




Castor Oil
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Castor oil is a versatile, plant-based oil derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. Known for its thick consistency and rich nutrient profile, it has been used for centuries in skincare, haircare, and natural remedies. Packed with ricinoleic acid, a powerful fatty acid, castor oil boasts anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and antimicrobial properties. It’s commonly used to promote hair growth, hydrate skin, soothe irritation, and even support lash and brow health. Whether applied topically or used in DIY beauty recipes, castor oil remains a beloved staple in natural wellness routines.
Castor Oil Uses
Primary Uses of Castor Oil
1. Pharmaceuticals & Medicinal Applications
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Laxative:
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Stimulates bowel movements (USP-grade castor oil).
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Topical Treatments:
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Used in anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing ointments.
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Drug Delivery Systems:
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Serves as a solvent in capsules and injectable formulations.
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2. Cosmetics & Personal Care
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Hair Care:
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Promotes hair growth, conditions scalp (used in shampoos & serums).
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Skin Moisturizer:
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Found in lipsticks, lotions, and soaps for hydration.
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Makeup Products:
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Adds smooth texture to mascara, eyeliners, and foundations.
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3. Industrial & Manufacturing
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Lubricants:
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High-performance lubricant for aviation, racing engines, and machinery.
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Biodiesel:
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Processed into renewable fuel with low freezing point.
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Polymer Production:
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Key raw material for nylon-11 (Rilsan), bio-based plastics, and resins.
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4. Food & Food Additives
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Food-Grade Additive (E1503):
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Used as a release agent in candy, chocolate, and packaging.
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Flavoring Carrier:
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Solvent for food-grade flavorings and fragrances.
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Secondary Uses of Castor Oil
1. Textile & Leather Industry
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Fabric Finishing:
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Softens and waterproofs textiles.
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Leather Conditioning:
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Preserves and polishes leather goods.
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2. Paints & Coatings
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Alkyd Resins:
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Improves flexibility and drying time in paints.
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Printing Inks:
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Enhances viscosity and adhesion.
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3. Agriculture
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Biodegradable Pesticides:
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Acts as a natural insect repellent.
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Animal Feed Additive:
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Improves digestion in livestock (in regulated amounts).
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4. Household & DIY Products
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Wood Polish:
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Restores shine to wooden furniture.
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Rust Prevention:
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Coating for tools and metal surfaces.
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5. Emerging Applications
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3D Printing:
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Used in bio-based filaments.
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Medical Devices:
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Coating for surgical gloves and implants
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APPEARANCE |
Oily – Slippery, hydrophobic e.g. vegetable oil |
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AVAILABLE PACK SIZE |
5 Litres (Plastic bottle) |
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name:Ricinus communis oil (Triglyceride of ricinoleic acid)
- Common/Trade Names:Castor Oil, Ricinus Oil, Palma Christi Oil
- CAS Number:8001-79-4
- HS Code:30.00 (Fixed vegetable oils, crude or refined)
- Molecular Formula:C₅₇H₁₀₄O₉ (Primary component: Ricinolein)
- Synonyms:Ricin oil (Note: Not to be confused with ricin toxin), Turkey Red Oil (sulfated form)
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State:Viscous pale yellow liquid (refined), dark greenish-brown (crude)
- Color & Odor:Mild characteristic odor (refined is nearly odorless)
- Boiling Point:~313°C (at 1 atm)
- Melting Point:-12°C to -10°C
- Density:945–0.965 g/cm³ (at 25°C)
- Solubility:
- Soluble in ethanol, chloroform, glacial acetic acid
- Insoluble in petroleum ether
- Forms emulsions in water
- pH Level:~6 (neutral)
- Vapor Pressure:<0.1 mmHg (20°C)
- Flash Point:~229°C (COC, non-flammable under normal conditions)
- Viscosity:650–800 mPa·s (at 20°C, one of the thickest vegetable oils)
- Refractive Index:477–1.481 (at 40°C)
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS):Non-hazardous (may cause mild eye/skin irritation)
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1(Slight irritation possible)
- Flammability: 1(Combustible at high temps)
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits (OSHA/ACGIH):Not established (low toxicity)
- Reactivity:
- Stable but avoid strong oxidizers (e.g., peroxides)
- Hydrolyzes in alkaline conditions to form ricinoleic acid
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in airtight containers (prevents oxidation)
- Keep in cool, dark place (<25°C)
- Incompatible Materials:Strong acids, bases, oxidizers
- Container Type:Stainless steel, aluminum, or HDPE containers
- Shelf Life:1–2 years (longer if nitrogen-sealed)
- Special Handling:
- Use gloves/eye protection to avoid irritation
- No special ventilation needed
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- FDA (USA):21 CFR 172.876 (Approved for food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals)
- EU:Complies with EC No 1333/2008 (food additive E1503)
- USP/PhEur:Pharmaceutical-grade standards
- Hazard Symbols:None (unless modified/hydrogenated)
- Transportation Restrictions:Non-hazardous (no UN number)
- Waste Disposal:Incineration or biodiesel conversion (EPA-approved)
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:Low (LD50 >5,000 mg/kg in rats; biodegradable)
- Persistence:Readily biodegradable (OECD 301B: >60% in 28 days)
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- IARC/NTP:Not classified
- Allergenicity:Rare cases of contact dermatitis
- Biodegradability:High (primary component: ricinoleic acid)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Eye Protection: Safety goggles (chemical splash goggles recommended for bulk handling)
- Skin Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves (latex not recommended)
- Respiratory Protection: Generally not required for liquid form; N95 mask recommended when handling powder form (hydrogenated castor oil)
- Clothing: Lab coat or protective apron to prevent contamination
Handling & Storage:
- Store in tightly sealed containers away from heat sources
- Keep away from strong oxidizers (nitric acid, peroxides)
- Maintain in cool, dry place (optimal storage temp: 15-25°C)
- Use non-sparking tools for large quantity transfers
- Ensure adequate ventilation in processing areas
Special Considerations:
- Potential allergen (especially for those with seed/nut allergies)
- May cause slippery surfaces - clean spills immediately
- Polymer-grade castor oil derivatives may have different handling requirements
Skin Contact:
- Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water
- Remove contaminated clothing
- Apply moisturizer if dryness/irritation occurs
- Seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Eye Contact:
- Immediately flush with lukewarm water for 15+ minutes
- Hold eyelids open to ensure complete rinsing
- Seek immediate medical attention if irritation persists
Inhalation:
- Not expected to be hazardous (low volatility)
- If mist inhalation occurs, move to fresh air
- Seek medical attention if respiratory discomfort persists
Ingestion:
- Rinse mouth with water
- Do NOT induce vomiting
- Drink plenty of water to dilute
- Seek medical attention only if large quantities consumed (>100mL) or if symptoms appear
Fire Characteristics:
- Combustible liquid (Flash point: ~229°C/445°F)
- Auto-ignition temperature: ~449°C/840°F
- Burns with thick black smoke
- May produce irritating fumes when heated
Extinguishing Media:
- Small fires: Dry chemical, CO₂, or foam
- Large fires: Water fog, alcohol-resistant foam
- Do NOT use water jet - may spread fire
Special Firefighting Procedures:
- Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
- Cool containers exposed to fire with water spray
- Contain runoff to prevent environmental contamination
Spill Cleanup:
- Small spills: Absorb with inert material (vermiculite, sand)
- Large spills: Contain with dikes or absorbent booms
- Collect in approved containers for disposal/recycling
- Clean surfaces with detergent and water
Disposal:
- Dispose in accordance with local regulations
- Preferred method: Recycling or incineration
- Do not pour into drains or watercourses