The Castor Oil Craze: Your Grandma’s Favorite Elixir is Back

Castor oil has been in medicine bags and beauty routines since ancient Egypt wasn’t ancient — but now, it’s having a big moment on social media. TikTok and Instagram are full of people swearing it can clear up skin to boost hair growth, fix bloating or even remove toxins by pouring it into your belly button.

But do these viral trends have any real science behind them? Experts say it’s smart to check the evidence before slathering anything new on your skin or adding it to your routine.

We asked dermatologists, a hair restoration specialist and a pharmaceutical researcher to share what castor oil really can and can’t do.

​What is castor oil?

Castor oil is a vegetable oil from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. For thousands of years, it’s been used for beauty treatments and as a strong laxative and is FDA-approved for that purpose. It’s very thick, has little to no scent and is packed with a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid.

​Castor oil in the belly button (navel pulling)

One trending use is “navel pulling,” a traditional Ayurvedic practice that involves people putting castor oil in their belly button. TikTok posts claim it can detox the body, improve digestion, ease cramps, help you sleep or even relieve menstrual pain.

But experts say this practice has no solid scientific backing. “There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that applying castor oil to the belly button (navel pulling) delivers systemic health or skin benefits,” said board-certified dermatologist Tia Paul, M.D.

“Trendy uses such as putting castor oil in the belly button or applying castor oil packs on the skin are based on anecdotal claims and have no solid scientific support,” added John-Paul Andersen, Ph.D., a pharmacologist.

While using a little castor oil on healthy skin is usually low-risk, doctors caution that it’s unlikely to deliver the dramatic results seen online.

​Castor oil for hair and skin

People use castor oil in skincare routines as a moisturizer, acne treatment or dry skin soother. It’s also a popular addition to hair masks with claims that it can help your hair grow faster, look shinier and prevent breakage. Some people say swiping the oil on your eyebrows and eyelashes makes them look thicker and grow faster.

Here’s the good: Castor oil does contain ricinoleic acid, which can help hold moisture and may have mild anti-inflammatory properties, said Paul. That can make it soothing for dry, rough skin. “However, there is no large-scale clinical research proving it improves chronic skin conditions or delivers long-term benefits,” she added.

Paul also noted it can clog pores, especially in oily or acne-prone skin. But if you have skin on the drier side, board-certified dermatologist Janet Vafaie, M.D., FAAD, said it could be worth trying. “Castor oil is great for dry skin and cuticles due to its ability to seal in moisture and act like a protective barrier.” Just stick to small amounts and avoid your face, she said, since its thickness can lead to clogged pores.

​Castor oil for hair growth and scalp use

Hoping for longer, thicker hair? Experts say you should manage your expectations. “There’s no high-quality clinical data showing that castor oil truly promotes hair growth in the way people online claim,” said hair restoration specialist Ross Kopelman, M.D. “That doesn’t mean it’s useless — but it’s definitely not a miracle solution.”

While castor oil can help condition dry hair and seal in moisture, it won’t prevent or reverse hair thinning. “Castor oil is more of a moisture-sealant than a magic growth solution,” said Vafaie.

But be careful with how you use castor oil on your scalp. “Castor oil is very thick and occlusive, which means it can trap bacteria or clog hair follicles if used too often or left on too long,” warned Kopelman. “I’ve treated patients who developed folliculitis [inflamed, pimple-like bumps on the scalp] from overuse.”

He suggested applying just a small amount, testing how your scalp reacts, and washing it out well.

​Castor oil packs and pain relief claims

Another popular trend is using castor oil packs, soaking a cloth in the oil and placing it on the skin to ease cramps, joint pain or inflammation. Wellness blogs and influencer videos often claim anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial benefits, but they don’t provide much evidence.

Experts say that’s because there’s not much science to support these claims. “Most evidence for castor oil’s anti-inflammatory benefits comes from small-scale animal or lab studies and anecdotal reports, so these claims are not conclusively proven in humans,” said Andersen.

He added that, while castor oil does have some mild antimicrobial properties, it shouldn’t replace medical treatments.

​Castor oil for constipation

Of all its uses, castor oil’s role as a laxative is the one most supported by research. It’s FDA-approved as a stimulant laxative for occasional constipation. “Castor oil’s main active ingredient, ricinoleic acid, is broken down in the gut and activates prostaglandin receptors, causing intestinal muscles to contract and push stool out,” explained Andersen.

It works well, but experts warn it’s best used only for short-term relief under medical supervision because it can cause cramping, diarrhea and dehydration. And if you’re pregnant, avoid it altogether since it can trigger uterine contractions.

​Should you use castor oil?

Castor oil has some proven uses, like relieving occasional constipation and helping moisturize dry skin. But many of the buzzy claims online don’t have solid science behind them.

Our experts all agree: Before using castor oil on your body or in your wellness routine, talk with a healthcare provider (HCP). “It’s very important to seek medical advice before using castor oil for health purposes,” said Andersen.

Your HCP can help you figure out if castor oil is right for you and suggest products that might be safer or more efficient.