90% ricinoleic acid — the most concentrated source of this unique hydroxy fatty acid found in nature. Used for 4,000 years across Ayurveda, Egyptian medicine, and traditional medicine worldwide. Our cold pressing preserves every gram of ricinoleic acid with zero hexane contamination.
Ricinoleic acid is found in virtually no other food source at significant levels. Its unique hydroxyl group gives it anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and deeply penetrating properties.
Castor oil's nutritional value as a food oil is secondary to its unique chemical composition — the 90% ricinoleic acid makes it unlike any other oil in the world.
Per 100ml / 100g serving
| Energy | 884 kcal |
| Ricinoleic Acid | 87–90% |
| Oleic Acid (MUFA) | 3–5% |
| Linoleic Acid | 4–5% |
| Palmitic Acid | 1–2% |
| Vitamin E | 4.9mg |
| Iodine Value | 82–90 |
| Hexane | 0 — Not Detected |
Castor beans contain ricin — a highly toxic protein — but ricin is NOT present in cold-pressed castor oil. Ricin is water-soluble and remains in the seed meal after pressing. Castor oil has been used safely for thousands of years and is listed on the FDA's GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) list for food applications.
Most commercial castor oil is hexane-extracted — a petroleum solvent used because it extracts more oil from the seed. Hexane leaves trace residues that are undesirable in a therapeutic product. Cold pressing produces less oil per kg of seed but maintains absolute purity.
Multiple studies support its effect on hair density through ricinoleic acid's inhibition of prostaglandin D2 synthase, which is implicated in androgenetic alopecia. While not a proven clinical treatment, the mechanism is scientifically plausible and anecdotal evidence is overwhelmingly positive.
Yes — castor oil is the most viscous of all common plant oils due to its high ricinoleic acid content. The thick consistency is also what makes it so effective as a moisturiser and penetrating hair/skin oil. It can be mixed with coconut or sesame oil for easier application.
Yes — many people use a clean mascara wand to apply a small amount to lashes and brows nightly. The ricinoleic acid content may support follicle health. Use a very small amount to avoid any getting into eyes.
A portion of every Better Bites order supports Hope108 — our GreenGrid Program that plants native trees across rural Tamil Nadu, empowers farming communities, and builds food-secure livelihoods. When you buy clean food, you help grow a greener world.