Forget pricey fillers and complicated skincare routines—according to renowned health educator Dr. Eric Berg, there’s one ancient oil that delivers powerful anti-aging results for your skin, scalp, and even lashes. It’s called castor oil, and he’s dubbing it “Nature’s Botox.”
“It’s really stood the test of time,” says Dr. Berg in a recent video that’s racked up thousands of views. “It’s been around for thousands of years—the Egyptians used it, the Romans used it. It’s got some incredible healing properties.”
So what exactly makes castor oil so magical for your skin? Dr. Berg credits ricinoleic acid, the primary phytochemical in castor oil, for its deep moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and even collagen-boosting effects.
“It can give your skin that soft, glowing, elastic, and firm look—whether you have little fine wrinkles, bigger wrinkles, or dry skin,” he says. “When people apply it at night, they wake up the next morning like, ‘Wow, my skin looks significantly different.’”
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More Than Skin Deep
But the benefits don’t stop at hydration. Castor oil also has antimicrobial properties, making it a natural remedy for conditions like acne, fungal overgrowths, or inflammation.
“There’s a whole microbial world living on your skin. Castor oil helps keep that in balance,” Dr. Berg explains. “It’s a perfect antidote for bacteria, yeast, and fungal issues.”
The Anti-Aging Edge
Want firmer, younger-looking skin? Dr. Berg says castor oil may even help stimulate collagen production—essential for reducing the appearance of fine lines and sagging.
“There’s even some evidence it can help stimulate collagen synthesis, which is so important in the anti-aging process,” he says. “Apply it to any scars, stretch marks, or damaged skin—you’ll start to see improvements.”
It’s also loaded with vitamin E, beta carotene, magnesium, and potassium—nutrients that support skin repair and protection from pollutants and UV damage.
How to Use Castor Oil for Skin, Hair & More
Because of its thick, sticky texture, Dr. Berg recommends using only a few drops per application, preferably before bed.
“Just put a couple drops on your fingertips and rub it into your face—especially areas that are dry, wrinkled, or irritated,” he advises. “We’re talking about three cents a day to create these effects.”
For those who prefer a lighter consistency, you can mix it with coconut or olive oil.
He also warns pregnant individuals to avoid applying it around the abdomen unless they are near delivery, as castor oil may stimulate uterine contractions.
Bonus: It’s a hair hero, too. Castor oil is also a miracle multitasker for your hair and scalp.
“If you have hair loss or alopecia, rub it deep into the scalp. It could potentially stimulate hair growth,” says Dr. Berg. “Run a few drops through your hair at night and you’ll wake up to hair that’s super hydrated.”
Want longer lashes? Dab a little at the lash line daily to promote growth.
Not all castor oils are created equal. Dr. Berg recommends looking for cold-pressed, organic versions without hexane—a solvent sometimes used in oil extraction. He also gives a shoutout to Jamaican black castor oil, which may offer even more potent benefits. “A lot of people use the Jamaican black version—it seems to have properties that are even better than the regular castor oil,” he notes.
But… is it safe? You may have heard that castor oil contains a toxic compound called ricin, but Dr. Berg reassures users that the manufacturing process removes it completely.
“That specific toxin is eliminated in production,” he says. “It’s quite a paradox—something so poisonous can also be so therapeutic.”
Whether you’re targeting wrinkles, scars, inflammation, or thinning hair, castor oil may be one of the most affordable and effective natural remedies out there. Just a few drops a night could leave you waking up to healthier, smoother, and more radiant skin.
