Castor Oil — Frequently Asked Questions

Castor oil is a pale yellow, viscous vegetable oil obtained by pressing the seeds (beans) of the castor oil plant, Ricinus communis, the sole species in the genus Ricinus of the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family. Castor oil is unique among vegetable oils due to its exceptionally high content of ricinoleic acid, a hydroxylated fatty acid that gives it distinctive physical and chemical properties.

The castor plant is native to the tropical regions of East Africa, most likely Ethiopia, and has been cultivated for at least 6,000 years. The scientific name Ricinus means "tick" in Latin, referring to the resemblance of the seed to certain tick species.

The castor plant is a fast-growing perennial shrub or small tree that can reach heights of 5-12 metres in tropical climates. It thrives in warm, semi-arid conditions and is cultivated commercially in India, China, Brazil, Mozambique, and Ethiopia. India dominates global castor oil production, accounting for approximately 85-90% of world supply. Global annual production of castor oil is approximately 700,000-800,000 metric tonnes.

The production of castor oil begins with the harvesting of mature castor seed capsules, which contain three seeds each. After drying and dehulling, the seeds (containing approximately 45-55% oil) are mechanically pressed using expeller presses. The crude castor oil is then filtered, degummed, and refined to produce commercial grades. It is important to note that castor seeds contain ricin, a highly toxic protein, but this toxin is not present in the expressed oil — it remains in the seed cake, which requires detoxification before use as animal feed or fertiliser.

Chemically, castor oil is unique due to its extraordinarily high ricinoleic acid content — approximately 85-92% of total fatty acids. Ricinoleic acid (12-hydroxy-9-cis-octadecenoic acid) is an 18-carbon fatty acid with one double bond and a hydroxyl group at the C-12 position. This hydroxyl group is responsible for castor oil's exceptional viscosity, polarity, solubility properties, and chemical reactivity. Castor oil has a density of approximately 0.96 g/cm3 — the highest of any common vegetable oil — and a viscosity approximately 100 times greater than most vegetable oils.

Historically, castor oil has been used for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used castor oil as lamp fuel, in cosmetics, and medicinally as a purgative — castor oil seeds have been found in Egyptian tombs dating to 4000 BCE. In Ayurvedic medicine, castor oil (eranda taila) has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and laxative properties.

In modern industrial applications, castor oil is one of the most versatile and valuable vegetable oils. Its unique chemistry allows it to be converted into hundreds of derivatives through chemical reactions including hydrogenation, dehydration, oxidation, esterification, saponification, sulfonation, and polymerisation.

Major industrial products derived from castor oil include: sebacic acid (used in nylon 610, plasticisers, and lubricants), undecylenic acid (an antifungal agent), 12-hydroxystearic acid (a lubricant grease thickener), ricinoleic acid esters (bio-based plasticisers), and polyurethane polyols (for coatings, adhesives, and foams).

In the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, castor oil is used in topical medications, laxatives, eye drops, lipstick, hair care products (particularly for promoting hair growth), skin moisturisers, and as a carrier oil for drug delivery systems. In the food industry, castor oil and its derivatives are used as food-grade lubricants, release agents, flavouring adjuvants, and in food-contact packaging.

Interesting facts about castor oil include: it is the only commercial source of a hydroxylated fatty acid; castor oil was used as an aircraft engine lubricant in World War I (it does not mix with petroleum fuels, preventing dilution); the castor plant is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, capable of growing 3 metres in a single season; and castor oil-based polyurethanes are among the most important bio-based polymers in commercial production today.

Bio Green Wax supplies castor oil in three principal commercial grades: First Pressing (Food Grade) — pale, low-colour oil with excellent clarity suitable for food, pharmaceutical, and premium cosmetic applications; BSS Grade (Batch Solvent Suitable) — a refined grade for industrial polymer and lubricant applications; and Pharmaceutical USP/BP Grade — conforming fully to USP, BP, and EP monograph specifications for regulated medicine and cosmetics use.

Each grade is available with full CoA, MSDS, and relevant certification documentation. Contact our sales team to confirm the appropriate grade for your application.

Our first-pressing castor oil contains a minimum of 85–90% ricinoleic acid (C18:1-OH), which is the distinctive hydroxyl fatty acid responsible for castor oil's unique chemical properties including high viscosity, exceptional lubricity, and reactivity in polyurethane and surfactant synthesis. Higher ricinoleic acid content indicates superior raw material quality. Full fatty acid composition by GC is included in the CoA for every batch. Buyers in the polyurethane, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors should specify their minimum ricinoleic acid requirement when enquiring.

Our minimum order quantity for bulk castor oil is 1 FCL (full container load), typically 16–22 metric tonnes via flexitank, or 20+ drums (200-litre capacity, approximately 185 kg net each) for smaller buyers. For sample and formulation trial purposes, we offer 5–25 litre drum samples subject to availability. Annual contract buyers consuming multiple containers per month can benefit from dedicated shipment allocation and pricing stability. Please contact our India-based procurement team with your required grade, volume, and destination for a prompt quotation.

