Do you wish your eyebrows looked like Audrey Hepburn’s? Does Cara Delevingne make you jealous?
Lush brows aren’t as far out of reach as you might think. The trick could be as simple as the best castor oil for eyebrows.
Obviously, the first step is to stop plucking and trimming. If you want your brows to grow in thick, you’ll have to stop shaping them for a few weeks.
Next, you need something to encourage hair growth. We found that the best oil for eyebrow growth is castor oil. Let’s talk about why it works.
Does castor oil actually grow eyebrows?
Castor oil contains an intense concentration of ricinoleic acid. It helps with hair growth in certain situations. For example, one study found that it blocks a type of prostaglandin linked to hair loss (1).
Unfortunately, there have been no scientific studies done on castor oil for eyebrow growth. Yet, the beauty world and the Internet are full of anecdotes where people have used it successfully (2).
Some say Jamaican black castor oil is best for eyebrows. Others prefer castor oil as a carrier to dilute essential oils for eyebrow growth.
No matter which type of castor oil you choose, the results don’t happen overnight.
How long does it take for castor oil to work on eyebrows?
In our research, we found that the minimum timeframe is one week.
The average time for castor oil to stimulate significant eyebrow growth is 4 to 6 weeks.
Yet, if the follicles are damaged from over-plucking, castor oil may not be enough to solve the problem. We recommend consulting with a dermatologist or trichologist instead.
What other benefits does castor oil offer?
Besides regrowing eyebrows, castor oil may also reduce acne. It’s both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, so it eliminates the bacteria that cause pimples and lessens swelling and irritation.
Then, castor oil makes for an excellent moisturizer as it’s packed with fatty acids. Happily, it’s less likely to clog pores or cause blackheads when compared to other natural products like coconut oil.
Finally, castor oil helps other ingredients to absorb better into the skin, which is why it’s often used in face creams and cosmetics (3).
What’s the difference between castor oil and Jamaican black castor oil?
Regular castor oil is a transparent light yellow color. It’s cold-pressed from castor beans.
Meanwhile, Jamaican black castor oil is pressed from roasted castor beans. Therefore, it’s darker in color and has a smoky aroma. It’s a recipe developed in Jamaica.
Why might you choose one or the other? Regular castor oil has a thin consistency that’s straightforward to brush onto eyebrows. But anecdotal evidence says that the thick black castor oil is more potent.
How to use castor oil for eyebrows
It’s easiest to apply castor oil at bedtime, then it can work overnight while you rest. After you wash and apply moisturizer to the rest of your face, leave your eyebrows clean and dry.
Use a clean eyebrow brush, mascara wand, or cotton swab to apply the oil. It’s helpful to massage it into the skin – but keep it away from the eyes. The more it absorbs, the less likely it will stain the pillow.
Since castor oil is non-comedogenic, it shouldn’t cause acne. However, it may reduce frown lines between the eyebrows.
In the morning, you can wash as usual. It’s unlikely that there will be any residue left. Instead, the skin and eyebrows may look and feel softer.
What are the side effects of castor oil?
Pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid castor oil because it can induce labor. Also, it will irritate the eyes if it gets inside them. Otherwise, castor oil is healthy for the skin.
Compare it to commercial products sold for eyebrow growth. (We’ve included some below). You will likely find that castor oil is a safe alternative.
On a side note, it pays to do a little research when shopping for new cosmetics. For example, a country in Europe banned an “eyebrow enhancer” made in China because it contained a high concentration of benzalkonium chloride (4). That’s an antimicrobial ingredient, but it irritates the skin and eyes. (We checked the label on this product as it’s currently sold on Amazon. The ingredients listed are purified water, sodium chloride (salt), benzalkonium chloride (antimicrobial), citric acid (preservative), disodium phosphate (maintains pH), and cellulose gum (thickener). As far as we know, none of those are linked to hair growth).
We don’t want you to be tricked by slick marketing or spend your money on ineffective products. That’s why we share our reviews.
Best Castor Oil for Eyebrows in 2024
Now, let’s look at the best eyebrow growth serums, starting with pure castor oil.
Cliganic USDA Organic Castor Oil with Applicator Kit
Here’s an all-in-one package that simplifies using castor oil on your eyebrows. It comes with an 8-ounce bottle of certified organic oil, a liner brush and mascara wand with empty vials and a funnel, plus a satisfaction guarantee.
Now, just so you know, this generously-sized bottle contains enough for other purposes like hair conditioning masks, makeup removal, and treating chapped skin. After all, castor oil has a shelf life of about eighteen months, and you only need a couple of drops each day for brows and lashes.
The organic castor seeds are harvested in India, and the oil is extracted with the cold-press method. Then, the oil is bottled in the USA without additives or diluents. You’ll see that has a light yellow color and a nutty aroma.
There are two empty tubes and a little funnel for filling them. You can dip the wand or brush inside or pour the oil over them. It helps to tap off or wipe off the excess before applying the oil from the roots to the tips of the hairs.
Users suggested only filling the vials a third of the way to keep oil from covering the handle and making more of a mess.
USDA Organic Castor Oil Castor Oil Growth Serum with Mascara Tube
Instead of filling the vial yourself, here you’ll have the castor oil ready to use right away. It comes packaged in a 10mL tube just like it was mascara. The quantity is expected to last for up to six months of daily applications.
It includes a dual-ended wand with a spoolie and a brush. That’s because castor oil is suitable for eyelash growth, too.
This oil is cold-pressed and pure, free of hexane and any other chemicals. It’s safe for all skin and hair types.
The manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the results achieved from using it.
Handcraft Castor Oil for Hair Growth, Eyelashes and Eyebrows
If you plan to use castor oil as a moisturizer, massage oil, or hair treatment, this pump-top bottle is extra handy.
