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BP Grade Castor Oil vs. Traditional Castor Oil: What’s the Difference?
Castor oil is known for its wide range of external uses in skincare, haircare, and massage routines. Occasionally, you might come across the term “BP grade” when researching castor oil. But what does this actually mean, and how does it differ from the traditional varieties used in personal care?
What Does BP Grade Mean?
“BP” stands for British Pharmacopoeia—a standard reference for substances that are used in regulated medicinal or pharmaceutical contexts. BP grade castor oil refers to oil that meets specific pharmaceutical quality benchmarks such as purity, consistency, and refinement level. It is typically refined through multiple stages and is used in regulated therapeutic products—not general cosmetic goods.
How Traditional Castor Oil Compares
Traditional castor oil is commonly cold-pressed from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, retaining its natural characteristics and thickness. It is valued in cosmetic routines for its emollient texture and is often used externally for hair and skin conditioning. This type of oil is not refined to BP standards but is well suited for non-therapeutic, personal care uses.
Refinement Differences
BP grade castor oil undergoes several refining steps including degumming, neutralisation, bleaching, and deodorisation. These processes aim to meet pharmaceutical purity criteria. In contrast, traditional cold-pressed castor oil is usually minimally processed to preserve its natural composition, making it a common choice for external cosmetic use.
Which Should You Choose?
For general haircare, skincare, and massage routines, traditional cold-pressed castor oil is typically preferred due to its richness and natural extraction process. If you’re looking for a castor oil to use externally for moisturising or hair oiling, traditional varieties are suitable. BP grade castor oil, on the other hand, is manufactured for use in regulated pharmaceutical contexts and is not necessary—or appropriate—for everyday cosmetic use unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
The term “BP grade” simply refers to a quality benchmark used in pharmaceutical contexts. For external, cosmetic use, traditional castor oil remains a reliable and natural option. If you’re looking for a cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil to add to your daily care routine, explore our range of premium castor oil products, available in both glass and plastic packaging options.
Disclaimer: The castor oil sold by The Castor Oil Company is cosmetic-grade and intended for external use only. It is not a therapeutic good and is not suitable for medicinal or pharmaceutical use. Always patch test before use and avoid contact with eyes.