Apollo Organic Castor Oil — cold-pressed, hexane-free, for skin, hair and castor oil packs

Castor oil is one of the oldest beauty and body oils there is, pressed from the seeds of Ricinus communis. Apollo's is certified organic, cold-pressed and hexane-free — an unrefined, single-ingredient oil for nourishing skin, hair, nails and scalp, and for use in castor oil packs.

What it is: 100% certified organic, cold-pressed castor oil (Ricinus communis). Hexane-free and unrefined. For external use.

How castor oil works — ricinoleic acid

What makes castor oil unlike other plant oils is that it's roughly 90% ricinoleic acid, an unusual fatty acid that carries a hydroxyl group along its chain. That single feature is why the oil is so thick and why it behaves as a humectant — it draws in and holds moisture — making it a genuinely effective emollient for softening skin and conditioning hair. On the scalp and lashes it coats and conditions the hair shaft, which is the basis of its long-standing reputation for supporting the look of fuller hair, brows and lashes.

What to look for — cold-pressed and hexane-free

Here's the detail that separates a good castor oil from a cheap one. Much of the castor oil on the market is extracted using heat or the solvent hexane, which is faster and cheaper but strips and degrades the oil's natural constituents and can leave solvent residue behind. Cold-pressing, by contrast, uses only mechanical pressure, keeping the fatty acids and antioxidants intact — so "cold-pressed" and "hexane-free" are the two words worth checking on any castor oil, and both apply here.

How to use it

For skin, massage a small amount into dry or rough areas to soften and hydrate. For hair and scalp, work through the lengths or massage into the scalp and leave before washing out; a tiny amount on a clean spoolie conditions brows and lashes. It also blends well into your own serums and carrier oils. For a castor oil pack, saturate a cloth, apply over the area, and use with a wrap as directed. Patch-test first, as with any new oil.

Who it may suit

Anyone wanting a pure, versatile oil for skin hydration, hair and scalp conditioning, nail and cuticle care, or castor oil packs — and those who prefer a single, unrefined botanical ingredient over a processed blend.

Precautions

For external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes. Do a patch test before first use, and discontinue if irritation occurs. Keep out of reach of children. Store away from heat and light.

Composition

100% certified organic, cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil (Ricinus communis). 500 ml.

For external cosmetic use. Always follow the directions for use. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and seek advice from your healthcare professional.