OILS, CRUDE OILS
Product Description
Castor oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. It consists primarily of ricinoleic acid (approximately 90%), a monounsaturated fatty acid, which gives it the unique properties that make it useful in both industry and medicine.
Castor oil is a colorless or pale yellow liquid with a distinctive taste and odor. It consists of a mixture of triglycerides in which about 90% of the fatty acids are ricinoleic. Oleic acid and linoleic acid are the other important components.
Castor oil and its derivatives are used in the manufacture of soaps, lubricants, hydraulic and brake fluids, paints, dyes, coatings, inks, cold-resistant plastics, waxes and polishes, nylon, and perfumes.
Etymology
The name probably comes from a confusion between the Ricinus plant that produces it and another plant, Vitex agnus-castus. An alternative etymology, however, suggests that it was used as a replacement for castoreum.
Food and preservatives
In the food industry, food grade castor oil is used in food additives, flavorings, candies (e.g. polyglycerol polyricinoleate in chocolate), as a mold inhibitor (stops rice, wheat and legumes from rotting) and in packaging. Polyoxyethylated castor oil (e.g. Kolliphor EL) is also used in the food industry.
Traditional medicine
The use of castor oil as a laxative is recorded in the Ebers Papyrus around 1550 BC, although it was used several centuries earlier.
Although it is used in traditional medicine to induce labor in pregnant women, there is no clinical evidence that castor oil is effective for dilating the cervix or inducing labor.
Skin and hair care
Castor oil has been used in cosmetic products including creams and as a moisturizer. Small amounts of castor oil are often used in cold-process soap to increase lather in the finished bar. It has also been used as a hair care enhancer in other products and for anti-dandruff and anti-hair loss properties.
Properties:
- Lubricating and emollient properties: Used in products for moisturizing skin and hair.
- Anti-inflammatory: The presence of ricinoleic acid makes it suitable for treating inflammation and skin irritations.
- Laxative: Castor oil is known for its laxative effect, stimulating bowel movements by increasing water absorption in the large intestine.
- Antimicrobial and antibacterial: Castor oil also has the ability to fight microorganisms and help heal wounds.
Ingredients
Instructions for Use
Shipping
Shipping within Greece
Free shipping on orders over €39.90 within Greece, by courier or BOX NOW. Excludes Cyprus, other international destinations and Wolt Drive.
- BOX NOW
- €2.95 · locker collection
- Courier
- €4.50 up to 2 kg · €1 per additional kg
- Cash on delivery
- No additional charge
- Wolt Drive
- Same-day or scheduled delivery in selected areas of Attica, subject to availability.
Delivery times within Greece
1–3 working days after dispatch. Remote areas and islands: 2–5 working days.
Delivery times are estimates and exclude order preparation or compounding time.
- Cyprus
- BOX NOW: €9.50
- International
- DHL Express · cost based on destination and weight at checkout.
Exchanges & Returns
Free returns in Greece and Cyprus for eligible products. Notify us within 14 days of delivery. For other destinations, see our full policy.
Personalised preparations and sealed goods that have been unsealed and cannot be returned for health protection or hygiene reasons are excluded from change-of-mind returns.
Sign in to your account, select your order and product, and submit a return request. Wait for our instructions and shipping label before sending your parcel.
Refunds use the original payment method, or an agreed method for cash-on-delivery orders. Gift cards are offered only if you choose one.
For an exchange, defective item or incorrect order, please contact us. sales@avgerinospharmacy.gr
