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Does Castor Oil Grow Lashes? 

Does Castor Oil Grow Lashes? 

Castor oil is an amazing product which I actively use myself, and promote my clients to use over lash serums. One of the most frequent questions I get is does castor oil grow lashes? 

The belief that castor oil promotes lash growth stems largely from anecdotal evidence rather than clinical studies. Many users report visible improvement in lash length or thickness after consistent application over weeks or months. This is generally due to:

  • Improved Lash Condition: Hydrated, well-conditioned lashes appear thicker and shinier, mimicking the look of more voluminous lashes.
  • Reduced Breakage: By strengthening lashes, castor oil may help more lashes complete their full growth cycle, giving the impression of thickness.

When using castor oil on your lashes, it’s important to manage realistic expectations. Castor oil won’t generate new follicles or grow more lashes beyond what your body naturally produces. It cannot force lashes to grow faster or longer than their genetic capability.

And that’s what makes castor oil so much better than eyelash serums containing prostaglandin analogues. 

These serums can cause serious adverse effects, including periorbital fat loss, eyelid and skin pigmentation changes, redness, irritation, and in some cases, irreversible damage to the eyes and surrounding areas.

Does Castor Oil Grow Lashes?

Castor oil does not directly stimulate eyelash growth. It does however, create an excellent environment for healthy eyelashes by nourishing, strengthening, and protecting individual hairs and the lash follicle. Its effects are more supportive than transformative; castor oil does not alter the natural growth cycle of lashes the way prostaglandin analogues in lash serums do.

Scientific evidence directly proving that castor oil grows lashes (lengthens or thickens them) is limited or nonexistent. Here’s what studies and existing knowledge have shown about castor oil and its primary active component, ricinoleic acid:

Strengthening and Conditioning Lashes

Castor oil is composed of 87–90% ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory, moisturising, and emollient properties. These properties help condition lashes, reduce brittleness, and prevent breakage, potentially keeping lashes healthier and fuller-looking over time.

Indirect Support for Lash Growth

Castor oil forms a moisturising barrier that locks in hydration and strengthens the hair shaft, helping lashes resist everyday wear and tear (e.g., rubbing, makeup removal, and yes, lash extensions).

By creating a healthy lash environment, it may improve the appearance of sparse lashes and support natural regrowth after damage. Ricinoleic acid has shown anti-inflammatory properties, which may help address minor irritation or inflammation around the lash line, promoting better follicle health.

Castor Oil Does Not Chemically Stimulate Lash Growth

Unlike prostaglandin analogues found in lash serums, castor oil does not chemically stimulate the hair follicle to lengthen the anagen (growth) phase of the lash cycle. There are no large, controlled studies confirming that castor oil accelerates lash growth or enhances follicular activity.

Should You Use Castor Oil for Lashes?

Absolutely! While it may not directly grow lashes, castor oil offers significant restorative and protective benefits, making it a great option for:

  • Strengthening weak, brittle lashes after damage. I highly recommend this if you have removed your eyelash extensions and had some damage.
  • Improving lash hydration and reducing breakage over time.
  • Providing a natural, safe, and low-risk alternative to lash serums, particularly for those avoiding prostaglandins and synthetic chemicals.  

Why You Should Choose Castor Oil Over Lash Serums

It’s no secret that lash serums entice users with promises of longer, fuller lashes in just weeks. The magic behind this rapid transformation lies in prostaglandin analogues (PGAs)—the same compounds originally developed as FDA-approved medications for managing glaucoma. 

These powerful drugs, including compounds like bimatoprost, were rebranded as cosmetic solutions for lash growth due to their notable side effect: stimulating lash follicles to extend the growth phase (anagen phase) of the hair cycle. A 2015 clinical trial was even undertaken with post chemotherapy patients who had suffered hair loss.  

