Ricin (Castor) Organic COSMOS

Production

Harvest

Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis L. plant. The manufacturing process involves several steps:

The castor seeds are harvested when the capsules are ripe. These globular spiny capsules typically contain three seeds each. The harvested seeds undergo a cleaning process to remove impurities such as dust, plant debris, and capsule residues. The castor seeds are cold-pressed to extract the oil. After pressing, the oil is filtered to remove any remaining solid particles, ensuring its purity.

Castor oil is a very viscous and thick oil. This gives castor oil some of its unique properties and makes it a valuable ingredient in many industrial and cosmetic applications.

Manufacturing

Castor oil comes from the seed of Ricinus communis L., a flowering plant in the spurge family. This plant, originally from Africa, has spread to the tropics and subtropics, and has adapted even to temperate regions. It is characterized by its round stem, sometimes covered with a waxy bloom, showing various shades of green, red, or purple. Its large, glossy, pigmented leaves can measure up to 45 centimeters in length. The plant produces flowers over a long period, aided by cross-pollination through the wind. Its fruits are globular spiny capsules containing seeds with colors ranging from chocolate to black. Castor seeds are traditionally used as a source of protein and oil, serving for animal feed and biodiesel production. In certain regions, such as eastern Nigeria and Tunisia, various culinary and medicinal preparations are made from castor seeds and leaves. Castor oil is also widely used in industry, particularly in the manufacture of paints, plastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Application

Fatty Acid Composition:

• Palmitic acid C16:0 (Max 5.0%)
• Stearic acid C18:0 (Max 5.0%)
• Oleic acid C18:1 (1 - 7%)
• Ricinoleic acid C18:1 (80 - 95%)
• Linoleic acid C18:2 (1 - 8%)
• Linolenic acid C18:3 (Max 2.0%)
• Eicosenoic acid C20:1 (Max 2.0%)

Substances:

• α-tocopherol: 12 μg/kg
• γ-tocopherol: 260 μg/kg
• δ-tocopherol: 244 μg/kg
• Sitosterol: 1171 μg/kg
• Stigmasterol: 543 μg/kg
• Campesterol: 543 μg/kg
• Δ-Avenasterol: 435 μg/kg
• Δ-Stigmastenol: 99 μg/kg

It has been demonstrated that ricinoleic acid exhibits significant antimicrobial activity, comparable to that of sorbic acid and 10-undecenoic acid. Thus, castor oil is effective for treating acne and purifying hair.

Research has shown that the topical application of ricinoleic acid, the main component of castor oil, produces remarkable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Castor oil acts as a good emulsifier and emollient, maintaining its structure at extremely high and low temperatures. This property makes it a valuable ingredient in various cosmetic formulations, ensuring effective hydration of the skin and hair.

Due to its high viscosity, castor oil is an excellent dispersing agent, ideal for makeup formulations. It ensures the even distribution of pigments and active ingredients in cosmetic products, providing a smooth and homogeneous application.

Studies have revealed that the β-sitosterol present in castor oil stimulates hair growth. This property makes it a sought-after ingredient in hair care products and eyelash growth treatments.

Technical and regulatory

Usage tips

Manual:

Ingredient for cosmetic preparation.

Consult our guides: storage and preservation methods and precautions for use