Castor oil and derivatives are widely used in soaps, creams (tretinoin), shampoos, perfumes, lip gels, lipsticks, hair oils, deodorants, lubricants, sunscreens, and other personal care products.
It has been used in skin care products for centuries, and continues to play an important part in soaps and cosmetics.
Cosmetics manufacturers use castor oil and its derivatives in formulating non-comedogenic cosmetics (cosmetics that don’t exacerbate or contribute to acne) and emollients.
The major companies using castor oil for cosmetics are given in the table.
| Company | Country | Products castor derivatives used in | Derivative Used |
| Lavera | USA | Deodorants, body lotion, sunscreen | Zinc ricinoleate and HCO |
| Avene | USA | Deodorant | Zinc ricinoleate |
| Jason | USA | Body lotion and deodorants | Zinc ricinoleate |
| Arkema | France | Hair care, beauty creams | Undecylenic acid |
| Aveya Beauty | USA | Hair care products | Castor oil basic grades |
| Worlee Cosmetics | Germany | Natural exfoliants | HCO |
The global demand for organic personal care products is expected to reach $13.2 billion by 2018, growing at a CAGR of 9.6 per cent.
Castor today contributes only a small % to this sector, but the potential is much higher.