What Happened With Castor Oil & the FDA
So here’s what went down… Soon after my castor oil videos went viral, creators were getting slapped with warnings about fines for making unapproved health claims. Overnight, brands hit the brakes, pulled products, scrubbed websites…the whole thing. Then boom, castor oil dupes/fakes flooded in on big marketplaces (hi, Amazon 👋), and just like that, poof… a ton of videos vanished.
I didn’t pull mine. Your girl never made any wild claims…I’ve only shared my personal experience, especially for skin moisture, and common-sense ways to use castor oil safely. I still use Queen of the Thrones castor oil every day. I’m just not making medical claims, and I’m not taking those posts down.
In this blog I’m quickly breaking down what you need to know about the FDA, how to use a little common sense with applications, and *most importantly* how to spot the scams that look legit but are anything but!
What the FDA Recognizes About Castor Oil
From my understanding (and what I shared on the video), the FDA currently recognizes castor oil for three things:
- Stimulant laxative for constipation (ingested; powerful; not for pregnancy).
- Skin protectant/moisturizer (emollient) when used topically.
- Carrier oil in cosmetics/medications to deliver other ingredients.
That's it! Everything else you see online—good, bad, or miraculous—hasn’t been validated by the kind of human clinical trials needed for medical claims.
Bottom line: I stick to safe, topical use for skin and prefer this rose quartz roller to apply it to my face and shins (to make them shine before date night) and the bigger bottle to apply to the rest of the body after a shower. Click here to grab the brand I love at a discount
How I Use it for Skin (Daily)
Perimenopause made my skin suddenly dry and flaky. Fancy lotions did nothing. Castor oil changed that because it locks in moisture.
What I do:
- Body: After a shower, I start with lotion. Afterward, I add a pea-sized amount of castor oil to seal in hydration.
- Targeted: Lips, cuticles, elbows, knees, healed scars—I use a glass/stone applicator (not plastic).
- Neck/chest: Warm a pea-size amount, press (don’t rub).
Why I like it:
- Thick, tacky, and occlusive—it helps keep moisture in.
- I’ve used it with physician approval on closed, healed areas post-surgery to keep skin supple.
- It’s commonly used as a carrier oil in cosmetics (you’ve likely seen it on lip products).
Check out my trial and error videos here (I'll save you the learning curve!):
Possible (But Not Clinically Confirmed): Proceed Carefully
I’ve heard from thousands of people with stories about joint comfort, menstrual cramps, hair/brow growth, acne, eczema, psoriasis, gum health, digestion, and bloating. These are anecdotes– which means they haven't been clinically confirmed.
- There’s interest in castor oil packs for relaxation and comfort.
- Massage + warmth + stillness may feel soothing.
- Hair, brow, and lash growth.
- Menstrual cramp relief and comfort with endometriosis-related pain.
- Joint or arthritis relief with gentle massage.
- Calmer skin with acne, eczema, or psoriasis flare-ups.
- Gum health benefits from oil pulling.
- Digestive comfort or less bloating.
- Mouth-sore soothing (topical, not on open wounds).
Personal stories aren’t the same as clinical proof. These things might work great for you, but everyone’s experience can be totally different.
Castor Oil Myths to Skip
These are ones I don’t recommend:
- Eyes: I don’t put oils in my eyes. See an ophthalmologist before trying anything in your eyes, duh.
- Fat-burning rubs: No topical oil burns body fat.
- “Hormone balancing” from topical oil: There’s no mechanism or data here.
- Shrinking tumors/cysts: Don’t self-treat masses. Get a diagnosis.
- Unsupervised ingestion: Yes, it’s an FDA-recognized laxative—but powerful. Not for pregnancy; talk to your clinician.
How to Shop Smart (Avoid Dupes)
When brands started revising labels and websites to comply with FDA guidelines, some listings went temporarily out of stock. Then, look-alike products showed up on Amazon. To avoid counterfeits:
- Choose organic, cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil.
- Buy dark glass bottles and non-plastic applicators.
- Shop from the brand’s official site.
- Check batch numbers, tamper seals, and return policies.
- Be wary of prices that are far below the brand’s own website.
This is the bundle of products I use (directly from the brand)!
How to Apply Without the Mess
- Layering trick: Lotion first, then a tiny amount of castor oil on slightly damp skin.
- Press, don’t rub: Especially on the neck and chest.
- Stain control: Old tee for 15–20 minutes; dedicated pillowcase if used at night.
- Laundry tip: Use an enzyme-based pre-treat for oil spots.
Castor Oil FAQs
Is it FDA approved?
According to my understanding, the FDA recognizes castor oil as a stimulant laxative, a topical skin protectant/moisturizer, and a carrier oil in cosmetics/medications. Other uses discussed online aren’t FDA-approved medical claims.
Can you use it while pregnant?
As a laxative, it’s powerful and not recommended in pregnancy. For any use during pregnancy, talk to your clinician first.
Can castor oil grow hair, brows, or lashes?
I’ve seen many anecdotes, but I don’t make that claim. If you experiment topically, patch-test and manage expectations.
Do castor oil packs detox the liver?
I don’t see evidence for liver detox claims. Some people find packs soothing; that doesn’t equal clinical proof.
Why do you avoid Amazon for castor oil?
You know your girl loves Amazon. But! During the crackdown, dupes with identical packaging (and even plastic tips labeled as stone) started being sold. Scam-city! I prefer buying castor oil direct from the brand.
Start With a Verified Bottle
Ready to try castor oil the safe way? Begin with a verified, organic, cold-pressed, hexane-free bottle in dark glass and a non-plastic applicator. I layer a tiny amount over lotion to lock in moisture, and it’s been a game-changer for aging skin.
Let me know in the comments if you're using it, love it and how it's made the biggest difference in your life!
XO,
Chalene
PS: Get 10% off the Castor oil I use by visiting Queen of the Thrones and using Code CHALENE
