This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.

Black Jamaican castor oil is a carrier oil derived from Jamaican castor beans grown throughout Jamaica. Learn everything you need to know about Jamaican black castor oil, how to use it and its many benefits.

Amber colored dropper bottle of black castor oil.
Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

What is Black Jamaican Castor Oil?

Black Jamaican castor oil is made from the Jamaican castor beans grown in Jamaica. Not to be confused with regular castor oil, which it does share some similar properties with, the two are different, with the main difference being the way they are processed.

Black castor oil is traditionally processed by roasting the beans and then pounding them out. After that, they are added to a pot with water over a fire before being brought to a slow boil. The oil then rises to the top and is skimmed off.

This oil has a very strong, distinct aroma that may turn some people off. Some have described the scent as “smoky.” Jamaican castor oil is a thick, dark oil that is unadulterated and natural.

How to Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Black Jamaican castor oil can be used on the body to help with skin imperfections, as well as to hydrate and reduce itchy skin. It can also be used in the hair to promote hair growth and strengthen locks, similar to a DIY hair growth spray.

To use this oil, it can be applied topically to the skin straight or diluted in another carrier oil. Mixing it with another carrier oil can still give you the great benefits of the oil but will help mask the scent if you find it unpleasant.

To use black castor oil in your hair, it can be added to your homemade shampoo, homemade conditioner, even your hair butter recipe, or apply it directly to the scalp or roots of your hair.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil Benefits

Jamaican black castor oil in amber colored dropper bottle.

Before I got my first bottle of Jamaican castor oil, I really wasn’t sure what I’d think. It definitely has an aroma, like a burnt, nutty, oily scent, if that makes sense. I would not describe it as unpleasant, though.

It is mainly known and used for its ability to assist with growing and strengthening hair. When used on the hair, black castor oil can increase blood flow to the scalp and stimulate hair follicles.

Jamaican castor oil is very moisturizing and can repair damaged hair and skin. In addition, it can be used topically on the skin to help with most skin imperfections, including acne and anti-aging.

Black Castor Oil Benefits for Hair

Applying Jamaican black castor oil to your scalp, roots, and tips of your hair may help with hair growth as well as hydrate and repair damaged hair.

You can use castor oil in your hair by adding a few drops to your shampoo or by dropping the oil along the part line. Then, massage the oil into the scalp and allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing out.

Black Castor Oil Hair Serum

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Get my full disclosure here.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Add all the ingredients to a glass dropper bottle.
  2. Secure dropper top and shake well to combine.
  3. Apply along part line, massage into scalp and allow to sit for 3 minutes.
  4. Rinse with warm water and wash hair with shampoo like my cold process shampoo.
  5. For best results, apply 2-3 times per week.

Black Castor Oil Benefits for Skin

  • Reduce acne and acne scars
  • Hydrate dry skin
  • Reduce signs of aging
  • Help reduce the appearance of scars
  • Cleanse and purify skin
  • Clear skin issues, such as eczema
  • Helpful for athletes foot and fungal toenails

Applying Jamaican black castor oil to your skin can hydrate and restore damaged skin. If applied to the area of concern, black castor oil can clear skin imperfections and reduce signs of aging.

You can use the oil by itself, or you can mix it with another carrier oil or essential oils. Because of its strong aroma, you may find it best to combine it with a little fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil before applying it to the skin.

You can learn more about natural oils for the skin here.

Black Castor Oil Skin Serum

Black castor oil serum in amber glass jar with dropper sitting next to it.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Add all the ingredients to a glass dropper bottle.
  2. Secure dropper top and shake well to combine.
  3. Apply to area of concern and massage into the skin.

Black Castor Oil for Eyelashes

Black castor oil moisturizes your eyelashes and stimulates growth. You can apply the oil by making an eyelash or eyebrow serum or by adding a few drops of castor oil to your mascara.

Natural Oils for Hair

Our scalps produce natural oil to keep our hair healthy and moisturized. Unfortunately, some hair types produce too much oil causing oily hair and others don’t produce enough, causing dry hair.

Applying a natural oil to your hair can help if you have dry hair that is prone to breakage and split ends. In addition, carrier oils or essential oils can be used to promote healthy, hydrated hair.

Best Carrier Oils for Hair

  • Jamaican black castor oil
  • Castor oil
  • Jojoba oil
  • Argan oil
  • Rosehip oil
  • Fractionated coconut oil

Best Essential Oils for Hair

  • Rosemary
  • Lavender
  • Peppermint
  • Cedarwood
  • Myrrh
  • Sandalwood

Shop oils Here.

Natural Oils for Skin

Similar to the hair, our skin produces a natural oil called sebum. Sebum oil is vital for healthy skin and protects our skin from environmental threats.

Sometimes our bodies need a little extra moisturizer, especially during the winter months, and using a body oil blend or a natural oil such as black castor can help. Black castor oil is a great natural oil for the skin, along with other carrier oils and essential oils.

Best Carrier Oils for Skin

Best Essential Oils for Skin

  • Lavender
  • Tea tree
  • Frankincense
  • Rose

In Summary

  • Jamaican black castor oil is a thick, dark oil, with a smoky, nutty aroma.
  • It can be used to stimulate hair growth, strengthen hair, and prevent split ends.
  • Black castor oil can be used to reduce skin imperfections, scars, and acne.

What to read next:

About Laura

Welcome to Our Oily House, Iโ€™m so glad youโ€™re here! Explore DIY cleaners, homemade soaps, skincare and hair care recipes, fragrance-free solutions, and sustainable laundry tips for a naturally inspired home.

You May Also Like

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

5 Comments

  1. BAL says:

    I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE SHAMPOO LAURA WHICH IS THE BEST EMULSIFIER CAN I USE TO MAKE SHAMPOO LAST LONGER AS PER SHELF LIFE

    1. Laura says:

      I have several shampoo recipes on my blog that you can try out. ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Charlotte says:

    Hi Laura, I was wondering if you know the Comedogenic scale of the Jamaican Black Castor oil? All I could find was regular Castor oil. Love your site, recommend it to a lot of people. Thanks

  3. Conette DeVol says:

    I can never figure out how to print out the information you provide. Please help