We know great eyelashes can transform you, but with all of the products and promises saturating the market it’s hard to know who or what to trust. Recently, people have turned towards natural alternatives to eyelash serums, specifically castor oil, for the same or better results.
There has been much debate over castor oil’s ability to produce eyelash growth, and we’re hoping to clarify these facts and myths for the women who deserve the lashes of their dreams.
WHERE DOES CASTOR OIL COME FROM?
Castor oil is a natural plant oil derived from the seed, or bean, of a castor plant, and it has been depended on for ages due to its health benefits. This multi-purpose vegetable oil has been turned to for purposes ranging from moisturizing your skin to even inducing labor.
Not only has castor oil become one of the world’s most important industrial oils, but it is also known as one of the earliest commercial products. Castor beans were found in ancient Egyptian tombs from as far back as 4000 b.c, and according to the Ebers Papyrus, an Egyptian compilation of medical texts, were used as eye protection from irritation. Castor oil has also been an important ingredient in facial masks and in wick lamps for lighting for thousands of years. It’s safe to say that people have been relying on this oil for a while!
The castor plant, also known botanically as Ricinus communis, is native to east Africa, specifically the Ethiopian region. It now grows in tropical and warm temperate regions throughout the world, and is also becoming a copious weed in the southwestern U.S. Around the late 1800’s, traveling medicinal men sold and peddled this castor oil as a remedy for common medicinal issues internally and externally.
According to the NCBI castor oil remains commercially valuable today primarily for the manufacturing of soaps, lubricants, and coatings.
KNOWN BENEFITS AND USES OF CASTOR OIL:
There are a number of medicinal, industrial and pharmaceutical uses that have kept castor oil such a popular home remedy all of these years. It may not exactly have been the use you were going for, but these advantages have maintained the oil’s presence for many years, and most likely for many to come! These benefits include castor oil’s ability to:
- MOISTURIZE SKIN
Castor oil is packed with fatty acids, specifically ricinoleic acid, which can be used to naturally moisturize the skin. This natural humectant promotes hydration so efficiently that it is often added to lotion, makeup, or other cleansing products.
- ACT AS A LAXATIVE
It is also well known for its medicinal use as a natural stimulant laxative. Taken orally and in small doses, castor oil is an effective way to relieve constipation quickly and naturally. Bet you didn’t know that one 🙈
- INDUCE LABOR
The use of castor oil in order to induce birth dates all the way back to Ancient Egypt as well, and has remained a popular method for midwives. According to Dr. Jill Mallory MD and a survey from 1999, 93% of U.S. midwives still reported using castor oil for the purpose of inducing labor. However, pregnant women should avoid ingesting the oil until they are ready for labor because of its induction qualities.
- REDUCE ACNE
This one sounds too good to be true! But the culmination of all of the effects of Castor Oil make for a great acne remedy. The oil has anti-inflammatory properties, moisturizing abilities, and considerable antibacterial power to soothe irritation and wake up flawless.
There have been so many uses of Castor oil’s natural healing and soothing properties over the years that to name all of your options would take too much of your time! Experts have praised the oil because of the proteins, vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that it provides to nourish you completely, but where do these benefits end?
ACCORDING TO THE EXPERTS:
We’ve discussed the variety of benefits that come with the use of castor oil, but we’re talking about eyelash growth people. Do the nourishing benefits of castor oil aid in your path to long and luxurious lashes? According to the experts, unfortunately not.
As stated by expert and cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski, there is no evidence or support for the claims that castor oil helps your eyelashes grow. While Castor Oil is great for moisturization of lashes, it might not be the way to get the lengthy lashes you’ve always wanted. But, there is still a way to get them there.
IF CASTOR OIL DOESN’T WORK ON MY EYELASHES, WHAT WILL?
Maybe castor oil doesn’t produce the results we were all hoping for, but there are effective alternatives to keep in mind moving forward. The oil has proved it is not interchangeable with an eyelash growth serum, but rather it is more appropriate to use these products together to maximize results.
We believe the natural benefits of castor oil deserve to be paired with an eyelash growth serum that is just as naturally effective! That’s why our ForLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum is 100% vegan and cruelty free to give you naturally luxurious lashes with just one swipe daily.
CONCLUSION
Castor oil has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy to combat a number of health issues. With benefits such as moisturizing skin and reducing acne, this multi-purpose oil may be a great idea to keep around.
However, when it comes to growing your eyelashes, the oil alone is not as effective. Castor oil’s viscosity can give your lashes the appearance of health and fullness but it is not an acceptable alternative to eyelash growth serums. It just doesn’t produce the same results.
Here at ForChics, we want everyone to feel like their most beautiful self inside and out. Castor oil can be a great way to take care of yourself internally and externally, but for your lashes, an enhancing serum is probably the way to go. Click here to learn more.
