Be honest! How many times have you looked at a man’s eyes and whined to God about their super-long, fluttery, and thick eyelashes? Considering the fact that they couldn’t care less about it, whereas you have nearly tried almost every product in the world, only to have thin, barely there kinds of eyelashes. So unfair, right?

But recently, this one solution has caught my eye (pun intended). It’s nothing else but castor oil for eyelashes. This DIY solution has been making rounds on the internet, but… does it even work? Is it yet another beauty myth, or is there some actual science behind the hype?

Let’s learn all about it!

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a thick, yellow vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. It has been a staple in Ayurvedic remedies, traditional medicine, and cosmetic routines for centuries. Known for its high ricinoleic acid content (a monounsaturated fatty acid), castor oil is famous for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

But when it comes to beauty, especially castor oil for eyelashes, it’s celebrated as a go-to remedy for growth, strength, and thickness. But… is it all just hype?

Why Is the Growth of Eyelashes Important?

Rather than just making your eyes look more beautiful, eyelashes also act as a line of defense against dust, debris and environmental aggressors. And thick and healthy eyelashes are a great sign of youth and vitality, which explains why the supermarket shelves are filled with bottles of lash serums, extensions, etc.

Here’s a list of reasons why people seek eyelash growth:

• Thinning of hair due to age or hormonal changes

• Damage due to extensions, curling, or harsh products

• Hair loss due to medical conditions or specific medications

Hence, a natural remedy becomes all the more desirable.

Eyelash Growth: How It Works Naturally

Before expecting miracles, let’s understand how lashes grow.

Eyelashes experience a three-stage cycle:

• Anagen (Growth Phase): It usually lasts between 30 to 45 days. At any one time, around 40% of upper lashes are in this phase.

• Catagen (Transition Phase): It lasts for 2 to 3 weeks. In this phase the growth ceases and the follicle retracts.

• Telogen (Resting/Shedding Phase): Lasts for 100 days before lashes shed and the entire cycle begins again.

Since lashes only have a short anagen cycle, they don't become very long relative to the hair on your head. So any product that claims to make lashes grow longer has to work within that window.

Benefits of Castor Oil on Eyelashes

• Moisturization and Protection: 90% of castor oil is just ricinoleic acid. It moisturizes the hair shafts, and reduces breakage and dryness.

• Better Hair Health: Researchers discovered that ricinoleic acid prevents prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), a substance associated with hair loss. Thus, castor oil reduces lash breakage.

• Antimicrobial Properties: Castor oil contains compounds which also combat bacterial or fungal accumulation along the lash line, hence indirectly promoting healthy follicles.

• Less Inflammation: Castor oil is also anti-inflammatory in nature, hence offering relief from inflamed lash lines. It becomes particularly helpful for individuals who apply eye makeup frequently.

Now here's the sad part:

Though numerous users assert that castor oil for eyelashes works, there's precious little clinical evidence to confirm that it specifically grows lashes longer or thicker. The current studies all provide more information on retention and prevention of the lashes rather than actual growth.

How to Use Castor Oil on Lashes Safely

The area around your eyes is extremely sensitive. So, applying castor oil recklessly can cause more harm than good.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to do it safely:

• Select the Appropriate Instrument: Use a fresh mascara wand, cotton swab, or disposable eyeliner brush. Never touch with your fingers because they carry bacteria.

• Pre-Clean First: Take off all of your makeup and wash your face gently. Your lashes must be clean and dry.

• Use Sparingly: Dip the instrument lightly in castor oil and blot excess. Then:

i) Prevent it from entering your eyes

ii) Leave Overnight: Apply it and leave it overnight and wash your face with lukewarm water the next morning.

Frequency: Begin with 2–3 times a week and check how your skin responds. Go for more frequency only if there is no irritation.

Important: Always perform a patch test on your wrist or jaw. If you get redness or burning, DO NOT apply it close to your eyes.

Types of Castor Oil to Use for Eyelashes

Not all castor oils are made in the same way. For best results on eyelashes, opt for:

Cold-Pressed Castor Oil: It’s the purest form of castor oil, which is extracted without heat. It helps preserve all the nutrients. Look for:

• 100% pure

• Hexane-free

• Organic certification

Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) is darker and thicker due to roasted castor beans. While it's great for scalp hair, it can be too heavy or irritating for the delicate eye area; hence, this is not the optimal choice.

Castor Oil vs. Eyelash Serum – A Comparison

Myth or Fact?

Myth: Castor oil will cause lashes to grow longer overnight.

Fact: No magic trick. Regular use might keep lashes in place for longer, but not make them grow significantly overnight.

Myth: Any castor oil can be used.

Fact: Cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil is best applied to sensitive areas such as the eyes.

Myth: More oil = more effective.

Fact: Too much can clog pores or inflame the eyes. Less is more.

Myth: Castor oil is totally risk-free.

Fact: It can irritate allergies or eyes if it gets into the eye. Patch test and use with care always.

Conclusion

So, what’s the verdict?

Castor oil for eyelashes is not a miracle serum, but it will help towards healthier, more voluminous-looking lashes by moisturizing, protecting from breakage, and perhaps aiding to keep hairs for longer in the growth cycle.

But if dramatic growth is what you expect, you may be left shortchanged. Nevertheless, given how low-cost and risk-free it is, castor oil is a good starting point before diving into expensive lash serums.

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