Castor oil is a pale yellow vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. It has a dual identity as both a traditional stimulant laxative and a popular modern cosmetic ingredient. This versatility is why finding it in a large retail store or pharmacy can be confusing. Its placement depends entirely on the product’s intended use and packaging, often leading to its presence in multiple sections.
The Digestive Health Aisle
The most traditional location for castor oil is within the digestive health or stomach remedies aisle. Its only use approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is as a stimulant laxative for temporary relief of constipation. The ricinoleic acid in the oil is released in the small intestine, where it stimulates muscle contractions to help move contents through the colon.
Bottles found here are typically smaller, often containing just a few ounces, and are explicitly labeled for internal consumption. This placement is near other oral digestive aids like fiber supplements, anti-diarrheals, and magnesium citrate products. The oil sold in this section is generally a pure, pharmaceutical-grade product. This medicinal section is where most shoppers would have historically found the oil for its classic purpose.
Cosmetic and Beauty Product Sections
In contemporary retail, a separate version of the oil is increasingly found in the cosmetic and beauty aisles, reflecting its rise in popularity for topical applications. Here, the oil functions as an occlusive moisturizer, creating a protective barrier on the skin and hair to lock in moisture. It is often located near specialized carrier oils like argan, jojoba, or coconut oil in the hair care or skincare sections.
Packaging in this area often differs significantly from the digestive aisle, featuring larger volumes and sometimes dropper tops for precise application. The labels frequently emphasize external benefits and may highlight terms like “cold-pressed” or “hexane-free.” These terms indicate specific processing methods preferred in the beauty industry. The focus here is on the oil’s emollient properties, used to condition hair and moisturize dry skin.
Specialty Stores and Online Availability
Beyond the standard pharmacy or grocery store, castor oil is widely available through specialty retailers, particularly health food stores and online platforms. These channels often carry specialized forms and higher-grade varieties not stocked by general retailers. For instance, cold-pressed and organic oils are common in health food shops, sometimes located with bulk oils or dietary supplements.
A distinct product format, the “castor oil pack,” is almost exclusively found through these specialty channels and online marketplaces. These packs consist of the oil and an absorbent cloth, intended for topical application with heat. If a shopper cannot locate the oil in the digestive or beauty sections, checking the supplements area of a health store or an online retailer is the next logical step.