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Castor oil, a fascinating plant with a millennia-old past, has become a true gem for the cosmetics industry. Native to tropical Africa and East Asia, castor oil captured the hearts of ancient civilizations thanks to its medicinal and cosmetic properties. Today, it is one of the most popular ingredients for its benefits on skin, hair and nails. In this article, we'll delve into the enigmatic origins of castor oil, explore its properties, and learn about the different forms in which it's used.

Origin of Castor

Castor oil , also known by the scientific name Ricinus communis , has its origins in the warm lands of Africa and Asia. As early as 4000 BC. BC, this mysterious plant was used by the Egyptians for its medicinal and cosmetic properties. Legendary Cleopatra and Nefertiti were avid users of castor oil to maintain their beauty.

In India , castor oil has been cultivated since time immemorial. Ancient Indian civilizations quickly discovered the medicinal and cosmetic properties, particularly through the seeds . Rich in precious oil, they have been used in many traditional preparations for their health and beauty benefits.

In China , castor oil also has a long history. It was introduced to this country several thousand years ago and has become a commonly cultivated plant in tropical and subtropical regions . China has been able to exploit the properties of castor oil for medicinal purposes, but also for the manufacture of traditional cosmetic products. Castor oil , with its nourishing and soothing properties , was particularly appreciated in beauty treatments.

Brazil , on the other hand, has had a close relationship with castor oil for centuries. The plant was introduced to Brazil at the beginning of the colonial period. It quickly adapted to the hot and humid climate of the country, becoming a widespread crop. Brazil is today one of the main producers of castor and castor oil in the world.

Over time, castor oil spread to other parts of the world, seducing explorers and botanists with its beauty and amazing properties. Today, it is cultivated in many countries , and its popularity continues to grow, particularly due to its increasing use in the cosmetic industry .

Its different properties

One of the reasons why castor oil is so popular in cosmetics is its composition , which is rich in ricinoleic acid . This unique monounsaturated fatty acid, belonging to the omega-9 family, gives castor oil its exceptional properties. Ricinoleic acid is a key component of castor oil, which is obtained by pressing the seeds of the plant.

Here is an overview of the cosmetic benefits of castor oil:

For hair , ricinoleic acid has a particular affinity with hair follicles and the scalp. By penetrating deep into the roots, it nourishes the hair by providing essential nutrients , thus stimulating its growth. In addition, ricinoleic acid strengthens the keratin of the hair, improving its resistance to external aggressions.

On the skin , this molecule shows anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties . By acting on specific receptors in the skin, it helps calm skin irritations and reduce redness . In addition, its antibacterial action is beneficial in combating breakouts and acne, neutralizing the bacteria responsible for pimples.

In addition to its benefits for hair and skin, ricinoleic acid plays an important role in strengthening nails . By penetrating into the cuticles , it deeply nourishes the nails and promotes their growth, while protecting them from breakage and splitting . In addition, it protects them from external aggressions, such as chemicals present in varnishes.

The various cosmetic forms of Castor

Thanks to its versatility, castor oil is used in different forms in the cosmetic industry. It is mainly found in two forms:

Castor oil :

Pure castor oil is an ingredient used in many cosmetic products. Concentrated in Omega 6, 9 and vitamin E , Castor oil is softening and healing and penetrates quickly. You can find this oil in our Gentle Micellar Jelly or in our Banana Lip Balm , to provide maximum softness and suppleness to your skin thanks to its repairing and nourishing action.

Castor beads

These beads are obtained from pure castor oil. Practical and easy to use, they concentrate gentle exfoliating properties , which you can find in our latest novelty: our Exfoliating Shower Gel . It is in particular this ingredient which makes it possible to exfoliate the skin without attacking it and to effectively eliminate dead cells and impurities .

Castor oil, with its enigmatic origins and its exceptional ricinoleic acid, is truly a plant treasure with astonishing cosmetic properties. From ancient civilizations to the modern cosmetic industry, castor oil continues to fascinate and seduce with its benefits for skin, hair and nails. We invite you to test our containing products, to take full advantage of its nourishing and softening properties.