Can Castor Oil Be Used as Makeup Remover?  

Can Castor Oil Be Used as Makeup Remover?  

Removing makeup at the end of the day, and before going to bed, is a very important part of one’s beauty routine. This skincare step is crucial to maintaining healthy skin, helping to prevent clogged pores and even premature wrinkles. I’m sure we are all aware by now of how bad going to bed with makeup on can be for the skin.   We’ve been asked, “Can Castor Oil Be Used As Makeup Remover?”

The oil cleansing method, or oil cleansing, has become quite popular these past few years. It has become a go-to method for removing makeup for many as it is very effective and gentle on the skin. Makeup should be removed gently without needing to do any scrubbing, which could cause damage to the skin.  

One very popular natural oil, known for being very beneficial to the skin, is Castor Oil. It is used in many beauty products as well as many cosmetics for this very reason. But can castor oil be used as a makeup remover? Can it be used for oil cleansing to remove makeup at the end of the day? We have the answer to this question in this article.  

Can Castor Oil Take Off Makeup?  

Yes! Castor oil works great at removing makeup. This may be surprising to many since castor oil is quite a thick oil and may not be viewed as an option for a makeup remover.   

Its thick consistency makes castor oil excellent at taking off makeup products from the skin. It helps the product to adhere to it so you can gently drag it when wiping it off.  

Plus, castor oil has both strong antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It can kill harmful bacteria and help prevent skin infections. It is also an anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce skin inflammation and irritation.   

All these properties make castor oil an excellent skin cleanser.  

• It gently removes makeup and cleanses the skin,  
• helps prevent and treat skin problems,  
• moisturizes the skin, keeping it healthy and nourished.  

Castor Oil for Removing Makeup  

Why should you consider castor oil for removing makeup? Besides all its great skin benefits, castor oil has a comedogenic rating of 1 making it a non-comedogenic oil. What does this mean? The chances of it clogging pores are very low.  

So, if your skin tolerates castor oil, give it a try to remove makeup. It will work great on just about any skin type- from dry skin to oily skin types.   

You can apply castor oil on its own directly onto the face. Using gentle circular motions, massage the face for about a couple of minutes to help dissolve any makeup products as well as any impurities that may be on the face. Then simply wipe off with a warm, damp, cloth or cotton ball.  

Using castor oil for removing makeup, or as an oil cleanser, is best when done as part of a double-cleansing method. Your castor oil makeup remover would be your first cleansing step, then followed by a regular water-based cleanser.   

Some may find castor oil way too thick for their liking. In this case, you can always mix it with another non-comedogenic oil that your skin can tolerate to thin it out. Some great oils you can use are almond/ sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil.   

Mix as little or as much as you’d like of each oil to reach the consistency you desire. You can even make a bottle of your customized makeup remover oil mixture. Store it in a dark and cool space so that it’s ready to use whenever you need it. Just make sure to follow with a second cleanser, then continue with your skincare routine.   

Can Castor Oil Be Used to Remove Mascara?  

Oils make amazing eye makeup removers as they are super gentle on the delicate eye area. And castor oil is the perfect oil for doing so.   

Besides having lots of skin benefits, castor oil is also very beneficial for the hair including eyelashes as well as eyebrow hairs.  

• Nourishes and strengthens- it’s full of fatty acids, proteins, antioxidants, and vitamins that are essential for healthy and shiny hair/lashes.   
• Its antimicrobial and antifungal properties help fight bacterial and fungal overgrowth, helping to clean the lashes while promoting healthy eyelash growth.  
• Promotes stronger lashes- the ricinoleic acid in the oil lock in hydration and moisture, helping to prevent brittle lashes and breakage.   

Although there is no concrete scientific evidence, many people believe that castor oil can help grow thicker and longer lashes as well as eyebrows. Some have even reported this to be the case for them.   

We can’t say for sure if this is true or not, but with all the benefits that castor oil provides to hair (eyelashes and brows included), it could very much promote overall healthy hair growth. Another plus of using it for removing eye makeup and mascara.  

Can You Use Castor Oil to Remove Waterproof Mascara?  