But what should be viewed as a pharmaceutical breakthrough comes with significant baggage. These are potent, biologically active compounds, not benign beauty enhancers. While they can indeed increase lash length and thickness, prostaglandin analogues work by altering the natural function and physiology of hair follicles. This comes at a cost when applied to the sensitive eye area, where unintended systemic and cosmetic side effects emerge.

More concerningly, many over-the-counter lash serums using PGAs are deliberately vague about their ingredients. Misleading terms like “enhancing blends” or “natural analogues” are used to obscure the inclusion of these chemical powerhouses, leaving us consumers unaware of the risks that accompany their use.  

Serious Side Effects of Lash Serums

The glamorous promise of bolder lashes quickly fades when you understand the side effects lash serums can trigger. While companies tout prostaglandin analogues as safe, long-term use has proven to have undesirable and sometimes permanent consequences, especially for the delicate skin and structure around the eyes. Here’s some not so glamorous side effects:

Periorbital Fat Loss

Perhaps one of the most concerning side effects associated with PGA lash serums is prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy (PAP), a condition where users experience fat loss and volume depletion in the eye socket area. Studies have shown that these compounds can trigger the reabsorption of fat over time, hollowing out the eye area and creating a sunken or “gaunt” appearance. 

Ironically, this results in users developing premature ageing in an area they intended to enhance. In efforts to achieve youthful lashes, they are left with aesthetic issues that are significantly harder to reverse than thinning lashes. Even discontinuing the serum doesn’t always guarantee full recovery from such fat loss. 

Pigmentation Changes

Lash serums can induce pigmentation changes. Regular use can darken the eyelids, stain the skin where the serum is applied, and even lead to permanent changes in iris colour for those with light-coloured eyes. 

The bluish or greenish tones in irises may turn brown irreversibly, a particularly troubling risk not disclosed in many product labels.

Eye and Skin Irritation

Common side effects during application include itching, burning, redness, and swelling around the eyes. Users with preexisting sensitivity may develop more serious conditions like keratitis (corneal irritation), persistent dryness, or blurry vision. For anyone prone to allergies or with preexisting skin conditions, the risk skyrockets.

Aesthetic Stagnation After Discontinuation

Another troubling issue is lash dependency. While lash serums may create striking results in the short term, once discontinued, lashes often return to their natural state (or worse). The lashes you thought were thriving can become frail and sparse, making it difficult to go makeup-free without noticeable cosmetic changes.

Hidden Risks in Over-the-Counter Serums

Many lash serums available without a prescription have a murky ingredient list. Although not marketed as medical treatments—therefore not regulated as strictly—they incorporate prostaglandin analogues or derivatives under fancy terms to bypass scrutiny. This leaves unsuspecting buyers with products that carry almost identical risks to prescription-grade options but without nearly enough transparency from the manufacturer.  

The side effects of lash serums are not “minor inconveniences” as some brands suggest, but instead real, measurable health consequences that affect both your appearance and well-being. The question then becomes: is it worth it?

Important: Don’t Combine Lash Extensions and Castor Oil

While castor oil is an excellent natural remedy for restoring lash health, it’s important to note that it should not be used while wearing lash extensions. Castor oil is an oily substance, and like other oils, it has the potential to break down the adhesive used to attach lash extensions to your natural lashes. 

This can lead to poor retention, causing your extensions to loosen or fall out prematurely. Although this may seem like an obvious fact for some, it’s a common misconception that castor oil can be applied to boost lash health while extensions are on. 

This is why some people use lash serums over natural remedies, as many lash serums are compatible with extensions and don’t interfere with adhesive bonding. However, since serums come with many risks, avoiding them altogether and opting for castor oil after your extensions are removed is a better, healthier choice in the long run.

Why Hexane Free Castor Oil is the Safer Alternative

When it comes to safe, natural options for promoting eyelash health and recovery after lash extensions, castor oil is a clear winner. Unlike lash serums, castor oil presents a gentle, affordable, and effective alternative for restoring lash health. 