Yes. Bio Green Wax castor oil is a premium cosmetic ingredient widely used in lip balms, lipsticks, mascara, hair oils, and skin moisturisers due to its high viscosity, excellent film-forming properties, and ability to carry fragrance and pigment. Our cosmetic-grade castor oil meets EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009) requirements and is available with Halal, INCI documentation, and vegan declaration.

The INCI name is Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil. We provide full safety and regulatory documentation to support EU CPSR and US FDA cosmetic registration. Contact our cosmetics team for pricing and technical support.

Our pharmaceutical-grade castor oil has a hydroxyl value of 155–177 mg KOH/g, reflecting its high ricinoleic acid (hydroxyl fatty acid) content. Viscosity at 25°C is typically 950–1,100 mPas (cP), making it the most viscous of all commercially important vegetable oils — a property that underpins its performance in lubricants, polyurethanes, and cosmetics. Viscosity, hydroxyl value, iodine value, acid value, and moisture are all reported in our standard CoA. For polyurethane synthesis applications, hydroxyl value consistency is critical — contact our technical team for grade-specific data.

Yes. Bio Green Wax supplies castor oil with Halal certification from a recognised Islamic certification authority for all commercial grades. Kosher certification is available on request for pharmaceutical and food-grade material. Halal-certified castor oil is essential for cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceutical buyers supplying Muslim-majority markets.

Both certificates are issued per production lot and are provided alongside standard shipping documentation. For buyers requiring both RSPO-traceable and Halal-certified castor oil, please specify at the time of enquiry. Contact our certification team for documentation samples.

Castor oil prices are set in the Indian market (India is the world's dominant producer, accounting for over 80% of global supply) and are denominated in USD per metric tonne FOB Kandla or Mundra. Prices fluctuate seasonally based on Indian crop cycles and global demand. Bio Green Wax provides up-to-date FOB India pricing and can also quote CIF to your destination port. To receive a current market price, please contact our procurement team with your required grade, volume, and destination. Annual supply contracts and forward pricing agreements are available for buyers seeking price stability.

Yes. Indian castor (Ricinus communis) is not commercially grown as a genetically modified crop, and all castor oil supplied by Bio Green Wax can be declared non-GMO (non-genetically modified organism). Non-GMO declarations and certificates are available on request for buyers in natural and organic product markets, where GMO-free sourcing is a label claim requirement.

For buyers requiring formal Non-GMO Project verification or equivalent third-party certification, please discuss your specific programme requirements with our compliance team. We support natural and organic brand procurement with full supply chain documentation.

Our pharmaceutical-grade castor oil has the following key analytical parameters: Acid Value below 1.0 mg KOH/g (food/pharma grade), Iodine Value 80–90 g I2/100g (reflecting the high proportion of unsaturated ricinoleic acid), and Saponification Value 175–185 mg KOH/g. These values conform to USP, BP, and EP monograph limits. Commercial-grade castor oil may have a slightly higher acid value (up to 2.0). Full analytical CoA with all parameters is provided with each shipment. Buyers should share their incoming specification limits so we can confirm conformance before dispatch.

Yes. Bio Green Wax supplies USP/BP-grade castor oil specifically for pharmaceutical applications including oral stimulant laxative preparations, pharmaceutical-grade capsule fill formulations, topical excipients, and injectable vehicle use. USP castor oil meets strict limits for colour, acid value, hydroxyl value, viscosity, iodine value, saponification value, and heavy metals.

We supply with full pharmacopoeial CoA, GMP certificate, TSE/BSE-free declaration, Halal certificate, and country of origin documentation. Contact our pharmaceutical sector team for a full regulatory documentation package and supply quotation.

Yes. Castor oil's unique high hydroxyl value (155–177 mg KOH/g) makes it one of the most important natural feedstocks for polyurethane (PU) foam, elastomer, and coating production, where it reacts with isocyanates without the need for additional polyol synthesis. It is also an outstanding base stock for high-performance bio-based lubricants, greases, and metalworking fluids due to its natural lubricity, high flash point, and thermal stability.

Bio Green Wax supplies industrial-grade castor oil for both PU and lubricant applications. Please share your hydroxyl value specification and volume when requesting a quotation.

For pharmaceutical and food-adjacent applications, Bio Green Wax provides: Certificate of Analysis (USP/BP/EP conformance), GMP compliance statement, Halal certificate, Kosher certificate, TSE/BSE-free declaration, heavy metals test report, pesticide residue test report (on request), Certificate of Origin (India), and MSDS/SDS.

For cosmetics applications, we also provide INCI declaration, EU Cosmetics Regulation compliance statement, and allergen-free declaration. For food-grade supply, a food safety certificate and supplier declaration of compliance are included. Contact us to receive a full documentation checklist for your regulatory market.

