Intelligence · Ingredients

The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.

Castor Oil

aka ricinus communis · ricinus oil · ricinoleic acid

The thick, sticky, faintly sweet workhorse — used by Refy and Ceremonia in brow gels and hair oils, and used industrially across virtually all clean lipsticks and balms as a glide and structure agent. Ricinoleic acid (~90% of fatty acid content) is unique in nature and gives castor its distinctive viscosity and mild antimicrobial properties.

Benefits
  • unique ricinoleic acid content (~90%)
  • structural backbone of clean color cosmetics
  • occlusive lash/brow conditioner with anecdotal growth claims
Example uses
  • lip balms and tinted balms
  • brow and lash conditioners
  • hair oils
  • color cosmetics base
Formulation notes

Cold-pressed Indian or Brazilian-sourced is typical. Hydrogenated castor oil (PEG variants) is widely used as an emulsifier — look for non-PEG forms in clean positioning. Pairs with rosehip, jojoba, and shea in balm and lip systems.

Watchouts

Hair-growth claims (lashes, brows, scalp) outpace the clinical evidence. Castor wax allergy is rare but documented.

Clean beauty perception

Trusted — heritage ingredient with clean-formulation utility.