DIY Beauty : Castor Oil + Essential Oils

Who doesn’t love easy, budget-friendly pampering? Castor oil is a powerhouse for skin, brows, and lashes. Use on its own, or mix with essential oils for simple DIY potions to nourish, hydrate and boost growth.

Why Use Castor Oil?

• Deeply nourishing: Packed with fatty acids that lock in moisture.

• Gentle & natural: No harsh chemicals, just pure goodness.

• Budget-friendly: A little goes a long way.

• Versatile: Works for face, body, lips, nails, brows and lashes!

Choosing The Right One

Not all castor oils are created equal. Make sure it ticks all of these boxes:

1. Cold-Pressed / Virgin - extracted without heat to preserve all nutrients.

2. Organic - free from pesticides and chemical - safe for sensitive areas.

3. Hexane-Free - some oils use chemical solvents - always choose hexane-free for beauty.

4. Pure & Thick - 100% castor oil can be mixed with lighter oils (jojoba, coconut, argan) for easier application.

Expert Tip: Always do a patch test first, especially around eyes and brows.

Mixes Well With...

• Lavender: Calms irritation, perfect for sensitive skin.

• Tea Tree: Helps with blemishes.

• Frankincense: Brightens and evens skin tone (also known as nature's Botox ... yes please!)

• Rosemary: Stimulates circulation - great for hair and lashes.

• Chamomile: Soothes redness and inflammation.

• Peppermint: Adds a refreshing boost and supports growth.

Buying Guide

I recently bought Crede 500ml Castor Oil for R136 (it will last me over a month - especially if thinning it out with some jojoba oil) and Soil essential oils - all available from Wellness Warehouse / Clicks / Dischem and pharmacies generally have good ones.

Skin Recipes

1. Nourishing Face Serum (Plain)

• Plain castor oil

How to Use: Apply a few drops to clean skin at night. Massage gently and leave overnight for soft, hydrated skin. Simple, natural and zero-fuss!

2. Nourishing Face Serum (With Essential Oils)

• 2 tbsp castor oil

• 3 drops frankincense essential oil

• 2 drops lavender essential oil

Apply at night for added brightening and calming benefits. I make a large batch in a 50ml dropper or 100ml pump bottle for ease of use.

3. Lip Balm

• 1 tsp castor oil

• 1 tsp coconut oil

• 1–2 drops peppermint essential oil

Melt coconut oil, stir in castor oil and peppermint, pour into a small container. Perfect for a natural, glossy pout.

4. Soothing Body Oil

• ¼ cup castor oil

• 5 drops chamomile essential oil

• 3 drops lavender essential oil

Massage into dry elbows, knees, or after a bath for calming hydration.

5. Nail & Cuticle Strengthener

• 1 tsp castor oil

• 2 drops rosemary essential oil

Massage daily to promote growth and strengthen brittle nails.

Eyebrow & Eyelash Growth Recipes

Brow & Lash Growth Serum

• 1 tsp castor oil

• ½ tsp jojoba or coconut oil (optional, for easier application)

• 1 drop rosemary or lavender essential oil

How to Use:

1. Clean brows and lash line.

2. Brush carefully along hairs and skin with a clean mascara wand or small brush.

3. Massage gently for a minute.

4. Leave overnight, wash off in the morning.

Expert Tip: Apply daily for 4–6 weeks for visible results. Always patch test first!

Tips & Tricks

• Store in dark glass bottles to protect oils from sunlight.

• Mix and match oils depending on your skin and hair needs - play around!

• Start with small drops of essential oils - you can always add more.

• Gentle massage improves circulation and absorption.

Natural, nourishing and ridiculously easy, these little DIY potions prove that self-care doesn’t have to break the bank.

Your skin, nails, brows, and lashes will thank you - and making your own blends is oddly satisfying too.

Nourish, glow, repeat!

Caro 💋