Castor oil has a shelf life of 12–24 months from the production date under proper storage conditions. It should be stored in clean, sealed, stainless steel or HDPE containers at 15–30°C, away from direct sunlight, heat, and oxidising agents.

Unlike many vegetable oils, castor oil is relatively resistant to rancidity due to its low polyunsaturated fatty acid content, but prolonged exposure to air and elevated temperatures will increase acid value and cause viscosity changes. BHT or tocopherol antioxidant addition extends shelf life for long-term storage. Our SDS provides full storage, handling, and disposal guidance.

Yes. Bio Green Wax supplies both standard castor oil and hydrogenated castor oil (castor wax) — see our separate Hydrogenated Castor Oil product listing. Hydrogenated castor oil (12-hydroxystearic acid-rich) is produced by catalytic hydrogenation of castor oil, converting its liquid state into a hard, white wax with a melting point of 85–88°C. It is used in cosmetics, industrial lubricants, hot-melt adhesives, and coatings.

Buyers requiring both castor oil and castor wax can consolidate their supply through Bio Green Wax for streamlined procurement and logistics. Contact our team for a combined quotation.

Castor oil from Bio Green Wax is supplied in: 200-litre steel drums (approximately 185 kg net), 1,000-litre IBCs (approximately 925 kg net), flexitanks (16,000–18,000 kg per 20-ft container), and ISO tanks (18,000–20,000 kg). Drums are suitable for small-volume cosmetic and pharmaceutical buyers; flexitanks and ISO tanks offer the best per-unit cost for large industrial consumers. All packaging complies with IMO and IATA shipping regulations.

For temperature-sensitive shipments in cold climates, heated containers or heated ISO tanks can be arranged. Please specify your packaging preference and unloading infrastructure when enquiring.

Yes. Bio Green Wax conducts or commissions testing for heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) and pesticide residues on our castor oil supply as standard for pharmaceutical-grade material, and on request for cosmetic and food-grade supply. Aflatoxin testing can also be arranged upon buyer request, particularly for buyers in regulated food or nutraceutical markets.

Test reports from accredited third-party laboratories (NABL, SGS, Intertek) are provided alongside the CoA. , EU REACH, US FDA, UK HSE) should share their specification at the time of enquiry.

Yes. Bio Green Wax supplies Dehydrated Castor Oil (DCO), produced by catalytic dehydration of castor oil to introduce additional unsaturation, making it a highly drying oil with excellent film-forming properties. DCO is used as a drying oil in alkyd resin production, printing inks, paints, varnishes, and corrosion-resistant coatings. It offers a bio-based alternative to tung oil in many drying oil applications. We supply DCO in drums and bulk format with full CoA and SDS documentation. Contact our industrial coatings sector team for a technical specification sheet and supply quotation.

Castor oil is primarily produced and exported from India (Gujarat region). Typical lead times from India are: 3–5 weeks to European ports (Rotterdam, Hamburg, Felixstowe), 2–3 weeks to UAE and GCC ports (Jebel Ali, Dammam), 2–3 weeks to East African ports, and 3–4 weeks to US East Coast ports. Production and packing lead times add approximately 1–2 weeks for non-stocked material. For repeat buyers and long-term contract customers, we can pre-allocate inventory to reduce lead times. Please share your required delivery window when enquiring so our logistics team can provide a confirmed schedule.

Yes. Bio Green Wax can supply high-ricinoleic acid castor oil specifically graded for sebacic acid production — a key industrial chemical used in nylon 6,10 polyamide, plasticisers, lubricants, and corrosion inhibitors. Sebacic acid-grade castor oil requires a minimum ricinoleic acid content of 88%+ and tight limits on impurities to maximise yield during alkali fusion processing.

We work with Indian castor oil processors with established sebacic acid production experience and can source to buyer specification. Contact our industrial chemicals procurement team for grade specification and current FOB India pricing.

Yes. Bio Green Wax provides full batch-level traceability and a Certificate of Analysis with every castor oil shipment. The CoA is generated from accredited laboratory testing of the specific production lot and covers all parameters relevant to the declared grade (acid value, iodine value, hydroxyl value, saponification value, viscosity, moisture, colour, and heavy metals for pharma grade).

Batch reference samples are retained for 12 months post-shipment. For pharmaceutical buyers, we can also provide batch manufacturing records and supplier audit documentation on request. Traceability documentation supports your incoming QC and regulatory compliance obligations.

Yes. Bio Green Wax Ltd is a trusted global supplier of Castor Oil, delivering to clients across all major continents including Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania. We supply to over 50 countries with established logistics networks, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.

All shipments comply with international trade standards, and we hold certifications including RSPO SG, ISO 9001, and HACCP to meet the regulatory requirements of any destination market. Whether you need bulk quantities for industrial manufacturing or smaller volumes for specialty applications, Bio Green Wax ensures reliable, worldwide supply of premium-quality Castor Oil.