Castor Oil FSG (First Special Grade) is a refined castor oil derivative widely used across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, lubricants, polymers, and specialty chemical formulations where high purity, consistency, and functional reliability are required. Derived from castor seeds (Ricinus communis), this grade is valued for its naturally high hydroxyl functionality, lubricity, and biodegradability.
This article provides a technical, buyer-oriented overview of Castor Oil FSG—covering product fundamentals, high-level manufacturing, key properties, end-use applications, quality expectations, packaging and export considerations—intended to support global industrial buyers during evaluation and sourcing.
Product Overview
Castor Oil FSG is a refined, non-edible industrial grade of castor oil, commonly specified when applications demand controlled acidity, low moisture, and consistent physicochemical behavior. It is typically supplied as a clear to pale yellow viscous liquid with mild characteristic odor.
Feedstock & processing (high level):
The oil originates from castor seeds (Ricinus communis). After mechanical pressing and initial clarification, the oil undergoes refining steps to reduce free fatty acids, moisture, and impurities, resulting in a stable grade suitable for sensitive formulations.
Key differentiators vs other grades:
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Lower and controlled acid value compared to commercial grades
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Improved clarity and stability
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Better suitability for downstream chemical reactions and regulated applications
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Consistent performance across batches
Buyer benefit:
Castor Oil FSG is selected when process stability, shelf life, and predictable reactivity are critical—reducing formulation variability and rework.
Manufacturing Process (High-Level Overview)
Note: The following describes a non-confidential, industry-standard overview.
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Raw material sourcing
Mature castor seeds are sourced, cleaned, and conditioned. Oil is extracted via mechanical pressing. -
Primary refining
The crude oil is refined to remove gums, free fatty acids, pigments, and trace impurities. This improves color, odor, and chemical stability. -
Finishing & conditioning
Final steps include filtration, drying, and controlled cooling to meet FSG-grade specifications. -
Quality control checkpoints
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Incoming crude oil checks
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In-process monitoring (acidity, moisture)
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Final release testing per batch prior to packing
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This approach ensures batch-to-batch consistency while preserving the intrinsic hydroxyl functionality of castor oil.
Key Properties & Technical Characteristics
Buyers typically evaluate Castor Oil FSG based on the following attributes. Numeric ranges should be confirmed against the supplier’s COA.
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Physical state & appearance
Viscous liquid; clear to pale yellow. Clarity affects visual quality and downstream filtration needs. -
Odor
Mild, characteristic. Important for cosmetic and pharma-adjacent uses. -
Viscosity / Specific gravity
Influences pumpability, blending, and lubrication behavior in formulations. -
Hydroxyl value
Indicates reactivity and suitability for polyurethanes, resins, and esters. -
Acid value
Reflects residual free fatty acids; lower values support better stability and corrosion control. -
Iodine value
Measures unsaturation, affecting oxidation behavior and drying characteristics. -
Saponification value
Useful for soap, surfactant, and esterification processes. -
Moisture & volatile matter
Low moisture improves shelf life and prevents hydrolytic degradation. -
Unsaponifiable matter
Impacts purity and end-product appearance. -
Impurities to monitor
Free fatty acids, trace metals, and particulates.
Writer/Buyer note: Present “Typical Parameters” in a table and label values as typical — verify with COA unless lab-certified.
Applications & End-Use Industries
Pharmaceuticals
Castor Oil FSG is used as an excipient and processing aid where controlled purity and stability are required.
Why chosen: predictable viscosity, compatibility with APIs, and good oxidative stability.
Examples: softgel formulations, topical preparations, processing lubricants.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Acts as an emollient, solubilizer, and viscosity modifier.
Why chosen: natural origin, skin-feel performance, and formulation stability.
Examples: creams, lotions, lip products, hair oils.
Lubricants & Greases
Used directly or as a base/intermediate in biodegradable lubricants.
Why chosen: high lubricity, film strength, and thermal stability.
Examples: metalworking fluids, specialty greases, chain lubricants.
Polymers & Resins
A key raw material for polyurethanes and modified resins.
Why chosen: hydroxyl functionality enabling controlled crosslinking.
Examples: flexible foams, coatings binders, elastomers.
Paints, Coatings & Inks
Functions as a flow modifier and resin component.
Why chosen: solvency and compatibility with other bio-based inputs.
Examples: industrial coatings, printing inks.
Other Industrial Uses
Includes specialty chemicals, surfactants, and intermediates where renewable content is preferred.
Quality Standards & Specifications
Typical quality expectations include testing for:
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Acid value
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Hydroxyl value
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Iodine value
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Moisture content
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Unsaponifiable matter
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Peroxide value (where relevant)
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Heavy metals (on request)
Traceability & documentation:
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Batch-wise Certificate of Analysis (COA)
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Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
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Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
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Batch number and production traceability
Certifications (ISO/GMP) should be stated only when held and verifiable.
Packaging, Storage & Export Supply
Packaging options
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Standard steel drums (e.g., ~200 L)
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IBCs for bulk supply
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ISO tanks for large-volume shipments
Storage & shelf life
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Store sealed in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
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Shelf life depends on storage and handling; verify via COA
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Check moisture/peroxide on receipt
Export handling
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HS code: to be confirmed per destination and finished form
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Documents: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, COA, MSDS, Bill of Lading/AWB, Certificate of Origin (if requested)
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MOQ and lead time depend on packaging and Incoterms
Why Global Buyers Source from India
India is the world’s leading producer of castor seeds and castor oil, with Gujarat serving as a major processing and export hub. Buyers benefit from:
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Proximity to raw material supply
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Established processing clusters
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Port connectivity and export infrastructure
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Cost efficiency with scalable volumes
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Increasing focus on traceability and compliance
These factors make India a strategic sourcing origin for castor derivatives.
FAQs
1. What is the HS code for Castor Oil FSG?
HS codes vary by form and country. Suppliers provide the correct code on export documents.
2. What is the typical shelf life?
Shelf life depends on storage; refer to COA/MSDS and monitor moisture and peroxide.
3. What are common applications?
Pharma excipients, cosmetic emollients, lubricant bases, resin intermediates.
4. What documentation is supplied?
COA, TDS, MSDS, and Certificate of Origin on request.
5. What packaging sizes are available?
Drums, IBCs, and bulk ISO tanks; customized per order.
6. Is pharma-grade available?
Only if the supplier holds appropriate GMP compliance—verify certificates.
7. What is the typical lead time?
Samples/small lots: ~1–2 weeks; bulk orders: ~3–6 weeks (confirm at order).
8. Can third-party testing be arranged?
Yes, subject to agreement and cost.
Soft Buyer-Oriented Closing
For buyers evaluating renewable, high-performance raw materials, Castor Oil FSG offers a balance of functional reliability and supply consistency—technical details and documentation should always be confirmed with the supplier prior to final approval.
About the supplier:
Nova Industries — Manufacturer & exporter of castor oil and derivatives, Gujarat, India.
COA, TDS, and MSDS are available on request.
