Many people make the mistake of thinking that a bar of soap is only good for removing dirt and germs from your body, but it can actually help keep your skin hydrated and nourished. When you use castor oil in soap, it makes a moisturizing bar that will keep your skin hydrated and nourished.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a natural, vegetable-based oil that is extracted from the castor bean. Despite the name, castor beans aren’t a bean at all. They’re a member of the spurge family (euphorbiaceae).
Where are Castor Beans Grown?
The plant grows best in the tropics and subtropical regions where temperatures never drop below freezing. Even a light frost will kill the plant. This means unless there’s a 140-180 day growing season, you won’t get a crop of castor beans for making oil.
How is the Oil Made?
When we lived in Dominica, my friend Martha had a small plot of castor bean plants. She harvested the castor beans after the spiny pods turned brown and began to open. I remember her handmade baskets with seed pods drying in them. She made sure the seeds dried completely before she crushed them. She would bind the crushed seeds in a towel, and then press out the oil. The finished oil was a thick clear substance—more like glycerin than oil.
Aren’t Castor Beans Poisonous?
Even though the seed contains one of the most potent poisons (ricin) in the plant kingdom, the oil doesn’t contain any ricin because ricin can’t dissolve in oil. It only dissolves in water. This means the oil is safe to use in soap and lotions.
Benefits of Castor Oil Use in Soap
The benefits of using castor oil in soap formulas has been known for centuries. Here are some of the main benefits.
- Adding castor oil to soap meant for acne-prone skin is beneficial because it can act as an antibacterial agent. It may reduce breakouts as long as the soap contains a low level of extra fats.
- Using it in soaps for older skin improves the texture because of its moisturizing properties.
- Including it in my solid shampoo bars reduces the chances the soap will cause dryness and flyaway hair—something I deal with constantly.
- Enhancing my soap with castor oil adds a bonus of anti-inflammatory properties. This means my soaps sooth irritated skin and help heal nicks and cuts.
- Using the right level of castor oil produces stable, creamy lather that cleans skin and hair without stripping away moisture.
With these benefits, castor oil is the perfect ingredient for soap!
