Authority source
Safety basis: CIR
CIR assessment
Ricinus communis oil
Castor oilCastor seed oilRicinus oil
Emollient
Castor oil is a thick liquid made from the seeds of the castor oil plant. It's often used in cosmetics and skincare products to help lock in moisture and soothe dry skin.
What it is
Castor oil is a thick, viscous liquid extracted from the seeds of the castor oil plant, primarily used as an emollient to lock in moisture and soothe dry skin.
Found in
moisturizers, creams, lotions, soaps, shampoos
The concern
No significant concerns identified
Legal status
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and approved for use in cosmetics by the EU's Cosmetics Regulation.
Low Concern
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated the safety of castor oil and concluded that it is safe for use in cosmetics.
Evidence & sources
Article / explainer
Article / explainer
No highly relevant article explainer found yet.
Community questions
Community questions
Community discussions are not used as safety evidence and no highly relevant discussion is shown for this ingredient.
Related ingredient guides
Compare this ingredient with related ingredients and common alternatives.
Beeswax
Another emollient in the reviewed ingredient set.
Jojoba Oil
Another emollient in the reviewed ingredient set.
Squalane
Another emollient in the reviewed ingredient set.
Talc
Another emollient in the reviewed ingredient set.
Tea Tree Oil
Another oil ingredient commonly compared in skin, scalp, or fragrance-sensitive routines.
Peppermint Oil
Another oil ingredient commonly compared in skin, scalp, or fragrance-sensitive routines.
Last updated: June 15, 2026