Global Castor Oil Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Global Castor Oil Market Segmentation, By Product Type (Cold Pressed Castor Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Dehydrated Castor Oil, and Others), Application (Lubricants, Biodiesel, Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals, Plastics and Resins, and Others), End-Use (Chemical Industry, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic and Personal Care, and Food and Beverage), Distribution Channel (Hypermarket/Supermarket, Convenience Stores, Traditional Grocery Stores, Discount Stores, Specialty Stores, and Online Retail) - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2032

Castor Oil Market Size

• The global castor oil market size was valued at USD 2.33 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.92 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 6.70% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely driven by the increasing demand for sustainable, bio-based chemicals across various industries including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, lubricants, and biodiesel. Castor oil, being a renewable resource with versatile industrial applications, is gaining traction as an eco-friendly alternative to petrochemical-based products
• Furthermore, the expansion of the personal care and pharmaceutical sectors, especially in developing economies, is boosting the demand for castor oil due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties. The rise in health-conscious and eco-aware consumers is encouraging companies to incorporate natural oils such as  castor oil into their product lines 

Castor Oil Market Analysis

• Castor oil, derived from the seeds of Ricinus communis, is an essential bio-based oil widely used across industrial, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food sectors. Its unique chemical composition, particularly high ricinoleic acid content, enables its application in lubricants, surfactants, coatings, biodiesel, and skincare formulations, making it a sustainable alternative to petrochemicals
• The escalating demand for castor oil is primarily driven by growing awareness around sustainability, increasing demand for natural and organic personal care products, and expanding usage in bio-based industrial applications including resins, plastics, and adhesives. In addition, favorable regulatory support for green chemicals in the U.S. and EU is further encouraging industrial uptake
• Asia-Pacific dominates the castor oil market with the largest revenue share of 52.4% in 2024, largely due to India, which contributes over 85% of the world’s castor oil production. The region benefits from extensive cultivation, processing capabilities, and export infrastructure. India alone accounts for over 75% of global castor oil exports, mainly to the U.S., China, and European countries
• Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the castor oil market during the forecast period, growing at a CAGR of 7.3%. This growth is driven by EU regulations promoting bio-based alternatives, as well as increasing demand from the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors, particularly in Germany, France, and the Netherlands
• The industrial grade segment is expected to dominate the castor oil market with a market share of 47.8% in 2024, owing to its extensive use in lubricants, paints, coatings, biodiesel, and polymers. Industrial-grade castor oil’s ability to replace petroleum-based inputs in manufacturing supports its demand from companies pursuing ESG and carbon-reduction goal

Report Scope and Castor Oil Market Segmentation   

Castor Oil Market Trends

“Growing Shift Toward Bio-Based and Sustainable Industrial Inputs”

• A significant and accelerating trend in the global castor oil market is the rising demand for bio-based and environmentally sustainable raw materials, especially across the chemical, personal care, and automotive industries. Castor oil is emerging as a preferred alternative to petroleum-based products due to its renewable nature, low carbon footprint, and versatile chemical properties

  • For instance, in November 2023, Arkema announced the expansion of its castor-based Rilsan polyamide production in France, aimed at meeting surging global demand for high-performance bio-based materials in sectors such as electronics, automotive, and 3D printing. The project supports Arkema’s long-term commitment to sustainability and reinforces the industrial value of castor oil in performance polymers

• In the cosmetics and personal care industry, brands are increasingly incorporating castor oil into formulations due to its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. For instances, L'Oréal and The Body Shop have launched new hair and skin products featuring ethically sourced castor oil, catering to rising consumer demand for natural and clean-label ingredients
• The automotive and lubricants industry is also adopting castor oil-based esters and greases for high-performance applications due to castor oil’s superior viscosity and thermal stability. In May 2024, TotalEnergies introduced new biolubricant formulations using castor oil derivatives as part of its commitment to developing eco-friendly automotive solutions
• In addition, castor oil is gaining prominence in the bio-polymer and packaging industries. Companies such as BASF and Jayant Agro-Organics are investing in castor-based polyamides and coatings to meet demand for bio-degradable and high-strength materials used in electronics, textiles, and sustainable packaging
• This growing preference for natural, biodegradable, and performance-driven ingredients is fundamentally reshaping the role of castor oil across multiple sectors. Consequently, manufacturers are increasing investment in supply chain traceability, organic certification, and R&D for value-added castor derivatives, aiming to meet the dual consumer demand for performance and sustainability

