Which Is Better For Eyelashes: Coconut Oil or Castor Oil?

Depending on what you use it for coconut oil and castor oil are both good for your eyelashes.

Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid, which allows it to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively than other oils resulting in a deep conditioning that can lead to stronger and less brittle lashes.

On the other hand, castor oil is praised for its ricinoleic acid content, which could promote hair growth. 

In this article, I will tell you what works for me plus more information so you can decide what is best for you.

*This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.*

My Conclusion After Using Both

I’ll start with my observation and then go on to ​details about coconut oil, castor oil, and other oils you can use on your eyelashes, plus DIY lash serum recipes.

I’ve used coconut oil to remove my mascara for many years but it wasn’t until I started using castor oil directly on my lashes did I notice my lashes growing again. 

So my recommendation is to use both.

Take off your mascara with coconut oil and apply castor oil to your lashes at night with a wand.

Cracking Open the Benefits of Coconut Oil

Rich in fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, it penetrates the hair shaft effectively, nourishing and moisturizing lashes from within. 

This natural oil not only hydrates but also locks in moisture, leaving lashes supple and resistant to damage.

Coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties offer another layer of benefit.

It safeguards the delicate skin around the eye and the lash follicles against harmful bacteria and fungal infections. 

These attributes prevent conditions that could otherwise weaken or cause the lashes to fall out.

Related: Cod Liver Oil vs Castor Oil

Most impressively, coconut oil combats protein loss in hair.

Our lashes, like the hair on our heads, are made mostly of proteins. 

Regular application of coconut oil can reinforce these proteins, leading to stronger, fuller lashes.

By incorporating this natural product into your beauty routine, you boost resilience against breakage and enhance overall lash health.

Choose The Right Coconut Oil

Opt for organic, virgin coconut oil for the safest and most natural option. 

I typically opt for organic fractionated coconut oil because it is a liquid, however, organic cold-pressed coconut oil will work, too.

You can check Amazon or your natural grocery stores for different options.

How I Use Coconut Oil To Remove My Mascara

This is how I determined the best way to take off mascara with coconut oil.

1. Close your eyes and apply coconut oil over your lashes with your clean fingers
2. Gently massage it into your lashes 
3. Use a warm cloth to remove coconut oil

If you experience any discomfort or oiliness, rinse your eyes gently with cool water to remove any lingering coconut oil.

For best results, I recommend making this a part of your nightly beauty routine because consistent application is more likely to lead to fuller, more luscious lashes over time.

Castor Oil: The Other Contender

Castor oil, also known as  Ricinus communis, is a vegetable oil that people have used for a multitude of beauty treatments over the years. 

Its main component, ricinoleic acid, is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties, making castor oil a popular choice for soothing and nurturing skin.

I know that many people swear by its effectiveness in promoting hair growth, leading to its use as a natural remedy for enhancing the thickness and health of eyelashes.

In addition to ricinoleic acid, castor oil is rich in essential fatty acids which can nourish the hair follicles. 

These nutrients are believed to support healthy hair growth cycles, potentially offering fuller, longer lashes.

With regular application, I’ve seen that castor oil may impart a natural shine and boost the overall appearance of eyelashes, which aligns well with the desires of those looking for a natural product.

Given its thick consistency, I find it best to use castor oil with a clean and precise applicator like a cotton swab or an eyelash brush. 

This allows for the oil to be applied directly on the lash line, targeting the follicles without causing an excess oil build-up on the surrounding skin. 

When I incorporate it into my nightly routine, castor oil has been helping my lashes grow.

Select the Right Castor Oil

 Choose organic, cold-pressed hexane-free castor oil for the best results.

This type ensures that the oil retains its natural nutrients, making it ideal for delicate areas like your eyelashes.

It’s suggested to start with a small bottle at first until you know how fast you will use it.

Important: If you plan to use castor oil for the rest of your body buy a separate bottle for that use.

Where To Buy Castor Oil

You can buy Castor Oil at your local health store, on Amazon, or online.

Look for a brand that is organic, hexane-free, and in a dark bottle.

These are some of the brands I’ve bought and have high ratings on Amazon.

Queen of Thrones with over 9800 reviews

Heritage Castor Oil with over 8200 reviews

Eyelash Kit with a Small bottle of Castor Oil with over 28,000 reviews

Mascara Tubes (this set  I bought to use on my lashes)

How To Apply Castor Oil To Your Eyelashes

First off, always start with clean hands and applicators so you don’t contaminate your castor oil.

• After you’ve removed your mascara with coconut oil apply a thin layer of castor oil to your lashes with a clean mascara wand.
• Carefully apply the oil from the base of your eyelashes to the tips using a mirror and take your time to avoid getting the oil in your eyes.

If there’s any excess oil, lightly dab your lashes with a clean tissue being gentle to avoid pulling out lashes or causing irritation.

If you feel any discomfort or if there’s excess oiliness, rinse your eyes gently with cool water.

For best results, incorporate this into your nightly routine. Regular use of castor oil can contribute to stronger, healthier, and potentially fuller lashes over time.

Dr Carly Rose Talks About Castor Oil

In this video, Dr. Carly Rose is interviewed by Jennifer Fugo discussing the benefits of castor oil for eye health, and shares some of her top tips on how to use it on your eyelashes.

Note: She points out to be careful about eyelash growth serums because some of them cause inflammation.

The Side Effects Of Castor Oil

While castor oil is a natural remedy touted for its benefits in promoting thicker lashes, it’s not free of potential drawbacks. 

