Castor Oil vs Black Castor Oil: Which One Should You Use?

You may have heard about the benefits of using castor oil in your hair and on your skin, but which one should you use? There are currently two different types of castor oil available, and since they’re both supposed to be good for you, it helps to know what makes them different so you can choose carefully.

What’s the Difference Between Castor Oil and Black Castor Oil?

Both castor oil and black castor oil come from castor seeds. When placed through the extraction process, these seeds release a vegetable oil that contains icinoleic acid (80–85%), oleic acid (7%), linoleic acid (3%), palmitic acid (2%), and stearic acid (1%). The first difference between the two forms of castor oil starts with how they’re produced. With regular castor oil, manufacturers use what is known as a cold extraction process.

In this case, the seeds are put through a hydraulic press, and the temperature isn’t allowed to pass 50 degrees C, as higher temperatures would allow certain impurities to dissolve in the oil. The castor oil that’s received from this process is generally clear and can be used for medicinal purposes. If the impurities aren’t a concern, manufacturers can directly press the castor seeds to receive a form of castor oil that can be used for industrial processes.

The manufacturing process for black castor oil is different from that of regular castor oil. Before the extraction step, the seeds are roasted and ground into a paste. This paste is then boiled in water to release the resulting oil. The ash from roasting gives the oil its distinctive dark color and raises its pH. This process is said to have originated in Jamaica.

However, the differences between regular castor oil and its black alternative don’t stop with how they’re processed. The extraction methods result in differing properties as well. While the regular castor oil is clear to light yellow, black castor oil is dark brown to black. The light-colored version is generally not as thick as black castor oil, and the aroma tends to be lighter. Finally, the pH of regular castor oil usually falls between 4.5 and 5.5. Black castor oil, on the other hand, is typically more alkaline because of the ash from baking. As such, its pH can be between 8 and 9.

Interestingly, while a lot of the black castor oil that’s available uses the Jamaican process of manufacture, there is a Haitian variation. While the beans are still roasted, the seeds are processed without the ash. It results in an oil that’s darker than the regular castor oil, but the pH falls between 7 and 8.

Which One Should You Use for Skincare?

The answer to this can vary depending on your skin. According to the experts in the skincare industry, all three possible types of castor oil can have different properties that may make them better suited to varying uses. For example, regular castor oil has a high ricinoleic acid content with a lower pH than the black variants. This can make it ideal for moisturizing dry or sensitive skin while minimizing inflammation and breakouts. When it comes to haircare, though, the clear castor oil offers moisturization and strengthening.

The Haitian black castor oil has a pH that’s higher than regular castor oil but lower than Jamaican black castor oil. It still has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but the added roasting also gives it antioxidant properties. That means this kind of black castor oil can be used for skincare if your skin isn’t as sensitive. It can also be great for moisturizing and strengthening your hair.

Finally, Jamaican black castor oil has the highest pH. Along with having the same properties as the other forms of castor oil, it retains some of the ash from the roasting process. According to skincare specialists, the added ash can give Jamaican black castor oil unique cleansing properties that other forms of castor oil won’t have. The higher pH and antioxidant content can also help to open your pores.

Once again, though, the same properties that may make this type of black castor oil ideal for some types of skin can be irritating to others. If you’d like to use black castor oil on your skin, doctors recommend trying it on a small spot first to see how your skin reacts. You can also use carrier oils like almond, tea tree, or jojoba oil to dilute the castor oil.

Jamaican black castor oil is also used for strengthening and moisturizing hair, as well as cleaning or detoxing the scalp. When used regularly, it can encourage the growth of thicker, longer hair.

In short, which kind of castor oil is best for skincare highly depends on your type of skin. However, people with skin conditions that are likely to have flare-ups, such as eczema or psoriasis, might be better off using regular castor oil as it tends to be less irritating.

When to See Your Doctor

Firstly, if you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, you should always talk to your doctor before making changes to your skincare regimen. This is particularly important if you have any creams or ointments that you apply to your skin regularly. While the interactions between castor oil and different medications are still being fully investigated, your doctor may have some experience with your medications. They may suggest that you don’t use castor oil at all or only under certain circumstances.

If you’ve already started using castor oil and see any signs of inflammation, a new rash, or any other allergic reaction, you should see your doctor immediately. Though the reaction may pass once you stop using the castor oil, you may need different medication to help.

Furthermore, if you started using castor oil as a supplement to your usual regimen, but it’s not helping, you should tell your doctor. Signs of irritation or inflammation may mean that your skin condition is worsening and your usual medical regimen is no longer working well. Your doctor may need to prescribe different medications for you.

There are several differences between regular and black castor oil. While either of them can be beneficial for skincare and hair, you can decide which one is right for you based on their properties. You should also talk to your doctor before making any changes to your routine, as it may make your condition worse.