Castor Oil Market Dynamics

Driver

“Expanding Applications in Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Industries”

• The growing awareness of the health benefits and multifunctionality of castor oil is driving its increasing use in pharmaceutical formulations and personal care products worldwide
• Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and moisturizing properties make it a preferred ingredient in topical ointments, laxatives, and skincare products
• The rise in chronic health conditions and demand for natural therapeutic solutions has encouraged pharmaceutical companies to incorporate castor oil derivatives into drug delivery systems and wellness products
• In personal care, castor oil is widely used in hair care, cosmetics, and natural skincare products, with rising consumer preference for organic and chemical-free ingredients fueling its adoption
• Increasing launches of castor oil-infused products by major brands and startups alike are expanding its presence in global markets, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific
• Furthermore, ongoing research into castor oil’s potential benefits in anti-aging, wound healing, and skin regeneration is expected to unlock new pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, further supporting market growth
• Increasing launches of castor oil-infused products by major brands and startups alike are expanding its presence in global markets, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific

Restraint/Challenge

“Price Volatility and Limited Global Production Zones”

• Despite its rising demand, the castor oil market faces a major challenge in the form of price volatility and dependency on a single major production zone. Over 85% of global castor oil production comes from India, making the market highly susceptible to climatic conditions, labor issues, and geopolitical disruptions in the region

  • For instance, in August 2023, severe monsoon disruptions in Gujarat, the primary castor-producing state in India, led to reduced yields and a temporary spike in global castor oil prices, impacting supply chains for manufacturers in Europe and the U.S.

• The limited number of countries producing castor beans at commercial scale (India, Brazil, and China) restricts the scalability of supply to meet growing industrial demand. This geographic concentration risk can result in unstable supply chains and fluctuating input costs, challenging procurement strategies for global manufacturers
• In addition, the labor-intensive harvesting process, combined with the toxicity of castor beans (due to ricin), limits widespread cultivation in new regions and increases the cost of production. Safety concerns around ricin handling further deter large-scale automation in farming and processing
• Addressing these challenges through crop diversification efforts, investments in mechanized harvesting, and geographical expansion of cultivation (e.g., trials in African nations) is vital for ensuring stable supply and long-term market sustainability. Industry stakeholders are increasingly investing in traceable, fair trade, and sustainable sourcing models to mitigate these risks and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers

Castor Oil Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of product type, application, end-use, and distribution channel

By Product Type

On the basis of product type, the castor oil market is segmented into cold pressed castor oil, hydrogenated castor oil, jamaican black castor oil, dehydrated castor oil, and others. the cold pressed castor oil segment dominates the largest market revenue share in 2025, driven by its high purity, nutrient retention, and wide usage in cosmetics and personal care formulations. cold pressed varieties are particularly favored in organic skincare and haircare due to minimal processing and superior moisturizing properties. its rising adoption in premium natural cosmetics further solidifies its dominant position

The hydrogenated castor oil segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, fueled by increasing demand in industrial applications, including lubricants, greases, and coatings. its unique chemical stability and resistance to moisture make it ideal for diverse uses in plastics, electronics, and high-performance materials. the growing shift toward bio-based industrial feedstocks continues to support its market expansion

By Application

On the basis of application, the castor oil market is segmented into lubricants, biodiesel, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, plastics and resins, and others. The cosmetics and pharmaceuticals segment held the largest market revenue share in 2025, driven by the surging demand for natural, plant-based ingredients in topical formulations, skincare, haircare, and over-the-counter medical products. castor oil’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and moisturizing properties make it a staple ingredient in beauty and health products globally

The biodiesel segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, as countries increasingly turn to sustainable energy solutions. Castor oil’s low freezing point and high cetane value make it an efficient biodiesel feedstock. Government policies promoting green energy and emissions reduction are significantly accelerating demand, particularly in emerging markets