Yes! Oils are very efficient at removing even the most stubborn makeup products, and we know how extremely stubborn waterproof and water resistant mascara can be when trying to take it off. Yet, when removing mascara and eye makeup, you need to do so in a gentle manner to not damage the lashes or the delicate skin around the eye area.  

Castor oil makes an effective and gentle eye makeup remover because it easily melts away even waterproof mascara without needing to scrub or rub on the lashes. Simply soak a cotton ball or cotton pad with it, whether castor oil on its own or your own DIY eye makeup remover mixture. Gently press the cotton ball or pad against the lashes for about 30 seconds to a minute, then wipe off in a downward motion.  

What Other Oil Works as Makeup Remover?  

Besides castor oil, many other natural oils are amazing for the skin and work just as well as makeup removers. Here are some of the best non-comedogenic oils that make perfect makeup removers, removing eye makeup as well. 

*Coconut Oil  

Coconut oil is also an amazing oil jammed packed with skin-loving and nourishing benefits. However, it has a comedogenic rating of 4 which is fairly high and means it can clog the pores. So, coconut oil is generally not recommended for those that have very oily skin or those with acne, and those with sensitive skin should pay attention when first using it.   

Most skin loves coconut oil, though, and it makes an amazing oil for skin care and a great option to use as a makeup remover. It is a very popular natural oil used in skincare and beauty products because of all its skin as well as hair benefits, being incredibly moisturizing for skin and hair.  

Almond Oil  

Almond/Sweet Almond oil is known for its lightweight texture and its soothing, smoothing, and hydrating qualities to the skin. It is full of antioxidants such as vitamins A and E.  

It is an amazing emollient which means it works best to lock in hydration. This would make a great makeup remover option for those with dry skin types or those with skin problems. It can help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.  

Jojoba Oil  

Jojoba oil is the one oil that closely mimics the skin’s natural oils, both in texture and consistency. For this reason, it’s a great oil for most people no matter their skin type (unless you happen to be allergic to it), even those with acne and congested skin.  

This oil is great for smoothing and softening the skin. It gives the skin a beautiful glowy and hydrated look without being greasy on the skin. It can actually help control the skin’s production of sebum. It’s also hypoallergenic which means that it won’t irritate the skin and allergic reactions are very rare, so a great choice for those with sensitive skin.  

Grapeseed Oil  

Grapeseed oil is rich in omega fatty acids and Vitamin E. It is also known for having antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.   

Just like the previously mentioned oils, this is packed with skin benefits. It helps treat acne because of its antimicrobial properties, cleaning the pores and balancing the skin’s natural oil production. All this helps to keep future breakouts to a minimum.  

Its antioxidant properties can help tighten and even out the skin’s tone while also protecting it from sun damage. Grapeseed oil is also an excellent skin moisturizer, improving the skin’s softness as well as its elasticity. In turn, it may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  

Another benefit to keep in mind is that it is also good for the hair. It can help smoothen and soften the hair strands, including lashes and brows, while also promoting them to grow.   

If your heat is set on Castor oil, give it a try! It will make a great makeup remover and cleansing oil. Use it on its own or try mixing it with another oil that is well tolerated by your skin if you prefer, such as one of the oils just mentioned. Just remember to always do a patch test on the skin if you are not sure if your skin will tolerate any natural oils you plan on using.  And just be careful not to soak rags, clothes and don’t allow castor oil to be near any open flames (like that “I’m A Queen” candle you keep on your counter 😉

Frequently Asked Questions:  

Can I use Black Castor Oil to remove makeup? 

Yes! Just like regular castor oil, BCO has amazing benefits for both skin and hair and can be used to remove makeup.  

Is Castor Oil good for face cleansing? 

Absolutely. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties in castor oil make it a natural cleanser, helping to remove dirt, oils, and other impurities.   

Does Castor Oil remove waterproof makeup? 

Castor oil can remove even the most stubborn of makeup products, including waterproof makeup.   

Simply apply all over the face and massage in gentle, circular motions to help dissolve product. Then wipe off with a damp cloth or cotton ball/pad. Follow with a second cleanse and the rest of your skincare routine. 

Is Castor Oil Flammable? 

Yes, yes it is. Keep Castor Oil away from open flames. And google how to handle rags and clothes that have been accidentally soaked in castor oil. Special handling is required.