An additional note here is the importance of selecting an organic oil over a conventionally produced one, as the former would have less toxicity. Pesticides, as an example, have a tendency to bioaccumulate in fats. 24 Fats such as castor oil have a predisposition to carry substances that are lipophilic. Why Castor Oil Must Be in a Glass Bottle However, if you do buy castor oil in a plastic bottle, it’s wise to transfer it to a glass container and store it in a cool, dark place to preserve its quality. Learn about the Side Effects of Castor Oil here Castor oil is believed by some to have the potential to induce labor due to its laxative effects. It is thought to stimulate the intestines, leading to increased contractions in the bowels, which might indirectly stimulate the uterus. As a result, some pregnant individuals have tried using castor oil to induce labor naturally, especially if they're past their due date and looking for ways to encourage the onset of labor.

com. Ricinoleic Acid. Last updated July 31, 2019. Available at: https://www.drugs.com/international/ricinoleic-acid.html. Accessed July 20, 2019. Interaction with the Container: Certain materials can react with the oil, altering its composition and potentially reducing its benefits. Promoting eyelash growthwithin Ayurvedic medicine – a Hindu system of traditional medicine that is native to India. No authors listed]. Final report on the safety assessment of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Glyceryl Ricinoleate SE, Ricinoleic Acid, Potassium Ricinoleate, Sodium Ricinoleate, Zinc Ricinoleate, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Ethyl Ricinoleate, Glycol Ricinoleate, Isopropyl Ricinoleate, Methyl Ricinoleate, and Octyldodecyl Ricinoleate. Int J Toxicol. 2007;26 Suppl 3:31-77.

Salles MM, Badaró MM, Arruda CN, et al. Antimicrobial activity of complete denture cleanser solutions based on sodium hypochlorite and Ricinus communis – a randomized clinical study. J Appl Oral Sci. 2015;23(6):637-642. Irwin R. NTP technical report on the toxicity studies of Castor Oil (CAS No. 8001-79-4) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Dosed Feed Studies). Toxic Rep Ser. 1992;12:1-B5. A. There’s no need to refrigerate your castor oil, but it should be kept out of sunlight and away from any heat source. Ideally, you should store the oil in a dry, dark cabinet where it won’t be exposed to humidity or temperature fluctuations. As a general rule, your oil will stay good for up to six months once opened. Q. Is castor oil safe?

Son S, Nam K, Kim H, et al. Cytotoxicity measurement of Bisphenol A (BPA) and its substitutes using human keratinocytes. Environ Res. 2018;164:655-659. It’s well documented for use as a hair growth stimulant. So I won’t elaborate on this subject other than to use an applicator brush when applying to the eyebrows or eyelashes (you can also use a Q tip for the eyelashes). Excessive oral usage of castor oil can produce an adverse effect on the mucosal membrane of the intestine. The effect has been shown in rabbit ileum to be similar to that produced by fatty acids, indicating that excessive use of castor oil (as with all fats) can potentially cause damage and create a similar environment in the intestine as with steatorrheal disease. 17

Lushchak VI, Matviishyn TM, Husak VV, et al. Pesticide toxicity: a mechanistic approach. EXCLI J. 2018;17:1101-1136. Processing with heat or hexane can corrupt the high antioxidant profile of organic castor oil, while cold-pressing preserves the highest content of vitamin E, omegas, polyphenols, and other nutrients. Non-organic oil may contain harmful chemicals or pesticides. Therefore, the type of bottle used can either maintain or compromise the inherent qualities of the oil, making it a significant consideration for both manufacturers and consumers. Air Impermeability: Glass bottles offer an impermeable barrier against air infiltration, which is crucial for maintaining the freshness and extending the shelf life of castor oil. While plastic bottles offer certain conveniences, they also raise concerns that cannot be ignored. Let’s look into it in detail. Pros: