Castor Oil (Hexane-Free)

Hexane-free, and why that matters

A lot of cheap castor oil is pushed out of the seed using a chemical solvent called hexane, and traces can be left behind. This one is cold-pressed and hexane-free, which means it is pressed mechanically without solvents, so what goes onto your skin and hair is pure oil and nothing else. It is 100% natural, with no added chemicals, preservatives or fillers, exactly what you want from an oil you may use daily.

One bottle, a surprising number of jobs

Castor oil has earned its place in bathrooms for generations because it quietly does so much. It is a rich moisturiser for dry skin, a conditioning treatment for hair and scalp, a softener for brittle nails and cuticles, and a gentle oil cleanser all at once. Its thick, nourishing texture comes from ricinoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids, which is why a little goes a long way and why it leaves skin feeling genuinely conditioned rather than coated.

For skin that needs calming

Beyond moisture, castor oil is valued for its naturally anti-inflammatory and antibacterial character. Used on the skin it can help soothe redness and irritation, and as part of an oil cleanse it lifts away dirt and excess sebum while helping keep acne-causing bacteria in check. It is a favourite for people who want to look after troubled skin with something simple and natural rather than a cabinet full of products.

A long-standing friend to hair and scalp

Massaged into the scalp, castor oil is traditionally used to support healthy circulation at the roots and to condition the hair itself, which is why it has such a devoted following for hair and brow and lash care. Worked through the lengths it tames dryness and adds shine, and used regularly on nails and cuticles it helps them look stronger and less brittle.

How to use it

This is for external use only. Apply it directly to skin or hair, use it to moisturise, work it in as a massage or bath oil, or use it as a warm oil pack. A little goes a long way, so start with a few drops and build up. As with any new oil, do a small patch test first, keep it away from your eyes, and do not apply it to broken skin.

Why it carries her name

Dr. Hester van der Merwe keeps this exactly as it should be: one pure, cold-pressed, hexane-free oil in an amber bottle, with nothing added to cheapen or bulk it out. It is the honest version of a bathroom staple, made to a standard she is happy to put her name to.