Unveiling the Mystique of Castor Oil
In the diverse world of natural oils, castor oil stands out as a time-honored favorite, steeped in history and enriched with a plethora of benefits for both skin and hair. LycanCo harnesses the potent properties of this oil in our premium beard oil and tattoo balm, ensuring your grooming rituals are both luxurious and beneficial. But what makes castor oil so special? Let’s explore its rich history, how it’s made, and why it’s a staple in our products.
The Roots of Castor Oil
Castor oil originates from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, a hardy shrub native to the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The use of castor oil dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was first used over 4,000 years ago. The Egyptians utilized castor oil for lamp fuel, anointing the body, and even in their renowned beauty treatments - Cleopatra reportedly used it to brighten the whites of her eyes. Through centuries, its application spread across the world, revered for its healing properties and versatility.
From Seed to Oil: The Production Process
Extracting castor oil is a meticulous process that impacts its quality and purity. The seeds of the Ricinus communis plant are dehulled and cold-pressed to extract the oil - a method that retains the natural benefits without the use of heat or chemicals. This cold-pressing process ensures that the oil maintains its rich nutrients, including the essential fatty acids and ricinoleic acid, known for their anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.
For the bearded gentleman, castor oil is a boon owing to its exceptional moisturizing and conditioning properties. It not only soothes the skin underneath but also gives the beard a fuller, more lustrous appearance. The high ricinoleic acid content helps balance the skin’s pH, enhancing the natural oils in the beard area without clogging pores.
*Did you know: you can use our beard oil on your scalp as well? Simply massage a few drops into your scalp the night before shampoo day and your scalp and hair will receive the same benefits as our bearded compadres.
Tattoo enthusiasts will find castor oil in LycanCo’s tattoo balm equally beneficial. It forms a protective barrier over new tattoos, keeping the skin hydrated and helping to prevent scabbing. Moreover, castor oil promotes elasticity in the skin, ensuring that the vibrant colors of your tattoo heal vividly and maintain their brilliance over time.
Emphasizing Ethical Choices in Our Products
At LycanCo, choosing ingredients like castor oil reflects our commitment to both efficacy and ethical considerations. The cultivation of crops that support sustainable farming practices is vital, especially as we face global challenges like climate change. Castor plants, which are robust and require minimal water, contribute to soil stability and reduced water usage, aligning with sustainable agricultural goals.
Castor plants are grown in Australia, although not on a large scale. They are primarily found in warmer areas with suitable climates, such as northern New South Wales and Queensland. While Australia does have some cultivation of castor bean plants, it is not a major producer compared to countries like India, China, and Brazil (source:The Castor Oil Company)
The castor oil plant is native to tropical East Africa but has become naturalized in many parts of the world, including Australia. In Australia, it is found across all mainland states and is often abundant along gullies, watercourses, and roadsides, particularly in disturbed areas (source: Business Queensland) Therefore it is considered a weed in parts of Australia and this knowledge must be considered when choosing where to purchase your Castor Oil.
We strive to source ingredients that support these principles where feasible. By prioritizing ingredients that can be obtained closer to home, while still being a sustainable crop in that location, we aim to reduce the environmental impact associated with long transportation routes. This not only helps in lowering our carbon footprint but also supports local economies and reduces our dependence on complex global supply chains. Through these choices, we reaffirm our commitment to a more sustainable and responsible approach to personal care.