Why I Swear By Castor Oil for My Lashes at Bedtime

R A E
Aug 9, 2025
5 min read

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Okay, not trying to brag here, but I have naturally long, curly, thick lashes. They’re that one feature I really, truly like about my face — like a built-in beauty filter. But here’s the thing: I live in constant, irrational fear that they’ll just… fall out one day. Not a few. All of them. Gone. I’ve had actual nightmares about it.

So while a lot of people use castor oil to grow their lashes, I use it to keep mine. For me, it’s all about maintenance. Preservation. Making sure my lashes stay healthy, strong, and right where they are. And over time, I’ve actually noticed that castor oil does way more than just moisturize. My lashes have gotten glossier, they shed less, and they just feel stronger overall.

And no, I don’t have some complicated 10-step routine. It’s honestly just me, a clean spoolie, a bottle of cold-pressed castor oil, and a few seconds before bed. But the impact? Noticeable.

Let me break down everything I’ve learned about using castor oil on your lashes, from what it actually does, how I apply it, what to expect, and what you should definitely avoid (because, yes, I’ve made some mistakes). This is my go-to method — simple, natural, and low-lift — and I’m spilling all the details.

Let’s talk about how I use it, what I’ve noticed over time, and what you should know before you try it too.

First Off, What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil comes from the seeds of the castor bean plant, known scientifically as Ricinus communis. It has a long history in beauty and wellness spaces — we’re talking ancient Egypt and India-level old school. It’s packed with fatty acids (primarily ricinoleic acid), antioxidants, and vitamins that are believed to support hair and skin health.

But the part that makes it a superstar for lashes? Its ability to moisturize and lock in hydration. When lashes are well-hydrated, they’re less prone to breakage and fallout. And lashes that stay where they’re supposed to be tend to look fuller, healthier, and longer.

What Castor Oil Actually Does for Lashes

Let me clear one thing up before we go any further: castor oil is not going to magically sprout new lashes overnight. It’s not a miracle grow potion. But what it can do is strengthen the lashes you already have.

Here’s what I’ve experienced:

Thicker-looking lashes: After a few weeks of consistent use, my lashes looked denser — not because there were more of them, but because they were more conditioned and less prone to thinning or falling out.
Less shedding: Before using castor oil, I used to find stray lash hairs on my pillowcase, in the sink, on my cheek — you get the idea. Now? Way less fallout.
Healthier, shinier lashes: You know that glossy, healthy look your hair gets after a deep oil treatment? Same goes for lashes.

Again, I’m not saying it gave me new lashes. It just helped preserve and nourish the ones I already had, which is what I care about most.

How I Use Castor Oil on My Lashes

It’s super simple, and I’ve kept it the same for years. I do it right before bed — never during the day, because no one wants to go around with blurry vision or oil-slicked eyelids. And trust me, too much of this stuff in your eyes will absolutely blur your vision for a bit.

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Here’s my little nighttime ritual:

Start with a clean face — No mascara, no eye cream, nothing around the eyes. Just a fresh, washed face.
Dip a clean spoolie or clean mascara wand into cold-pressed, organic castor oil. I never use the same one twice without washing it — hygiene is everything when you're working around the eyes.
Lightly coat the lashes — Top and bottom. I don’t soak the brush. I dip once and swipe off excess on the rim of the bottle, then gently brush it through my lashes like I would with mascara.
Sleep on it — The oil does its thing overnight, and I rinse any leftover residue off in the morning.

That's it. No extra steps. No frills. Just a simple bedtime lash oiling routine.

A Few Things I’ve Learned the Hard Way

Using castor oil near your eyes isn’t without its quirks. If you’re new to this, here are some things I wish someone told me before I started:

Don’t overdo it: More oil doesn’t mean better results. In fact, if you overload the brush, the oil can drip into your eyes and blur your vision. It’s not dangerous, just annoying.
Do a patch test first: Some people are sensitive to castor oil. A tiny dab on the inside of your wrist or arm for 24 hours is enough to check for any reaction.
Stick to cold-pressed, organic oil: The more pure, the better. Some castor oils are diluted or mixed with other ingredients — I stay far away from those.

It’s kind of a ritual now — dipping the spoolie, brushing it through, closing my eyes and calling it a day. There’s something oddly comforting about it.

Final Thoughts - Why I Keep Going Back to It

It’s not a trendy serum, it doesn’t cost a fortune, and it doesn’t promise the moon. But it works — slowly, gently, and consistently. Castor oil has earned its permanent spot on my nightstand because it’s given me something other products never could: peace of mind.

My lashes feel supported. They look good. I’m not terrified of waking up to an empty lash line. And that’s enough for me.

At the end of the day, castor oil is one of those beauty staples that has earned its cult following for good reason. For me, it’s not about chasing longer lashes — it’s about keeping mine strong, full, and healthy.

It’s a small, easy ritual that makes me feel good. Like I’m doing something for myself. Something old-school and simple that works in the background while I sleep.

It’s natural and simple: No long list of ingredients I can’t pronounce. Just pure oil and a clean brush.
Affordable: One bottle of castor oil lasts forever. Way more budget-friendly than lash serums.
No scary side effects: Unlike some lash serums that come with disclaimers and pigmentation risks, castor oil has been gentle on my skin and eyes.
Noticeable improvement in lash health: My lashes genuinely look healthier and shed less. That’s a win in my book.