Jamaican black castor oil or JBCO has become increasingly popular over the last few years as a grooming and beauty product. From improving the thickness and softness of hair and benefiting the skin, its topical application is all the rage.
People often ask us what the difference is between JBCO and ordinary castor oil. Here we take a closer look.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a yellow, viscous liquid that is widely available in places like pharmacies and supermarkets. It contains as many as 18 different fatty acids and was most commonly used in the past as a medicine to improve digestion and ease constipation.
When applied to areas like the skin, it also has some pretty amazing properties, including conditioning areas like the scalp and improving the lustre and manageability of hair.
What’s the Difference with JBCO?
The big difference between ordinary castor oil and JBCO is in the manufacturing process.
While castor oil is made by cold-pressing the castor beans to produce a distinctive yellow liquid, with JBCO the beans are first roasted. This produces a darker bean with some ash which is then pressed, creating a luxurious brown or close to a black, thick oil. The ash found in JBCO creates a beauty product that has a higher, more alkaline pH that is better for the skin and hair.
Both JBCO and cold-pressed castor oil contain ricinoleic acid which has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce problems such as acne and other common skin conditions. JBCO also supports keratin, an essential protein that maintains the health and strength of hair.
What is Jamaican Black Castor Oil Used For
- The hair: If you want thicker, more manageable hair, then JBCO has been shown to considerably increase volume and softness. Not only does it condition the hair and improve the scalp, but it can also potentially promote more hair growth if you suffer from a problem such as alopecia or thinning.
- The skin: More and more people are using JBCO in place of their normal moisturiser. Because it maintains the natural pH of the skin and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it’s the perfect natural solution in skincare for all ages.
- The beard: Men are turning to JBCO products for their personal grooming. With the rise in popularity of beards in recent years, it can help maintain a soft, healthy beard with strong hair.
- Eyebrows and eyelashes: JBCO can also be used to promote stronger eyebrows and longer lashes when applied in small quantities overnight.
Essential Oils and Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Except for when using JBCO for the eyebrows and eyelashes, essential oils can also be added to products for a variety of reasons. Some of the combinations we manufacture include:
- JBCO with mango butter and lime essential oil
- JBCO with lavender and tea tree essential oil
- JBCO with monoi and ylang ylang essential oil
Where Can I Buy Jamaican Black Castor Oil?
We manufacture and supply extra strength, extra pure JBCO which can be combined with a variety of different essential oils. Our products are not only very high quality but they are suitable for anyone who would like more manageable hair and healthier skin.
Want to find out more? Click here to visit our Shop today!