By End-Use

On the basis of end-use, the castor oil market is segmented into chemical industry, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and personal care, and food and beverage. The chemical industry segment accounts for the largest market revenue share in 2025, supported by widespread utilization of castor derivatives such as sebacic acid, undecylenic acid, and ricinoleic acid in plastics, coatings, adhesives, and lubricants. the movement toward green chemistry and stricter environmental regulations is enhancing adoption in this sector

The cosmetic and personal care segment is projected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, propelled by consumer preferences shifting towards clean-label, non-toxic, and sustainable personal care products. The rise of vegan beauty and growing e-commerce penetration of niche skincare brands further contribute to the segment’s robust growth

By Distribution Channel

On the basis of distribution channel, the castor oil market is segmented into hypermarket/supermarket, convenience stores, traditional grocery stores, discount stores, specialty stores, and online retail. The specialty stores segment is estimated to hold the largest market revenue share in 2025, attributed to the personalized consumer experience, expert recommendations, and wide availability of premium castor oil variants, including organic and cold pressed oils used for health, wellness, and beauty purposes

The online retail segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, driven by expanding internet penetration, increased smartphone usage, and the growing popularity of direct-to-consumer (d2c) brands. Online platforms provide consumers with convenient access to a wide array of castor oil products, coupled with detailed product descriptions, reviews, and subscription models for regular delivery

Castor Oil Market Regional Analysis

• Asia-Pacific leads the global castor oil market with the largest revenue share of 52.4% in 2024, driven by strong demand from key end-use industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and lubricants. Major producers such as India and China contribute significantly to the supply chain and consumption in the region
• Consumers and manufacturers in the region prioritize castor oil for its versatility, biodegradability, and eco-friendly properties, especially in personal care products and bio-based industrial applications. The growing awareness about natural and sustainable ingredients is fueling demand in emerging economies
• The widespread adoption of castor oil is further supported by increasing industrialization, expanding pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors, and government initiatives promoting bio-based products. Additionally, favorable climatic conditions for castor cultivation in countries such as India bolster the region’s dominance in production and export.

Japan Castor Oil Market Insight

The Japan castor oil market is experiencing steady growth driven by the country’s demand for high-quality, sustainable raw materials in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial lubricants. Japan’s aging population and advanced healthcare industry are fueling the need for natural and safe products, which boosts castor oil use. Additionally, integration of castor oil derivatives in eco-friendly automotive and electronics sectors is supporting market expansion. Government policies encouraging green chemistry and biobased product innovation also contribute to this momentum

India Castor Oil Market Insight

India remains the largest producer and exporter of castor oil globally, accounting for a dominant share of the market in Asia-Pacific. The country’s castor oil industry benefits from favorable climatic conditions, a vast agricultural base, and strong government support for castor cultivation. Increasing demand from end-use industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and bio-lubricants is propelling market growth. Additionally, rising awareness of castor oil’s applications in bio-based plastics and sustainable materials is attracting investments in processing infrastructure

North America Castor Oil Market Insight

The North America castor oil market is projected to grow steadily due to rising demand in pharmaceutical formulations, personal care products, and bio-based industrial chemicals. The U.S. and Canada focus heavily on natural and organic product formulations, positioning castor oil as a preferred raw material. Technological advancements in castor oil extraction and refining processes are enhancing product quality. Furthermore, increased consumer preference for sustainable and biodegradable products is supporting the market’s growth in the region

U.S. Castor Oil Market Insight

The U.S. castor oil market is witnessing significant expansion driven by rising applications in specialty chemicals, lubricants, and personal care products. Innovation in bio-based polymers and green solvents is stimulating demand. Additionally, the country’s emphasis on sustainability and environmental regulations favor the adoption of castor oil-derived products. Growing investments in research and development are encouraging new applications in automotive, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors, boosting market potential

Europe Castor Oil Market Insight

Europe’s castor oil market is expected to register a robust CAGR due to increasing consumer preference for natural and organic ingredients in cosmetics and personal care. The region’s stringent environmental policies and push for renewable raw materials enhance castor oil adoption in industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Countries such as Germany, France, and the UK lead in demand, driven by sustainable manufacturing trends. Investment in R&D for castor oil derivatives with improved functional properties also fuels the market growth

