CAS: 8001-79-4
Castor Oil is a natural, vegetable-based oil extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. It is a pale yellow, viscous liquid rich in ricinoleic acid, which imparts unique emollient, moisturizing, and lubricating properties. Castor Oil is used in various industries due to its versatility, natural origin, and ability to enhance texture and functionality in formulations.
Functions
Applications
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USP grade castor oil is a purified, quality-controlled version of castor oil derived from cold-pressed Ricinus communis seed oil. Unlike technical-grade castor oil, USP castor oil undergoes rigorous testing to confirm identity, purity, and safety as specified in the U.S. Pharmacopeia monograph. This makes it appropriate for ingestion, topical pharmaceutical use, and medical-grade formulations.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | 160 – 168 |
| M.I.V (%) | 160 – 168 |
| F.F.A. (As Oleic) (%) | 160 – 168 |
| Acid Value (mgKOH / g) | 160 – 168 |
| Refractive Index @ 40° C | 160 – 168 |
| Relative Density @ 30° C (g/ml) | 160 – 168 |
| Saponification Value | 160 – 168 |
| Unsaponifiable Matter (%) | 160 – 168 |
| Hydroxyl Value (mgKOH/g) | 160 – 168 |
| Iodine Value (I2/100mg) | 82 – 90 |
| Peroxide Value | 3.50 Max. |
| Color (Lovibond 5 ¼” cell) Y | 10.0 Max. |
| Color (Lovibond 5 ¼” cell) R | 1.0 Max. |
| Fatty Acid Composition | Description |
|---|---|
| 16:0 (%) | 1.0 Max. |
| 18.0 (%) | 1.0 Max. |
| 18.1 (%) | 1.0 Max. |
| 18.2 (%) | 1.0 Max. |
| 18.3 (%) | 1.0 Max. |
| 20:1 (%) | 1.0 Max. |
USP grade castor oil is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations due to its purity and functional properties. It is FDA-approved as a stimulant laxative, helping support occasional constipation when used as directed. Its high ricinoleic acid content also makes it valuable in drug delivery systems, emulsions, and ointments, where it serves as a solubilizer, emollient, or vehicle for active ingredients.
Common pharmaceutical uses:
Castor Oil USP is known for its hydration, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits. In skincare and haircare formulations, it acts as an emollient and helps retain moisture while supporting skin barrier health.
Used in:
Castor oil’s unique hydroxylated fatty acid profile creates excellent lubrication, plasticization, and viscosity-modifying properties.
Applications include:
Choosing USP grade castor oil ensures the highest quality, safety, and performance across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and certain industrial applications. Its consistency and purity make it a preferred ingredient for formulators who need dependable results.
Choosing USP grade ensures the highest quality, safety, and performance across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and certain industrial applications. Its consistency and purity make it a preferred ingredient for formulators who need dependable results.
Though Castor Oil USP differs from Food-Grade Castor Oil, its high purity makes it suitable for certain food-safe applications that require USP verification.
Benefits include:
Proper understanding of handling and storage supports compliance and ensures long-term product integrity.
Castor Oil USP is generally considered non-hazardous and non-toxic. However, irritation may occur in rare cases with prolonged skin or eye contact.
USP indicates that the castor oil meets the purity, identity, and safety standards defined by the U.S. Pharmacopeia, making it suitable for pharmaceutical and medical-grade applications.
Castor oil is commonly used in pharmaceuticals as a stimulant laxative, in cosmetics for hydration and skin support, and in industrial settings as a lubricant or raw material for polymers.
Store it in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain stability and extend shelf life.
USP grade castor oil can be ingested when used according to FDA guidelines for stimulant laxatives. Non-USP oils should not be consumed.
Castor oil is produced by cold-pressing the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, followed by refining steps that remove impurities and contaminants.