Castor Oil For Eyes – 9 Surprising Benefits & How To Use It

Castor oil, made from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Its special composition, containing ricinoleic acid, makes it useful for various treatments, particularly for eye health. The benefits of castor oil for eyes are fast gaining popularity.

It is one of the most used ingredients in Ayurvedic remedies to promote eye health. It is used to treat many eye ailments, including cataracts, itchy eyes, and red eyes (1), (2). Learn here about castor oil and the benefits it offers for the eyes. Continue reading.

Know Your Ingredient: Castor Oil

What Is It?
A colorless and pale vegetable oil derived from castor beans.

What Are Its Benefits?
Its anti-inflammatory properties may prevent eye allergies and it may treat dry eyes by inhibiting the evaporation of tears.

Who Can Use It?
Apart from pregnant women and children under 6 years, anyone can use castor oil.

How Often?
People can use castor oil for their eyes once to twice per day for achieving the best results.

Caution
Stop using castor oil on the eyes if you experience itchiness, swelling, or redness.

Is It Safe To Use Castor Oil For Eyes?

Yes. Castor oil contains powerful fatty acids and other antioxidants that can benefit your eyes (3), (4). But it is always best to use safer castor oil products available particularly for your ailment, which are sterile and chemical-free. You can procure them following an appointment with an ophthalmologistⁱ  A medical practitioner that specializes in the branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of eye diseases. .

The American Academy of Ophthalmology doesn’t recommend the use of just about any castor oil (or any other non-sterile material) for the eyes (5). It recommends the use of safer products for your eyes.

Brooke Pieke, MS, a nutrition educator and clinical researcher, adds, “Currently, castor oil is an ingredient in FDA approved artificial tear medications. It is not approved solely for intraocular use.”

Simply put – please discuss the remedies we mention here with your ophthalmologist and use the castor oil that he/she recommends.

 The only issues are sterility and safety, which may not be matters of major concern with your nearest supermarket store. Because they may not care about your vision health. But your ophthalmologist does.

Trivia

Rumor has it that Cleopatra used to put castor oil in her eyes to make the whites of her eyes appear brighter.

What Type Of Castor Oil Is Good For Your Eyes?

Whatever your ophthalmologist recommends. Though there are different types of castor oil, the one that works best for your eyes is cold pressed castor oil.

This type of castor oil involves pressing organic seeds without adding heat. It has the maximum nutrients and comes in two varieties – refined and unrefined. Refined has its impurities removed.

Use 100% organic castor oil for the eyes. Also, ensure it is ‘hexane-freeⁱ  Oils that lack hexane, a harmful organic compound used in the extraction process of seed and vegetable oils. ‘. There are other varieties of cold pressed castor oil that your doctor might recommend – these can include pharmaceutical grade castor oil or sterile castor oil.

Trivia

Castor oil is available as over-the-counter eye drops or prescription eye lubricants, which are most suitable for contact lens wearers, especially those who have dry eyes that cannot be relieved by water-based artificial tears.

What Are The Benefits Of Castor Oil For Eyes?

Brooke says, “Science shows us that castor oil has anti-inflammatory, microbial, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. It has wide uses for personal care products, wound dressings, and drug delivery systems.” The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil (thanks to the ricinoleic acid) help reduce redness and swelling of the eyes (4). The oil also soothes the skin, and this can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes.   

1. Treats Eye Allergies

Castor oil encourages lipid production in the eyes and inhibits the evaporation of tears, treating dry eyes (1). And the anti-inflammatory properties of the oil help treat allergies and eye redness (6).

 What To Do

1. Purchase a clean dropper and wash it properly with soapy water.
2. Suck the 100% organic cold pressed castor oil for eyes (the one recommended by your doctor) into the clean dropper.
3. Administer just one drop into each eye before going to sleep. Though your vision might turn cloudy, it will subside by the time you wake up the next morning.
4. You can do this once every night until your allergies subside. It could be dry eyes or red eyes or any other form of allergy.

2. Treats Bloodshot Eyes

This condition is a severe form of redness, where you might also see red veins in your eyes. The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil can help ease bloodshot eyes.

