant’s pods. Harvested castor seeds are cleaned of dirt and impurities, after which they are dried. This step improves oil yield in terms of both quality and quantity. At this point, the seeds are ready to be mechanically pressed.
In the second part of the process, castor oil seeds are fed into a mechanical press that applies pressure to squeeze out the oil. Once extracted, the oil is filtered and then packaged into containers for storage.
Good quality cold pressed castor oil is always packaged into dark glass containers to minimize degradation.
Cold Pressed Castor Oil vs Regular Castor Oil
Both cold pressed and the regular variety of castor oil come from the same plant and are extracted from the seeds. The difference between the two is introduced in how they are processed.
Cold pressed castor oil goes through minimal heat during processing and is less refined. Regular castor oil may go through steps like solvent extraction or bleaching. As a result, it has a lighter appearance when compared to a raw cold pressed castor oil. Due to the more intensive processing post-extraction, regular castor oil is usually less aromatic and may have a lighter texture.
Is One Better Than the Other?
It can’t be said that either of the castor oil varieties is conclusively better than the other. Both varieties contain the same core fatty acids and come from the same plants. However, there are certain criteria where cold pressed castor oil wins. It is noticeably more aromatic and richer-feeling than regular castor oil. It is also preferred by some users due to its minimal processing, which may feel gentle on the skin.
Benefits and Uses of Cold Pressed Castor Oil for Skin and Hair
Cold pressed castor oil has many benefits and uses in personal wellness. It is a great addition to any skincare or hair care routine due to its versatility. Depending on how it’s used, cold pressed castor oil is suitable for all kinds of skin and hair types.
In hair care, cold pressed castor oil moisturizes dry hair, supports the healthy appearance of tresses, and can be used in scalp massages. It works wonders to reduce frizziness by smoothing the outer layer of the hair shaft.
In skin care, cold pressed castor oil can act as an occlusive, locking moisture into the skin. This helps the skin look supple and fresh. The moisture-retaining properties of cold pressed castor oil also support skin barrier function.
It is important to note that due to its thickness, cold pressed castor oil is not meant to be used the same way by everyone. For people with combination or oily skin, it is recommended to dilute castor oil by combining it with other products, such as light oils or moisturizers.
Cold pressed castor oil is also a staple in many beauty routines. It can be used as a serum to groom and shape the brows. Some people also apply it to their eyelashes to condition them and make them softer.
However, to get all these benefits, you must use organic castor oil. If the “castor oil” you use isn’t organic and includes artificial compounds, it can have negative effects rather than giving any actual benefits.
How to Choose High-Quality Cold Pressed Castor Oil
With so many different cold pressed castor oil products in the market, it can be difficult to decide which one to get. To maximise your chances of getting a high-quality cold pressed castor oil product, here is a checklist to remember when shopping:
- The ingredient list should mention 100% Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil at the top
- The oil should ideally be packaged in a dark colored glass bottle
- The expiry date should be clearly labelled
- The label should mention that the oil is cold pressed
Following this simple checklist helps you ensure that your experience with cold-pressed castor oil is positive.
Cold Pressed Castor Oil in Practice
Now that you’ve learned the basics of cold pressed castor oil, you are equipped to add it to your beauty and wellness routine. You will find that it stands out from all other oils and beauty products due to its richness and high-quality feel. Above all, remember to patch test and dilute before use.
