Castor oil has been credited with numerous virtues since ancient times. Its use to combat alopecia, purify the scalp, halt hair loss and promote hair regrowth in women and men has been documented over the centuries.
Although plants have been used for cosmetic purposes since the dawn of time, it should not be forgotten that certain traditional uses and grandmotherly remedies that are supposed to stimulate hair growth have not withstood the test of scientific truth. One example is the application of unlikely ingredients (egg white or mayonnaise, etc.) which are said to be even more 'effective' during full moon phases! So what about castor oil and its real benefits for our hair? Is this vegetable oil really our best ally for restoring health and vitality to damaged, flat hair?
What is castor oil?
Ricin (Ricinus communis) is a plant in the euphorbia family (like the poinsettia) that is grown in Asia (India is the main producer), South America (Brazil in particular) and Africa.
The plant and its leaves, as well as the castor seeds from which the oil is extracted
Castor oil has many uses, including the pharmaceutical industry, the food industry and the perfume industry, where it now replaces "castoreum", a woody fragrance extracted from beaver glands, hence the name "castor oil". And, not so long ago, castor oil was the purgative (or rather punishment) that even the oldest of us remember!
If the plant, including the seeds, is toxic to the liver if ingested (cf. https://plantes-risque.info/plantes/ricin/), the oil extracted from its seeds is not, and is packed with virtues thanks to a composition that is truly unique compared to other vegetable oils:
- a higher fatty acid content than other vegetable oils, including :
- ricinoleic acid, an omega 9 monounsaturated fatty acid, amounting to 80 % to 90 % of the total
- oleic acid, another monounsaturated fatty acid of the omega 9 type
- palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid
- linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid of the omega 6 type
- stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid
- bio-actives such as :
- carotenoids,
- vitamin E
- phytosterols
For further information : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345766202_Castor_oil_Ricinus_communis_a_review_on_the_chemical_composition_and_physicochemical_properties
For decades, the Centre Clauderer has been using plants to combat hair loss and improve the health and beauty of all types of hair. Castor oil is a natural ingredient in a number of Clauderer hair care products to help you regain beautiful, healthy, vital hair. Our castor oil is produced in France, using a cold-pressing process to preserve all its qualities.
Here are the active ingredients and specific characteristics of castor oil that we use to give you the benefit of haircare products with high-performance, natural active ingredients:
Carotenoids and vitamin E
Thanks to bio-actives such as carotenoids and vitamin E, castor oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
Anti-oxidants protect the hair fibre from the harmful effects of free radicals, which are responsible for so-called oxidative stress. In other words, free radicals are held responsible for the oxidation (i.e. degradation and ageing) of cells. Vitamin E helps to moisturise and nourish a scalp that is too dry. It deeply nourishes and closes the scales of overly dry, brittle hair, making it smoother, suppler and shinier.
Clauderer makes the most of these active ingredients by combining them with wheat germ oil for a high-performance skin care product.
How? Wheatgerm oil is known to be particularly high in vitamin E or tocopherol (https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/vitamin-e/ ) combined with castor oil - which also contains it, but to a lesser extent - the anti-oxidant power is increased tenfold. So it's no surprise that Clauderer has used these properties in its Crème N.26R, which combines castor oil and wheat germ oil. Ideal for pampering your hair!
Smooth, shiny hair thanks to castor oil
Phytosterols
Phytosterols are components of plant cells and are frequently used in hair cosmetics for their many properties, such as moisturising the scalp and hair, strengthening the hair fibre, etc.
In addition, the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of phytosterols have been the subject of advanced studies: https://www.academia.edu/81681049/Antibacterial_and_antifungal_activity_of_phytosterols_and_methyl_dehydroabietate_of_Norway_spruce_bark_extracts
That's why we're taking advantage of these characteristics to offer scalp-purifying lotions (Laits): in synergy with cranberry oil and eucalyptus EO for Lait 1R, and jojoba oil and thyme EO for Lait 3R, Laits Clauderer bring comfort and well-being to even the most sensitive scalps.
Lait 1R or Lait 3R to soothe all scalps
Viscosity
Another bonus of castor oil: its unique composition gives it a viscous, sticky texture, but this is not a defect - quite the opposite. In fact, this particular viscosity gives it a great ability to absorb impurities: cellular waste, flakes and/or dandruff. Applied to the scalp, castor oil will absorb impurities and leave the scalp clean...provided you rinse thoroughly and thoroughly! Clauderer has found the ideal combination and developed purifying milks for every type of scalp. Purified and cleansed, the scalp no longer itches, the feeling of comfort is long-lasting and itching is quickly forgotten. Combined with other plant oils, the Laits Clauderer eliminates impurities gently and permanently, without damaging the scalp. In the case of dermatitis or psoriasis, it's a natural and effective alternative to corticosteroid-based products to soothe the scalp and gradually make dandruff disappear during attacks.
Synergy
Not only is castor oil a real beauty treatment for hair when used pure - with certain precautions - but this oil also has the ability to potentiate the effects of the ingredients with which it is associated.
For example, coconut oil is good, castor oil is good, but coconut oil + castor oil is exceptional for moisturising and nourishing devitalized, overly dry hair. Ideal for caring for textured, curly hair, very frizzy and fragile hair. At Clauderer, we've combined these 2 plant oils in a highly effective concentrated treatment to deeply nourish Afro hair: Baume n°57.
Castor oil, the friend of Afro hair
Castor oil and hair growth: true or false?
The specific characteristics of castor oil make it a particularly interesting product for hair cosmetics. So it's hardly surprising that Centre Clauderer uses this powerful plant oil in a number of its hair care products.
Some studies, which are still in their early stages, point to a positive effect of castor oil on hair growth and regrowth. There are as yet no scientifically proven results in the field of hair regrowth and effective treatment for baldness, but it's a promising avenue. What we can be sure of, however, is that castor oil is a valuable ingredient in providing a favourable environment for healthy hair growth.
Jean-François Cabos is the creator of a unique hair care method based on the research he coordinated, which led to the publication of the book Hair, Roots of Life with Hélène Clauderer published by Robert Laffont (Collection "Réponses/ Santé").