Used for centuries as a natural remedy for hair and skin health, castor oil provides nourishment and protection without risking the damaging outcomes associated with cosmetic serums.

What Makes Castor Oil Effective

At the heart of castor oil’s magic lies its composition, packed with nourishing and healing properties that enhance hair health and regrowth. 

  • Rich in Ricinoleic Acid: Approximately 87–90% of castor oil is composed of ricinoleic acid, a powerful fatty acid that works as a natural conditioner and anti-inflammatory agent. Ricinoleic acid improves circulation in the follicle area, delivers essential nutrients, and locks in moisture to strengthen lashes.
  • Natural Hydration for Weak Lashes: The adhesives used to bond lash extensions to your natural eyelashes can leave your lashes dehydrated and prone to shedding. Castor oil excels as a moisture barrier, helping retain hydration while softening your lashes. This helps prevent further breakage during the growth process. 
  • Supports Hair Follicle Health: Ricinoleic acid also has properties that may fight mild follicular inflammation, a common issue for lashes stressed by synthetic adhesives or harsh serums. By supporting a healthier follicle base, castor oil allows lashes to grow stronger and thicker over time.

Why You Should Choose Hexane-Free Castor Oil

Hexane is a chemical solvent often used in industrial oil extraction processes to maximise yield. While effective for extraction, this chemical can leave behind residues in the oil, making it unfit for sensitive areas like the eyes. 

Hexane is a volatile organic compound (VOC) known for its potential toxicity; exposure can lead to skin irritation, respiratory issues, and neurological damage with prolonged contact. Using hexane-extracted castor oil near the delicate eye area significantly increases the risk of irritation or adverse reactions. Choosing cold-pressed hexane-free castor oil ensures that the product is pure, chemical-free, and gentle enough for lash care, providing all the benefits of castor oil without unnecessary risks. 

Proven Benefits for Eyelash Recovery

While castor oil doesn’t artificially force lashes to grow like prostaglandin analogues, its ability to restore a healthy lash environment is both natural and sustainable. The focus with castor oil is on nourishment rather than manipulation, which makes it an excellent option for those recovering from lash loss or damage.

  • Thicker, Shinier Lashes: With regular use, castor oil helps lashes appear denser and shinier, giving the appearance of fuller lashes without resorting to chemical enhancers.
  • Preventing Lash Loss: By keeping lashes hydrated and elastic, castor oil is thought to significantly reduce lash shedding, helping prevent fallout during the natural lash cycle.
  • A Non-Toxic Recovery Option: For anyone suffering from weakened lashes post-extension removal, using castor oil can promote regrowth gently and naturally.

Castor Oil is Safer for Sensitive Eyes

The delicate skin around the eyes is sensitive, and using harsh chemicals can exacerbate conditions like redness, dryness, or swelling. This is where castor oil shines as a natural, hypoallergenic option.

  • Minimal Risk of Side Effects: Unlike lash serums, castor oil is free from harsh chemicals and synthetic compounds that often cause redness, swelling, or pigmentation issues. Most users tolerate castor oil well, and patch testing can eliminate even minimal irritation risks for sensitive skin types.
  • No Risk of Periorbital Fat Loss: Lash serums containing prostaglandins are linked to fat and volume loss around the eyes (prostaglandin-associated periorbitopathy), but castor oil comes free from such terrifying risks. In fact, the hydrating properties of castor oil may even improve the appearance of under-eye skin over time.
  • Gentle on the Eyes: While eyelash products often migrate during application, castor oil typically causes no irritation, even if a small amount comes into contact with the eyes during use. (However, always choose a high-quality, 100% pure product without additives to minimise sensitivities.)

It is worth noting that castor oil should still be patch tested if you have never used it before. Like any product, some users may experience a side effect.

Evidence for Castor Oil’s Hair Benefits

There’s a strong legacy of anecdotal evidence supporting castor oil’s positive effects on hair regrowth. Across generations and cultures, castor oil has been used in traditional medicine to strengthen and restore scalp hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes.