Specifically, its application near the sensitive eye area can sometimes lead to discomfort.

For some, the use of this oil may result in an allergic reaction, characterized by redness, itching, or swelling. 

This reaction isn’t widespread but can happen, particularly if you have sensitive skin. 

Furthermore, because castor oil is quite thick, it can cause blockages in the small oil glands at the lash line, possibly leading to inflamed eyelid edges—a condition known as blepharitis.

In addition to allergic reactions, regular application of excessive castor oil might also weigh down your lashes, preventing the natural lash growth cycle from proceeding unhindered.

Those with dry skin might find their condition exacerbated by the oil’s robust absorption properties. 

Lastly, albeit rare, improper handling could introduce bacteria, raising the risk of eye infections. 

As a result, hygiene is paramount—ensure you apply the oil with a clean cotton swab and never double-dip into your oil container. 

If you encounter any symptoms of irritation, cease use immediately and consult your healthcare provider.

The Eyelash Essentials

Each eyelash is a delicate strand of keratin, rooted in a tiny opening of the skin known as the follicle. 

Eyelashes provide an essential barrier, shielding our eyes from debris and triggering a blink response when needed for protection. 

They follow a natural growth cycle with three distinct phases: the anagen (growth) phase, the catagen (transition) phase, and the telogen (resting) phase. 

• During the anagen phase, lashes actively grow for about 30 to 45 days. 
• In the catagen phase, growth halts, and the follicle shrinks, which lasts for two to three weeks. 
• Lastly, in the telogen phase, the lashes rest for about 100 days before naturally falling out.

Such a cycle demands consistent care to maintain eyelash health. 

This is because lashes are susceptible to daily stress from environmental factors and cosmetic use.

They can become brittle, break, or even fall out prematurely. 

I believe oils can be a boon for lashes as they may provide necessary nutrients and moisture.

Oils can create a barrier against external damage, and their nourishing properties can support the integrity of the hair shaft, potentially enhancing lash strength and appearance. 

Applying natural oils may help in promoting optimal conditions for healthy lash growth, fostering a favorable environment for each hair strand throughout its life cycle.

Dr. Berg’s Video About Eyelashes And Castor Oil

Other Oils For Enhancing Your Eyelash Health

​Here are some other oils that some people use to nourish their eyelashes.

You can get most of them at Simply Earth or Amazon.

• Olive Oil: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, olive oil nourishes your lashes and can add softness.
• Argan Oil: Known as liquid gold, argan oil from the kernel of the argan tree enriches lashes with essential fatty acids, promoting shine and strength.
• Vitamin E Oil: This oil supports healthy hair follicles and promotes lash growth. Its antioxidant properties help protect from damage.
• Jojoba Oil: Closely resembling natural skin oils, jojoba oil hydrates the lash line effectively without clogging pores.
• Avocado Oil: High in oleic acid and biotin, avocado oil supports strong, healthy lashes without leaving heavy residue.
• Sweet Almond Oil: Gentle on sensitive skin, sweet almond oil is excellent for lashes, providing nourishment and encouraging growth.
• Rosemary Oil: When used with a carrier oil, rosemary oil can stimulate the follicles, potentially enhancing lash growth.
• Emu Oil: Rich in fatty acids, emu oil deeply penetrates, offering hydration and stimulation for sparse lashes.

Avoiding Allergic Reactions: Patch Test Primer

Before I slather any oil on my lashes, I always do a patch test to sidestep any unwanted allergic reactions— safety first, right?

Let me walk you through the steps. 

• First, I select a tiny area of skin, usually behind the ear or on the inner forearm, since these spots are delicate and somewhat hidden. 
• Then, I take a small amount of the oil—just a dab on the tip of a cotton swab—and gently apply it to the skin.
• I wait for 24 to 48 hours, keeping an eye out for any signs of irritation like redness, swelling, itching, or blisters.

 If my skin throws a fit, I know I’m better off keeping that oil away from my lashes.

On the flip side, if there’s no reaction, it gets the green light for a trial on my lash line. 

Just remember, even if it’s a natural product, it doesn’t mean it’s automatically besties with your skin.

DIY Eyelash Growth Serum

Here are a couple of different growth serums you can make if you want to try more than just castor oil.

Serum #1

1. Clean mascara tube and brush. (like this one)
2. Fill the mascara bottle with 3/4th way with castor oil.
3. Add vitamin E oil to fill the tube
4. Close the mascara tube and shake gently before using.

Serum #2

1. Clean mascara tube and brush. (like this one)
2. Fill the mascara bottle with ½ tablespoon of castor oil.
3. Add ½ tablespoon of vitamin E oil.
4. Add ½ tablespoon of top-quality refined coconut oil.
5. Close the mascara bottle and shake gently.
6. Add three drops of lavender essential oil.
7. Add three drops of rosemary essential oil.

The Verdict 

In this comparison of coconut oil and castor oil for enhancing eyelash health, we’ve navigated through their unique properties, benefits, and potential drawbacks. 

Coconut oil emerges as a star for lash care, with its deep moisturizing ability, antimicrobial benefits, and proteins that fortify the hair shaft.

It’s a gentle and effective choice for most seeking fuller, healthier lashes making it great for removing your mascara.

Castor oil, while a historical favorite, its benefits for lashes aren’t backed by as much scientific evidence as coconut oil, yet many are reporting successful results with lash growth (including myself). 

Leave Me A Comment

Let me know your results from coconut oil or castor oil.