What To Do

1. Take some castor oil and collect it in a sterilized dropper.
2. Add one drop of the oil in each eye – you can repeat this three to four times in a day.
3. After application, you can sit with your eyes closed for about 15 minutes. The cloudiness will subside, and you can go about your daily duties.

3. Might Supplement Cataract Treatment

Severe forms of cataract require surgery, and there is no other way. Not yet. But you can use castor oil to accelerate recovery post surgery or even use it before surgery to reduce damage.

Brooke adds, “While there are claims that castor oil removes cataracts and, in turn, improves vision, there are no research studies that suggest that it can be used to treat these conditions. Please consult your optometrist before using castor oil for these conditions.”

What To Do

1. Using a sterile eyedropper, suck the castor oil and put one drop into each eye, just once a day.
2. You can do this preferably before going to bed as that will give the oil enough time to carry out its healing process.
3. You might find crusts formed around your eyes by morning – which are nothing but the calcifiedⁱ  Accumulation of hardened calcium salt deposits in soft tissues, arteries, and other areas of the body. deposits of the other compounds in castor oil. You can wash them off.

 4. Treats Itchy/Irritated Eyes

The oil works as a great moisturizing agent to fight dryness, and this helps treat itchy eyes (1).

What To Do

1. Simply put a drop of the oil (using a sterilized dropper) into each of your eyes before you sleep.
2. Do it every night until you see some results.

5. Treats Puffy Eyes

Pour two drops of castor oil on your fingertip. Gently apply to the puffed up areas under your eyes before bedtime to reduce puffiness. Wash your face the next morning. Repeat this every night – you will see results in a few days.

The same remedy can work well for sunken eyelids as well. The soothing properties of castor oil benefit you in this regard.

6. Treats Swollen Eyes

Also called blepharitis, this condition causes inflammation or swelling of the eyelids (7). Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

What To Do

1. Wash your eyelashes with lukewarm water.
2. Apply a warm compress to the affected eyelid for 5 minutes.
3. Using a cotton swab, apply a few drops of castor oil on the affected eyelid (closed). Use hexane free castor oil for eyes.
4. You can also apply on the lashes to prevent the formation of crusts. Do this before bedtime.
5. Rinse your eyes with warm water the next morning. Repeat once daily for a few days.

7. Removes Under-Eye Dark Circles

The important fatty acids in the oil nourish the skin and lighten dark circles.

What To Do

1. Take a couple of drops of castor oil on your fingertips and rub them together to warm the oil a bit.
2. Massage the oil under your eyes for a minute.
3. Leave it on overnight and wash with warm water the next morning.
4. Repeat this for a few days. 

8. Reduces Wrinkles Around The Eyes

The natural emollient properties of castor oil provide hydration that can help reduce wrinkles around the eyes.

What To Do

1. Cleanse your face with a normal cleanser. Pat dry with a clean towel.
2. Rub a cotton ball saturated with a toner over your face. This removes any residue of the cleanser.
3. Take a drop of castor oil on your palm, and using your finger, apply it to the wrinkles around your eyes.
4. Apply the oil along the entire length of fine lines and wrinkles.
5. You don’t have to wash your face after this as the oil gets absorbed into your skin in 10 to 20 minutes.

You can also use rose water instead of a facial toner. Rosewater and castor oil work wonders for the eyes and skin. Continue this remedy every day until you see visible results.

9. Thickens Your Eyebrows

The proteins and fatty acids in castor oil nourish the hair follicles and promote eyebrow growth.

 What To Do

1. Cleanse your face and eyebrows with warm water and remove all traces of makeup.
2. Dip a cotton swab (or an eyeliner brush) into castor oil, and apply it to your eyebrows.
3. Gently massage your eyebrows for about 2 to 3 minutes using your fingertips. Do this before bedtime.
4. The next morning, wash your face and eyebrows with lukewarm water.
5.  Continue using castor oil for eyebrow growth for at least a month.