Scientific studies affirm ricinoleic acid’s ability to create a hydrating, anti-inflammatory environment conducive to hair health. Although no formal studies specifically address eyelash growth, its established role in moisturising and nourishing hair follicles makes it an ideal natural option for lash care.

When compared to lash serums, which chemically manipulate the lash cycle, castor oil works in harmony with your body’s natural processes to deliver gradual, sustainable improvements.

Practical, Affordable, and Multi-Use

One of the greatest advantages of castor oil is its versatility and practicality. Whether you’re looking to regrow lashes after lash extensions, thicken your brows, or even restore scalp health, castor oil gets the job done—without the hefty price tag of lash serums.

  • Cost-Effective Solution: At a fraction of the cost of most lash serums ($15 per bottle vs. $50–150 per serum), castor oil offers incredible value for everyday users. Just a few drops a night can go a long way.
  • Long Shelf Life: A single bottle of castor oil lasts for months, making it an economical, low-maintenance addition to your beauty routine.
  • All-in-One Beauty Tool: Castor oil is a multi-tasking powerhouse that can also be used to moisturise dry skin, strengthen brows, and even alleviate minor scalp itch or dryness.  

How to Use Castor Oil for Lash Recovery

Using castor oil for eyelash care is simple and stress-free. Here’s how you can incorporate it into your lash recovery routine:

  1. Prepare Your Lashes: Clean your lashes thoroughly to remove any residue or makeup.
  2. Choose High-Quality Oil: Use cold-pressed, organic, and hexane-free castor oil (buy it online here) to ensure purity.
  3. Apply Correctly: Using a clean spoolie brush, cotton swab, or mascara wand, apply a light coat along your upper and lower lash lines before bed. Ensure minimal product transfer to avoid stickiness.
  4. Stay Consistent: Results won’t appear overnight, but with regular use over 4–6 weeks, you’ll notice stronger, healthier lashes.  

The Bottom Line – Avoid Lash Serums & Use Castor Oil Instead

In summary, castor oil doesn’t grow lashes, at least not in the way growth-stimulating products like prostaglandin-based serums do. However, its ability to condition and protect lashes from breakage or fallout makes it a highly effective, safe, and affordable beauty staple for healthier lashes over time. 

References:

Wesley, G., Toyos, M. M., DiVito, M. M., & Zirwas, M. (2024). Evaluation of the Safety and Tolerability of Lumify Eye Illuminations Cosmetic Products. Clinical Ophthalmology, 18, 3031–3042. https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S481806

Wirta D, Baumann L, Bruce S, Ahluwalia G, Weng E, Daniels S. Safety and Efficacy of Bimatoprost for Eyelash Growth in Postchemotherapy Subjects. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015 Apr;8(4):11-20. PMID: 26060513; PMCID: PMC4456802.

Jamison A, Okafor L, Ullrich K, Schiedler V, Malhotra R. Do Prostaglandin Analogue Lash Lengtheners Cause Eyelid Fat and Volume Loss? Aesthet Surg J. 2022 Oct 13;42(11):1241-1249. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjac156. PMID: 35700523.

Marchei, E., De Orsi, D., Guarino, C., Rotolo, M. C., Graziano, S., & Pichini, S. (2016). High Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Measurement of Bimatoprost, Latanoprost and Travoprost in Eyelash Enhancing Cosmetic Serums. Cosmetics, 3(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics3010004

Safety Assessment of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil and Ricinoleates as Used in Cosmetics https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Castor%20Oil.pdf

Parvizi MM, Saki N, Samimi S, Radanfer R, Shahrizi MM, Zarshenas MM. Efficacy of castor oil cream in treating infraorbital hyperpigmentation: An exploratory single-arm clinical trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024; 23: 911-917. doi:10.1111/jocd.16056

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