There is a broad list of castor oil applications for your skin, nails, and hair, yet it might not help with hair growth. Despite the numerous ways castor oil can improve your hair, skin, and nails, it hasn't received as much attention from the wellness community as other well-known oils like grapeseed, coconut and sunflower. Dr. Sheel Desai Solomon, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Preston Dermatology + Skin Clinic in Raleigh, North Carolina, explains that “castor oil is made from the castor bean, which is the seed of the Ricinus communis plant. Although the plant is actually indigenous to tropical Eastern Africa, it has made it across the globe and is now found in the southeast of the United States.” Solomon claims that because castor oil is high in omega-6, omega-9, and vitamin E, it is a nourishing and hydrating substance. Because of the high concentration of ricinoleic acid in castor oil, it also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics. This make...