The oil inside is undiluted and unfiltered but not described as certified organic. Still, it’s a top seller. We like that it’s protected against contamination as you don’t have to unscrew the top and expose the oil to use it.
But if you plan to decant the oil into a small container, it helps to have a funnel.
Tropic Isle Living – Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Let’s examine one of the most popular Jamaican black castor oil products. How is this viscous, dark-colored oil made?
First, the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant are set out to dry in the sunshine. Then, they are slow-roasted and ground into a paste.
Next, the paste is added to boiling water. The oil from the seeds rises to the surface and is removed.
Depending on the manufacturer, the oil may be light brown or nearly black. It’s not uncommon to see ashy particles settled at the bottom.
This brand says they prefer to use the traditional, hand-processed method for making the oil.
If you’d like to try black castor oil, you can use it on eyelashes, eyebrows, nails, skin, and hair, just like regular castor oil. It has a smoky aroma and a thick texture, so some people prefer to dilute it with another plant oil like grapeseed or almond.
On the other hand, you can dilute essential oils with black castor oil, too. A drop of rosemary or tea tree balances the scent and adds additional benefits.
Docolor Duo Eyebrow Brush
This dual-ended applicator is perfect for applying castor oil on eyebrows or eyelashes. One end is a typical mascara brush, also known as a spoolie. The other is an angled brush with soft bristles.
It can be washed with mild soap and water and reused infinitely. Reviewers like how it doesn’t shed.
RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner Serum
Let’s switch gears and see other eyebrow growth products besides castor oil. In the past few years, RevitaBrow has won awards from Allure, New Beauty, and Bazaar.
It was invented by doctors and tested for safety by dermatologists and ophthalmologists. It’s also been clinically-tested and proven to grow healthier eyebrows.
The serum doesn’t just stimulate hair growth, but it also acts as a conditioner. It makes each hair shinier and more resilient to prevent breakage and fallout.
The formula features proprietary technology, including biotin, peptides, green tea, panthenol, and lipids. (It’s too bad they don’t make this for hair!)
Happily, it’s vegan and free of parabens, gluten, phthalates, and BHT.
If you choose to give it a try, you’ll need to be patient. Many reviewers say that it took at least two months to see new hair. It may take as long as four months to enjoy lush eyebrows once more.
Grande Cosmetics GrandeBROW
This eyebrow serum won an intriguing honor from Bella Beauty. It was the “Most Remarkable Results” award. That sounds promising, doesn’t it?
The description says a person can expect fuller eyebrows in 6 to 8 weeks. Maximum improvement is visible at four months.
What makes it work? It has a potent mixture of amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. These include highlights like panthenol, radish root, aloe, uva ursi, honey, and ginseng. There are also excellent moisturizers like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, plus conditioners like grapeseed.
Based on the thousands of happy reviewers, we think there’s something worthwhile here. Besides, it’s a dermatologist-tested product that’s paraben-free.
Grande Cosmetics GrandeBROW-FILL Volumizing Brow Gel
While you’re awaiting results from eyebrow growth serum, use this gel to style your brows. It makes them look fuller without making them crunchy or stiff.
The formula has tiny volumizing fibers that add bulk. Then, it’s packed with conditioners for extra shine and protection from the elements. Brush it on, and your eyebrows will look thick yet tamed.
There are three shades available: dark, light, and clear.
Pronexa Hairgenics Lavish Brows
This eyebrow serum contains castor oil, but it’s not the primary ingredient. It works alongside hyaluronic acid, biotin, ginseng, and peptides. The purpose is to stimulate the hair follicles and condition the existing hairs at the same time.
The manufacturer says to expect a radical increase in the thickness and length of the eyebrows within sixty days. That’s amazing as eyebrows are some of the slowest growing hairs on the body.
The formula has been tested by dermatologists. It’s said to be hypoallergenic, free of common allergens and irritants. It’s also undergone clinical trials.
For best results, dip the brush once per eyebrow. Apply the serum at night on clean brows.
The company offers a satisfaction guarantee with the promise of a refund if you’re not pleased with the results.
Northern Crown Cosmetics Eyebrow Growth Enhancer
If you compare the list of ingredients here to similar products, it seems backward. The serum begins with water, glycerin, and a preservative. Some of the best hair growth ingredients are much further down on the label.
Still, it promises results within 4 to 6 weeks if you use it once a day at bedtime.
Conclusion
If you’d like to have thick, lush eyebrows, you might only need castor oil and a few weeks. Apply it once a day and avoid plucking, threading, and shaving the brows. Let them grow wild.
Once you’re satisfied, tame them. But you can continue to use castor oil to condition the hair and skin, keeping it healthy and soft.
If you’re having success growing back your eyebrows, we’d love to hear your story. Feel free to drop us a comment below.
Source:
1. https://www.healthline.com/health/castor-oil-for-eyebrows by Kitty Jay, medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP, updated on September 29, 2018, accessed March 22, 2021
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/black-castor-oil-for-hair by Scott Frothingham, published May 21, 2019, medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., accessed March 22, 2021
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319844 by Aaron Kandola, medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., published June 28, 2018, accessed March 22, 2021
4. http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:A187QPSIOT0J:https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Article/2015/08/11/EC-bans-eyebrow-enhancer-in-Bulgaria-labelling-benzalkonium-chloride-levels-as-serious-risk&client=opera&hl=en&gl=pt&strip=1&vwsrc=0 EC bans eyebrow enhancer in Bulgaria labelling benzalkonium chloride levels as ‘serious risk,’ by Andrew McDougall, published 10 August 2015 – Last updated on 11-Aug-2015 at 10:12 GMT, accessed March 22, 2021