Is Castor Oil Good for Eczema?

People with eczema often experience chronic flare-ups of dry, itchy, and irritated skin that can cause ongoing discomfort and pain. Finding the right treatment can help to dramatically improve your quality of life.

An effective moisturizing regimen is key to eczema management and prevention, which is why many consider castor oil a potential treatment option. 

Though known for its ability to calm and hydrate skin, there isn’t enough evidence to demonstrate castor oil’s effectiveness at treating or preventing eczema. Still, some people may find relief when using castor oil alongside other therapies. 

This article will help you understand the potential benefits and risks of using castor oil for eczema and how it compares to other treatments. 

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a vegetable oil derived from the seeds of Ricinus communis plant, commonly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the Eastern Hemisphere. It’s used in a variety of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, including some moisturizers and creams. 

Castor oil contains many fatty acids, including ricinoleic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. 

Although touted for its potential benefits in a variety of applications in folk medicine, the only approved use for castor oil, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is as a stimulant laxative. Importantly, it’s not recommended as a first-line treatment for constipation.

Other off-label, non-FDA approved uses of castor oil include:

• Wound healing.
• Inducing labor.
• Fat loss.
• Arthritis management.
• Reducing headaches.
• Managing blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) and dry eye disease.

Though some research investigating the above applications exists, there isn’t enough conclusive scientific evidence to support using castor oil for these purposes and it may carry potential risks. 

Is Castor Oil Good for Eczema?

Unfortunately, there isn’t any evidence to support using castor oil for eczema management or treatment. 

In fact, one review of 141 systematic reviews and clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of creams marketed to treat eczema included several products containing castor oil. None of the castor oil containing products were found to successfully prevent or treat eczema flares. 

Benefits of Castor Oil for Eczema

Experts don’t recommend using castor oil for eczema treatment or management. But some of the properties of castor oil may theoretically help to soothe common symptoms, although this is based primarily on anecdotal reports rather than clinical evidence. 

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, which is why reducing inflammation is key to keeping symptoms at bay. 

In animal studies, castor oil has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-reducing) effect when applied topically. Unfortunately, not enough research has been conducted on humans to demonstrate the same effect. 

Moisturizing Effects

Moisturizing the skin adequately can help to prevent eczema flares. However, selecting the right moisturizer is important since people with eczema are at a higher risk for allergic reactions. 

Unfortunately, some people can have an allergic reaction to castor oil. But if you don’t have an allergic reaction to castor oil, it can act as an effective emollient and barrier to help relieve dryness. 

Castor oil is rich in fatty acids that can benefit dry skin. Linoleic and oleic acids are long-chain saturated fatty acids that research shows can improve skin repair and skin barrier function. Ricinoleic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid, is also an effective emollient and works to create a film on the skin that hydrates and soothes. 

Antibacterial Benefits

Eczema flares can lead to cracked, open skin, increasing the risk of infection. Bacterial infections are the most common type of infection in people with eczema, often caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. 

In one study conducted on mice, castor oil showed antibacterial activity against the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. Additional in vitro research shows similar findings about castor oil’s effect on S. aureus. However, more research is needed to support castor oil’s antibacterial effects on humans when applied topically. 

Potential Risks and Side Effects

If you choose to use castor oil despite its lack of evidence for treating eczema, there are some risks to consider. The most documented risk of using castor oil if you have eczema is an allergic reaction or increased irritation of the skin.

Allergic Reactions

Some people may have an allergic reaction to castor oil. In these cases, using castor oil can cause eczema-like symptoms, including irritation, redness, and itchiness. 

One systematic review found that castor oil in cosmetic products like lip balms or glosses can cause redness and itchiness of the lips. 

Patch testing is an effective way to determine whether or not your skin will react to castor oil. 

To conduct a patch test, apply a small amount of castor oil on a patch of skin that isn’t affected by eczema. If you notice any discoloration, itchiness, swelling, or blistering, wipe the product off and stop use. 

When to See a Doctor for Eczema Treatment

If at-home treatment isn’t working to soothe your eczema symptoms, reach out to a dermatology expert for help. 

If you notice any signs of infection, including fluid or pus, burning sensations, or skin that’s warm to the touch, reach out to your health provider as soon as possible.