Ingredient guide ›

Ricinus Communis Seed Oil

This is castor oil.

What it does

A thick plant oil that adds shine and moisture. It's a classic in lipsticks and lip balms.

Good to know

Pressed castor oil doesn't contain ricin, the seed's toxin. Dermatologists have reported lip allergies to castor oil in lipsticks, but cases are uncommon.

Often found in: Lip balms, Lipsticks, Face cleansers, Shampoos

Around the world

• United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
• EU and UK: No special limit in the EU or UK. Source
• Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

• Allergic cheilitis due to castor oil in lipsticks (Cutis, 1991) (Medical)
• CIR: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Castor Oil Ingredients (2007) (Industry-funded)