Diana, a lifestyle blogger, observed that her eyelashes improved notably after using Jamaican black castor oil. She said, “The first thing I noticed was the lashes on my right eye were beginning to fan out and small hair bumps were forming on my left eyelid. Within about 14 days those buds sprouted hair and my right eye lashes began to get really long (i).” She applied castor oil twice a day for thicker and longer lashes.

As you can see, using castor oil the right way can offer you several benefits. Check out some additional tips that will help you use it safely. Scroll down for more!

Usage Instructions Of Castor Oil For The Eyes

• Always check with your eye doctor before using it.
• Only use cold-pressed, sterile castor oil that is free of hexane.
• Use a clean dropper to prevent contamination.
• Begin with one drop in each eye at bedtime and watch for any irritation or discomfort.
• Ensure your hands are clean before applying the oil.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface or your hands to keep it sterile.
• If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying castor oil and wait at least 30 minutes before putting them back in.
• Store the castor oil in a cool, dark place to maintain its quality.
• If you experience persistent discomfort, stop using the oil and consult your eye doctor immediately.

Castor oil may provide many benefits to your eyes. However, one must be aware of the potential side effects of castor oil. Check out the next section to know more.

Disadvantages Of Castor Oil

• Using unsterilized castor oil as eye drops may cause infection. Anecdotal evidence suggests it may also lead to eye irritation and blurred vision.
• Eye drops containing castor oil may have toxic effects on conjunctival cells and lead to irritation (8).
• Anecdotal evidence suggests that the topical application of castor oil around the eyes may lead to itching and swelling.
• It may also lead to irritation and redness if you are allergic to it. If you are using castor oil for the first time, always perform a patch test to check for potential allergic reactions.

Infographic: Benefits Of Castor Oil For Eyes

Castor oil is one of the few oils proven to benefit the eyes. Not only is it safe, it also boosts eye health, relieves common eye problems, and has useful beauty and skincare benefits. All of this is possible due to its high nutrient content.

Check out the infographic below to discover how castor oil works and how it can improve your eye health.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does castor oil make your eyes lighter?

According to Brooke Pieke, “Using castor oil might seem tempting to alter your eye color. However, remember, genetics determine our eye color and cannot be altered with the use of castor oil.”

She adds, “Alternatively, castor oil is a popularly used externally to reduce under-eye darkening. The oil locks moisture in, giving the under-eye area a hydrated, plump look.”

Can we use castor oil for eyes daily?

Yes. Castor oil can be applied multiple times a day and can help lower inflammation, manage dry eyes, and deal with an infection. However, consult your ophthalmologist before use.

Which oil is best for use under the eyes?

Castor oil, almond oil, lavender oil, tea tree oil, and fennel oil are some of the oils good for use under the eyes. They also help manage under-eye dark circles.

Can I put oil in my eyes?

Yes, but only a few drops. Oils are rich in essential fatty acids and nutrients that are beneficial for supporting the vision and managing eye health issues like dry eyes.

Illustration: Castor Oil For Eyes : 9 Surprising Benefits & How To Use It

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Unlock the secret to relieving dry eyes using castor oil! Check out this video to get tips on how to apply castor oil safely and effectively for maximum relief.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Vd. Naveen SharmaBAMS, Ayurveda Specialist

 

Dr. Naveen Sharma is a renowned Ayurveda specialist with an experience of 10 years. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery(B. A. M. S) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, in 2007.

Read full bio of Vd. Naveen Sharma

• 
  Brooke PiekeMS Brooke is a nutrition educator for fitness organizations across the US, including Fitness Formula Clubs. She did her master's in Nutrition from the Dominican University. She is passionate about disease prevention, holistic health, and wellness and has counseled independent clients in weight loss and management.
  
  Brooke is a nutrition educator for fitness organizations across the US, including Fitness Formula Clubs. She did her master's in Nutrition from the Dominican University. She is passionate about disease prevention, holistic health, and wellness and has counseled independent clients in weight loss and management.

Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Aparna MallampalliHealth & Wellness Writer

Aparna is a professor-turned-content writer with over 5 years of experience in life sciences. Her passion for writing and interest in the healthcare and wellness industry pushed her toward a career in content writing. She has a master’s degree in microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

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