Castor Oil Substitute: 10 Best Natural Products to Replace Castor Oil

My top ten ultimate Castor Oil Substitute list! Check out these 10 best natural products that can replace castor oil. #4 and #8 are some of my favs!

You all know how much I’m a fan of castor oil, right? Though I love castor oil, some people prefer to use alternatives in their holistic health treatment or beauty care routine. And that is totally fine with me!

Discover my favorite castor oil here

In fact, today I’d like to talk about the 10 best alternative natural products you can use in replace of castor oil. Let’s find out what to use instead of castor oil!

There are many natural oils out there. If you aren’t feeling the love for castor oil, don’t worry! After this article, you will have many options of castor oil substitutes to choose from. Some may be more efficient or optimized for hair, skin, or else.

In this article, you’ll find a list of the 10 best castor oil substitutes, including my favorites! If you’re a regular on Castor Oil Guide, you’ll probably recognize a few of the natural oils on here. 😉

Best Castor Oil Substitutes

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil, there’s no doubt you’ve already heard of this long-time tradition. Coconut oil comes from the cold-pressed extraction of a mature coconut (sometimes called copra). The oil from coconut is one of the richest in lauric acid, which is what makes coconut oil so special.

Coconut oil has been around for centuries and is commonly and widely used, especially in tropical locations.

The benefits of coconut oil are extremely useful for both beauty and health purposes. Here’s a quick overview:

• Coconut oil has rich, antioxidant properties which makes it the ideal natural product for skin and hair health
• Prevents wrinkles, dry skin, soothes irritations, all by profoundly nourishing skin
• Brings health and shine to hair, nourishing hair from root to tip
• The lauric acid present in coconut oil helps to reduce blood sugar levels and cholesterol
• It’s also an amazing alternative oil that maintains a healthy digestive system
• Has proven to be very effective in reversing or halting the effects of Alzheimer’s disease
• Helps improve your immune system
• Repairs damaged tissues faster
• Reduces stress

That’s already 8 incredible reasons to choose coconut oil as your castor oil substitute. Read my comparison between coconut oil and castor oil to learn more about coconut oil’s awesome benefits. This reminds me, I just ran out of my coconut oil and I need to get some asap!!

How To Use?

There are many ways to use coconut oil instead of castor oil. You can utilize to prepare the body lotion, hair serum, and as a carrier for essential oils.

2. Jojoba Oil

Unlike coconut oil or even castor oil, jojoba oil is not an “all-around” oil in so that it benefits both skin and hair equally. Jojoba oil, derived from the olive-sized seed of the brown nut found on Argentinian shrubs, is popularly known for its unique composition and skin-nourishing properties.

As with other oils, it’s always in your best interest to buy organic, virgin cold-pressed oils. This guarantees a high-quality extraction process that basically takes out all the unnecessary and leaves in all the good, which is what we want from oil, right!?

I use jojoba oil when I have especially dry skin (I often mix jojoba and castor oil).

Jojoba oil is also great for:

• Scalp care (i.e. dandruff)
• Healing and nourishing dry, flaky skin
• Nourishing and moisturizing irritated skin
• Protecting skin (solar protection, hot/cold climate variations, etc.)
• Reducing wrinkles and stimulating the production of collagen and sebum

So if you’re looking for a castor oil substitute, but one that focuses mainly on nourishing your skin, then look no further: Your perfect alternative is jojoba oil.

How To Use?

You can add a few drops of jojoba oil in your shampoo as it is excellent for hair. Its topical use is also beneficial.

3. Olive Oil

Olive oil definitely deserves a place not just on your kitchen shelf, but in your vanity as well. Olive oil has been around for thousands of years, is massively consumed and used each day by millions, and is one of the most popular oils available today.

Why is it so popular? Well, not only is olive oil a super-food for maximizing a healthy diet, it has remarkable additional health benefits and uses in the cosmetic world.

Rich in vitamins A & E and antioxidants, olive oil definitely doesn’t let us down when it comes to moisturizing, nourishing, and improving the health of our skin and hair. In addition, olive oil has been noted for its multipurpose abilities.

It’s incredible for your health and has even been used in the prevention of cancer. You can also use olive oil to wipe down household items! Unlike castor oil, olive oil goes far beyond health and beauty purposes.

How To Use?

You can combine two parts of olive oil with one part of the lavender essential oil and apply it on your face. It’s effective in reducing acne breakouts.

Discover more about olive oil in my article here.

4. Almond Oil

One of my favorite oils!! I don’t talk about almond oil enough on here, but guys I use it almost every day. Almond oil has grown on me (not literally..) and I find myself applying it to my face after every shower. It’s so hydrating with a sweet scent.

It is incredibly moisturizing, like castor oil, but it has a gentle and pleasant aroma that I love, unlike castor oil which is kinda neutral. Not only does it make me smell nice, it smooths and moisturizes my skin without becoming greasy or over-oily/shiny (just don’t over do it).

Almond oil contains lots of vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, calcium, and magnesium, which all contribute to healthy hair and skin. It’s becoming one of my top 2-3 oils, so maybe it will become yours, too!

How To Use?

There many ways to leverage the benefits of almond oil. You can use it as a makeup remover by soaking a cotton ball and applying directly on your face. or mix it with lemon oil to make your own facial cleanser.

