Among the misconceptions circulating about castor oil, it is said that this ingredient is considered effective in combating dark circles. What is the reality of this?
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Castor oil against dark circles?
Summary
- Why do we have dark circles under our eyes?
- The essentials of castor oil
- Castor oil against dark circles: myth or reality?
- Sources
Published May 16, 2022,
updated on October 4, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
4 min read
Why do we have dark circles under our eyes?
Dark circles refer to the bluish or dark discolouration, or even the depression that forms under the eyes. Depending on their causes, they are divided into three categories:
Vasculardark circlesare characterised by the presence of aconcentric circle under the eyes with a bluish or purplish hue, linked to afailure of the blood and lymphatic microcirculationaround the eyes. The causes of this type of dark circles can beinternal and external:lack of sleep, genetic reason, skin ageing... ;
The brown dark circles (or pigmented dark circles) appear ashalos present under the eyes of a brown colour
The structural dark circles are hollows under the eyes, which can appear dark depending on the light. They are caused by a loss of fat between the skin of the lower eyelid and the orbital bone towards the cheekbones, resulting in a loss of volume. The factors are ageing, heredity or even significant weight loss.
The essentials of castor oil.
Obtained throughthe first cold pressing of seeds from the Ricinus communis followed by a filtration, thevirgin castor oil (INCI name: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil) is a viscous liquidcolourless to slightly yellowish,with a greasy, even sticky touch.
It is primarily composed of ricinoleic acid (from 83% to 88%) and also contains oleic acid (omega-9), linoleic acid (omega-6), palmitic acid and stearic acid. In cosmetics, it serves multiple functions: it strengthens the nails, reduces hair loss and purifies acne-prone skin.
Castor oil against dark circles: myth or reality?
Whilst castor oil has numerous benefits for the skin, there is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in reducing dark circles.
Only a scientific report attributes anti-dark circle properties to castor oil through its concentration of omega-9 (specifically ricinoleic acid) which allows for good hydration of this area, thereby limiting the appearance of dark circles.
Sources:
YEBOAH A. & al. Castor oil (Ricinus communis): a review on the chemical composition and physicochemical properties. Food Science and Technology (2021).
VINAY M. Castor oil. Academia.
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