India produces 80%+ of global castor oil supply. Cold-pressed from Ricinus communis seeds with exceptionally high ricinoleic acid (85–92%), castor oil is irreplaceable in lip gloss, lash serums, hair growth treatments, and pharmaceutical preparations.
Castor Oil (Ricinus communis) has a unique fatty acid composition unlike any other commercial oil — dominated by ricinoleic acid (85–92%), a hydroxylated unsaturated fatty acid found virtually nowhere else in nature. This unusual composition gives castor oil its extreme thick viscosity, exceptional humectant moisturising, and documented activity in hair growth promotion, eyelash conditioning, lip gloss formulation, and skin moisture retention.
India produces approximately 80% of the world's castor oil, with Gujarat and Rajasthan as the primary cultivation states. SV Botanica sources directly from India's castor production network and supplies food-grade, cosmetic-grade, and pharmaceutical USP-grade castor oil with ricinoleic acid content certified per lot.
Ricinoleic acid has documented prostaglandin inhibition linked to hair growth promotion. The most popular natural ingredient for brow, lash, and scalp hair growth formulations globally.
The defining ingredient in lip gloss — ricinoleic acid's unique viscosity creates the characteristic thick, shiny texture found in virtually every commercial lip gloss.
Castor oil's thick viscosity coats and conditions lashes, while ricinoleic acid is associated with lash strengthening and growth support.
Ricinoleic acid is a natural humectant — draws and retains moisture in skin. Used in very dry skin, wound healing, and protective skin barrier formulations.
Castor oil's extraordinary composition is almost entirely ricinoleic acid — the source of all its unique functional properties:
| Ricinoleic Acid (C18:1-OH) | 85–92% — hydroxy FA; humectant, hair growth, lip gloss viscosity |
| Oleic Acid (C18:1) | 3–5% — minor emollient component |
| Linoleic Acid (C18:2) | 3–5% — minor barrier support |
| Palmitic Acid (C16:0) | 1–2% — minor saturated component |
| Stearic Acid (C18:0) | ~1% — minor saturated component |
| Tocopherols | Present — natural antioxidant stability |
| Ricinoleic glycerides | Primary glyceride structure — source of viscosity |
Castor oil's extremely high ricinoleic acid content gives it unique functional properties found in no other vegetable oil:
| Oil | Ricinoleic Acid | Skin Feel | Best Known For |
| Castor Oil ★ | 85–92% | Very thick, sticky | Hair growth, lash serums, lip gloss |
| Hydrogenated Castor | ~90% (solid form) | Solid wax | Lipstick, mascara, cosmetic wax |
| Black Seed Oil | ~0% ricinoleic | Medium | Thymoquinone, anti-inflammatory |
| Rosehip Seed | ~0% ricinoleic | Dry, light | Retinoids, anti-ageing |
| Jojoba Oil | Wax ester | Dry | Stability, non-comedogenic |
Castor oil's extreme viscosity (~1000x thicker than water) must be accounted for in formulation. Typically blended with lighter carrier oils at 5–20% for skin formulations; used neat (50–100%) for hair and lash growth applications. Hydrogenated castor oil (cosmetic wax) is a separate solid product for lipsticks and solid cosmetics.
Castor oil's fatty acid profile is unlike any other vegetable oil — almost entirely ricinoleic acid, a hydroxy fatty acid unique to Ricinus communis:
Beyond the fatty acids, key cosmetic actives in the unsaponifiable fraction:
| Ricinoleic Glycerides | Primary composition — source of viscosity and humectant moisturising |
| Tocopherols | Natural Vitamin E — antioxidant stability support |
| Phytosterols | Minor anti-inflammatory contribution |
| Phospholipids | Trace — minor emulsification support |
We supply Castor Oil in cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical USP grades with ricinoleic acid content certified per lot.
| INCI Name | Ricinus Communis Seed Oil |
| Botanical Source | Ricinus communis |
| Origin | Gujarat / Rajasthan, India |
| Appearance | Pale to golden yellow, very thick and viscous |
| Specific Gravity | 0.952–0.965 g/ml at 20°C |
| Refractive Index | 1.475–1.479 |
| Saponification Value | 176–187 mg KOH/g |
| Iodine Value | 80–90 g I₂/100g |
| Viscosity | 950–1050 cP at 25°C (very high) |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 10 ppm |
| Shelf Life | 24–36 months |
Castor oil's unique ricinoleic acid content and extreme viscosity makes it irreplaceable in lip cosmetics, pharmaceutical preparations, and hair growth formulations.
The defining ingredient in lip gloss — creates characteristic thick shiny texture. Present in virtually every commercial lip gloss formulation worldwide.
Scalp treatment and brow/lash growth serum base — the most popular natural hair growth ingredient globally.
Dedicated lash conditioning and growth treatment oils — applied nightly to lash line.
USP-grade castor oil as oral laxative and bowel preparation in pharmaceutical formulations.
Humectant for very dry, cracked skin, and wound healing protective barrier formulations.
Adds bubbles and creaminess to cold-process soaps at 5–10% of total fat weight.
Bio-based industrial lubricant, hydraulic fluid, and polymer applications.
Lipstick, mascara, eyeliner, and solid anhydrous cosmetic formulations.
| Application | Recommended Level | Grade |
| Lip gloss | 30–100% | Refined cosmetic |
| Hair growth serum | 50–100% | Cold-pressed |
| Skin barrier treatment | 10–30% | Cold-pressed |
| Soap making | 5–10% | Refined |
| Pharma laxative | Up to 100% | USP grade |
| Cosmetic wax (solid) | 5–20% | Hydrogenated |
Due to very high viscosity, castor oil is typically blended at 5–20% with lighter carriers for face and body. For hair growth: 50–100% or blend with jojoba for easier application. Hydrogenated castor oil (wax) requires a separate enquiry — it is a solid cosmetic wax with different formulation applications.
Rosehip Seed Oil is supplied in dark-glass or HDPE packaging to protect against oxidation. Nitrogen-flushed packaging available for premium unrefined grades.
10ml–100ml amber glass vials for evaluation and stability testing.
Amber HDPE or dark glass containers with tamper-evident caps.
Food/cosmetic grade HDPE drums with tamper-evident seals. Standard commercial pack.
Intermediate bulk containers for large commercial orders.
Store in cool (below 20°C), dark conditions away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep containers sealed — rosehip seed oil oxidises rapidly on exposure to air. Nitrogen blanket packing available on request to maximise shelf life. Recommended shelf life: 12–18 months from date of manufacture when stored correctly.
Minimum Order Quantity
Sample orders from 10ml. Trial orders from 1 kg. Commercial orders from 25 kg. IBC (180–200 kg) for high-volume buyers. Custom packaging and private-label bottling available on request.
We supply all castor oil grades from Gujarat. Share your specification.