5. Argan Oil

Argan oil comes from the argan-rich kernels found in the fruits from the Moroccan Argan tree. Argan oil has a yellowish or transparent color, with a subtle odor. It often appears in small culinary dishes and is believed to have plenty of health benefits. Reducing cholesterol, burning fat, and preventing cardiovascular disease are just a few examples of the health benefits of consuming Argan oil.

What’s more, argan oil has many cosmetic benefits. That’s right, it’s not only good for you on the inside but on the outside! Argan oil works to protect your skin and heal from burns, nourish hair, and moisturize and revitalize skin.

How To Use?

Argan oil is hydrating and nourishing for your face. Just apply it directly on your skin as this oil is efficient in nourishing the skin, treating acne, and unclogging pores.

6. Avocado Oil

MMM, I love me some avocado! Avocados are not just for making amazing guacamole though! Indeed, avocados are amazing for both your health and body. As you may know, avocado’s are packed with omega 9. In addition, just like castor oil, avocado oil has lots and lots of vitamin E. So your heart gets good treatment from consuming avocados, and your hair and skin benefit from applying avocado oil!

Now I want nachos, whose with me ?? All jokes aside, avocado oil is an amazing choice if you’re looking for a castor oil substitute.

How To Use?

Avocado oil makes up for an excellent natural facial oil moisturizer. You can prepare this by mixing two tablespoons of avocado oil, one tablespoon of rose essential oil and two tablespoons of tamanu oil.

7. Black Seed Oil

Did you know: Black seed oil is extracted from black cumin! Unlike most of the alternatives on this page, black seed oil has a strong odor, a dark orange-brown color, and a thick, creamy texture.

Black seed oil is so neat because it’s one of the only oils that naturally contains essential oil. Very rich in vitamin F and linoleic acid, black seed oil works wonders. Its properties are anti-fungal, anti-inflammation, antiseptic, and it works as a powerful immunostimulant.

Your skin delights in these properties, which help against skin conditions such as acne and eczema. As for your hair, black seed oil will help treat dandruff by deeply nourishing dry, brittle hair from root to tip.

When ingested, black seed oil helps to strengthen your immune system. Applied topically, black seed oil helps relieve joint pain. See? I told you black seed oil was amazing!

How to use?

Black seed oil is a great product to nourish your hair and make them dandruff-free, strong, and healthy. All you need to do is mix equal parts of black seed oil and honey and apply on your hair.

8. Shea Butter

Shea butter is honestly my go-to castor oil alternative, even though Shea butter’s not an oil, per se! Much creamier and smoother, Shea butter is so easy to spread over your body for immediately soft and silky skin. With it’s subtle yet scrumptious nutty flavor, I love applying it right after I hop out of the shower!

You can get organic, raw, and unrefined Shea butter for often cheaper than most organic, unrefined oils, which makes Shea butter your wallet’s best friend!

For hair or skin, Shea butter is beneficial in so many ways. Whether to nourish, moisturize, protect, revitalize, soften, or stimulate, Shea butter’s got you covered. See my castor oil and Shea butter recipe here.

How to use?

You can use shea butter as a face pack and apply it on your skin directly.

9. Hemp Oil

Hemp oil, less known than other popular oils, also makes its way on the list of 10 best natural products for your hair and skin. Hemp oil is the oil extracted from the cannabis seeds. It has a distinct green color, with a woody, fresh-cut grass smell.

It’s an oil that may seem shy at first, but don’t let it fool you. Hemp oil is rich in many essential and beneficial vitamins, including vitamins C, D, E, and B1, B2, and B3. It’s composition also includes omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as linolenic acid! Whew!

Hemp oil rapidly penetrates and soaks into skin, optimizing hydration and softness. With all of its beneficial qualities for both skin and hair, it’s no wonder hemp oil is making its way into the popular oil club!

How to use?

The topical application of hemp oil is recommended to treat common skin problems. You can also mix one-fourth cup of hemp oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil and apply it on your skin.

10. Manuka Honey

Have you ever heard of manuka honey before? It’s a honey that is incredibly tasty as it is applied. The secret ingredient, Methylglyoxal, is what gives manuka honey it’s amazing healing powers. Manuka honey comes from New Zealand and is produced under very specific conditions. Basically, it’s super-beneficial honey that is so beneficial for your health (and beauty) that it is definitely worth the investment!

You can use manuka honey in so many ways!

• As a face mask/wash as manuka honey is extremely effective in treating acne
• For the treatment of acne scars, wounds, scabs, normal scars, bruises, etc.
• To prevent and reduce wrinkles
• To help treat stomach ulcers
• For soothing burns and cuts
• For skin irritations/conditions such as eczema
• and so much more 🙂

I use manuka honey more for my health and skin. I luckily don’t have acne scars, but I do get bad stomach aches sometimes from my umbilical hernia. Manuka honey can also be ingested in so many delicious ways but I enjoy mine with buttered toast or in Greek yogurt… Nommm!

How to use?

Use manuka honey as a face wash to deeply nourish your skin. It is also effective in healing wounds.

Final Thoughts: 10 Best Castor Oil Alternatives

Yay, you made it to the finish line! Thanks so much for reading. I hope you were able to find a castor oil substitute that works for you!

Though (as you know) I am a castor oil fanatic, I do love to switch (or just mix) it up with these natural alternatives. Each of them just has their own unique properties that I love.

I’m sure whichever one you end up picking will bring you lots of softness and happiness to your hair, skin, or health in general! 🙂

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