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There was a bunch of folks, myself included, expressing interest in castor oil on the microneedling thread and I'm interested in trying it, but still have a few questions, so I thought I'd create a separate thread for it.
1) toxicity
First, here's a list of studies looking into the toxicity of castor oil. There's some stuff that has me mildly concerned in there.
2) absorption
As I think someone mentioned in the microneedling thread, there might be some issues with absorption in topical use. Here's something useful I found:
"It can take time for the skin to fully absorb castor oil, but diluting the oil can promote absorption into the skin.
People can dilute castor oil with other oils, such as olive or peanut oil. The recommended ratio is 1:1 – the quantity of castor oil should be the same as the oil with which it is mixed."
Note, I'm not sure olive oil should be used. I've read some studies and it was found to disrupt the skin barrier or something like that.
3) dosage
I imagine no one has the answer to this, but is there any indication or theory about what the dosage should be and how often for both oral and topical.
4) any evidence?
I understand what the theory is behind why castor oil should promote hair growth and I know there's been some anecdotal evidence from folks here on the forum, but is there any evidence in the scientific lit that it can promote hair growth in baldies?
1) toxicity
First, here's a list of studies looking into the toxicity of castor oil. There's some stuff that has me mildly concerned in there.
2) absorption
As I think someone mentioned in the microneedling thread, there might be some issues with absorption in topical use. Here's something useful I found:
"It can take time for the skin to fully absorb castor oil, but diluting the oil can promote absorption into the skin.
People can dilute castor oil with other oils, such as olive or peanut oil. The recommended ratio is 1:1 – the quantity of castor oil should be the same as the oil with which it is mixed."
Note, I'm not sure olive oil should be used. I've read some studies and it was found to disrupt the skin barrier or something like that.
3) dosage
I imagine no one has the answer to this, but is there any indication or theory about what the dosage should be and how often for both oral and topical.
4) any evidence?
I understand what the theory is behind why castor oil should promote hair growth and I know there's been some anecdotal evidence from folks here on the forum, but is there any evidence in the scientific lit that it can promote hair growth in baldies?