Does castor oil clog pores?

Castor oil is occlusive, meaning it sits on the skin surface, so people with very oily or acne-prone skin may find it too heavy. Whether it clogs pores depends on your individual skin type and the formula it's in.

Why is castor oil used in skincare?

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid and other fatty acids that help soften and moisturize skin. It's been used traditionally for skin conditioning and is common in creams and body products.

Is castor oil safe to use on skin?

Regulatory bodies have not identified safety concerns with castor oil in cosmetics. Most reported issues relate to individual sensitivities or it being too occlusive for certain skin types.

emollient

Castor Oil

Generally safe·Strong evidence·INCI: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil

A plant-derived emollient oil rich in ricinoleic acid, used in skincare for decades. Contact allergy has been reported but is uncommon relative to how widely it is used in leave-on products.

Questions

Does castor oil clog pores?: Castor oil is occlusive, meaning it sits on the skin surface, so people with very oily or acne-prone skin may find it too heavy. Whether it clogs pores depends on your individual skin type and the formula it's in.
Why is castor oil used in skincare?: Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid and other fatty acids that help soften and moisturize skin. It's been used traditionally for skin conditioning and is common in creams and body products.
Is castor oil safe to use on skin?: Regulatory bodies have not identified safety concerns with castor oil in cosmetics. Most reported issues relate to individual sensitivities or it being too occlusive for certain skin types.

Products with Castor Oil

References

CIR Final Report, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil ↗

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.