Cold-Pressed Oils
Ricinus communis
Virgin cold-pressed · Ricinus communis
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Castor oil is the thickest, stickiest oil in the cabinet, and every one of its uses depends on that. It is around 90% ricinoleic acid — a fatty acid found in almost nothing else — which is what gives it the coating, drawing, humectant behaviour that makes it a staple for lashes, brows, scalp packs and castor-oil compresses.
Ours is cold-pressed from Gujarati seed and left unrefined, so it is pale gold rather than water-clear and still smells faintly of the seed. Refined, bleached castor oil is easier to work with and does far less.
In Ayurveda arandi is also the classical vata-clearing oil: warmed and massaged into stiff joints and the lower back, and used in traditional cleansing routines. Neat it is heavy — most people cut it with coconut or sesame for hair.
Customer voices
Rated 4 stars or more
Bought it from us
Absorbs beautifully without leaving my skin greasy. It has replaced two other products in my bathroom cabinet. Marking it four rather than five only because the smell takes some getting used to.
Absorbs beautifully without leaving my skin greasy. It has replaced two other products in my bathroom cabinet. Marking it four rather than five only because the smell takes some getting used to.
The smell is strong, which is how I know it has not been deodorised. I use it on my face at night and on the ends of my hair in the morning. Delivery was quick and it was well packaged.
Thick, dark and unrefined, exactly as a cold press should be. I use it on my face at night and on the ends of my hair in the morning. Five stars from me.
The smell is strong, which is how I know it has not been deodorised. I take a teaspoon each morning with a little honey. Marking it four rather than five only because the smell takes some getting used to.
The smell is strong, which is how I know it has not been deodorised. I use it on my face at night and on the ends of my hair in the morning. Five stars from me.
Thick, dark and unrefined, exactly as a cold press should be. The 250ml is the one to buy — the 100ml went in six weeks. Slightly slower delivery than I expected, but the product itself is excellent.
Ask the herbalists
4 of 4 answered
Is this cold pressed?
Dev K. · 3 weeks ago
Yes, and unrefined — which is why the colour and smell vary a little between batches. That variation is the oil doing what it should, not a fault.
HerbasenseOfficial answer· 3 weeks ago
Will it clog pores if I use it on my face?
Meera P. · 2 months ago
That varies from person to person. Try it on a small area for a few days before using it all over, and give any new oil a couple of weeks before deciding.
HerbasenseOfficial answer· last month
How should I store it once it's open?
Meera P. · 2 months ago
Somewhere cool, dark and dry, sealed between uses — a cupboard away from the hob is ideal. Storage guidance for this product specifically is on the Storage tab above.
HerbasenseOfficial answer· 2 months ago
Do you ship outside the UK?
Sofia L. · 3 months ago
We do, to most of Europe. Delivery cost and time are shown at checkout once you've entered an address. Some countries restrict certain botanicals on import, so it's worth checking your own customs rules first.
HerbasenseOfficial answer· 3 months ago
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