Germany Castor Oil Market Insight

Germany’s castor oil market growth is propelled by the country’s focus on green chemistry and sustainable industrial practices. The demand for eco-friendly lubricants, bio-based plastics, and cosmetic ingredients is on the rise. Germany’s advanced manufacturing infrastructure and strong regulatory environment encourage the use of renewable resources such as castor oil. Integration of castor oil in innovative products aligned with the circular economy principles supports ongoing market expansion

U.K. Castor Oil Market Insight

The U.K. castor oil market is poised for growth driven by increasing consumer inclination towards organic and natural personal care products. The expanding pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries leverage castor oil for its multifunctional properties. Moreover, the U.K.’s growing bio-economy initiatives and sustainable product policies promote castor oil utilization in green chemicals and bio-lubricants. The market is supported by rising awareness about biodegradable and renewable raw materials

China Castor Oil Market Insight

China is a rapidly growing market for castor oil, driven by expanding industrial applications, including bio-based lubricants, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The country’s strong manufacturing base and increasing investments in bio-based product research are boosting demand. Government initiatives promoting sustainable agriculture and renewable resources further enhance the market outlook. Additionally, rising urbanization and disposable incomes increase consumer preference for natural and eco-friendly products containing castor oil

Castor Oil Market Share

The castor oil industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• N.K.Proteins Pvt Limited  (India)
• JAYANT AGROORGANICS LIMITED  (India)
• AMBUJA solvex pvt. ltd.  (India)
• Adani Group  (India)
• Wilmar International Ltd  (Singapore)
• rpkagrotech  (India)
• Gokulrefoil  (India)
• Adya Oils & Chemicals Ltd.  (India)
• Taj Agro International (Taj Pharma Group) (India)
• Girnar Industries  (India)
• Kisan Agro  (India)
• Gokul Agro Resource Ltd.  (India)
• ITOH OIL CHEMICALS CO., LTD.  (Japan)
• HOKOKU CORPORATION(Japan)
• NK Industries Limited  (India)

Latest Developments in Global Castor Oil Market

• In May 2023, Kenya's Ministry of Agriculture entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ENI to boost the cultivation of biofuel crops, including castor oil and cotton, in arid regions. This collaboration aimed to enhance sustainable agriculture and optimize land use for biofuel production. The initiative sought to utilize 80% of Kenya’s land to increase output, supporting the country’s energy diversification efforts. The agreement also focused on improving farming techniques and infrastructure to maximize yield
• In July 2023, Casterra Ag Ltd., a subsidiary of Evogene, secured USD 2.2 million in purchase orders to supply castor seeds across new African territories. This expansion aligns with their mission to provide integrated cultivation solutions for sustainable biofuel production. Casterra’s high-yield, high-oil castor seed varieties are optimized for biofuel applications, supporting the growing demand for renewable energy. The company leverages advanced AI-driven genomic technologies to enhance seed performance and agricultural efficiency 
• In March 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) suggested limiting the use of castor oil in cosmetic products, citing concerns about its potential to cause skin irritation. This proposal aimed to regulate formulations containing castor oil to ensure consumer safety. The restriction was part of broader efforts to assess and control substances that might pose health risks. ECHA's evaluation considered scientific studies and industry feedback before making recommendations. The agency continues to monitor developments and update regulations accordingly
• In March 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recommended limiting the use of castor oil in cosmetic formulations, citing concerns about its potential to cause skin irritation. This proposal aimed to enhance consumer safety by regulating products containing castor oil. The restriction was part of broader efforts to assess substances that might pose health risks. ECHA's evaluation considered scientific research and industry feedback before making recommendations. The agency continues to monitor developments and update regulations accordingly
• In January 2023, the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) announced a 12% increase in India's castor oil exports during the first half of the 2022-23 fiscal year. This growth was driven by rising global demand, particularly from industries utilizing castor oil in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and lubricants. India, a leading producer of castor oil, benefited from favorable market conditions and improved production efficiency. SEA continues to monitor export trends and provide insights into the industry's performance 

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