Castor oil is a non-edible, plant-derived triglyceride oil obtained from the seeds of Ricinus communis. It is industrially valued for its unique hydroxyl functional group, which differentiates it from most vegetable oils and enables a wide range of chemical modifications and downstream derivatives.
Across global industries, castor oil functions as a reactive base material, performance additive, and intermediate for specialty chemicals where stability, lubricity, and compatibility are critical.
Product Overview
Castor oil is produced exclusively from castor seeds (Ricinus communis), a crop predominantly cultivated in India. The oil consists mainly of ricinoleic acid triglycerides, giving it distinctive polarity and chemical reactivity.
Common industrial grades and forms include:
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First Special Grade (FSG)
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Pale Pressed Grade (PP / PPG)
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First Pressed Degummed (FPD)
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Commercial Grade (CCO)
At a high level, castor oil is extracted, refined, and filtered to meet different industrial purity and performance requirements. Compared with other vegetable oils, castor oil offers higher functionality and derivative potential due to its hydroxylated fatty acid structure, making it suitable for chemical transformation rather than only nutritional use.
Manufacturing Process (High Level)
The industrial production of castor oil follows a controlled, multi-stage process designed to ensure consistency and traceability.
1. Raw Material Sourcing
Castor seeds are sourced from established agricultural regions where seed quality, oil content, and storage conditions are monitored.
2. Oil Extraction
Seeds are mechanically pressed to obtain crude castor oil while separating solid by-products.
3. Refining & Degumming
Refining removes gums, free fatty acids, moisture, and impurities to achieve the required clarity, color, and stability for industrial use.
4. Finishing & Filtration
Final filtration and polishing steps prepare the oil for packaging or further chemical processing.
5. Quality Control Stages
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Incoming raw material inspection
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In-process monitoring
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Final batch testing before dispatch
Proprietary conditions, temperatures, or catalysts are not disclosed, while quality outcomes are verified through routine testing.
Key Properties & Technical Characteristics
Castor oil’s performance in formulations depends on a combination of physical and chemical parameters. Each property influences how the oil behaves during processing and end use.
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Appearance & Physical State – Typically a clear to pale yellow viscous liquid; visual clarity indicates refining effectiveness.
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Odour – Mild characteristic odour; important for pharmaceutical and cosmetic suitability.
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Viscosity – Naturally high viscosity contributes to lubricity and film-forming behavior.
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Specific Gravity – Reflects molecular composition and consistency between batches.
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Acid Value – Indicates free fatty acid content; lower values suggest better stability.
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Hydroxyl Value – Represents reactive hydroxyl groups, critical for polymer and resin chemistry.
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Iodine Value – Measures unsaturation; relevant to oxidation behavior.
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Saponification Value – Helps formulators assess fatty acid chain length and soap formation.
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Moisture Content – Excess moisture can affect storage stability and downstream reactions.
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Unsaponifiable Matter – Monitored to ensure purity.
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Oxidation Stability – Important for storage and high-temperature applications.
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Typical Impurities Monitored – Gums, residual solids, and trace metals.
Typical Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Typical Indication |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, viscous liquid |
| Key Values | Typical range — confirm with Certificate of Analysis (COA) |
| Purity Indicators | Batch-specific, COA verified |
Exact numerical values depend on grade and must be confirmed with the COA.
Applications & End-Use Industries
Pharmaceuticals
Use case: Functional excipient and processing aid.
Why it works: Chemical stability and compatibility with active ingredients.
Examples: Capsule shells, ointment bases, drug delivery intermediates.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Use case: Emollient and dispersing agent.
Why it works: High polarity and moisture-retention characteristics.
Examples: Creams, lotions, soaps, hair oils, lip products.
Lubricants & Greases
Use case: Base oil or additive component.
Why it works: Natural lubricity and high viscosity index.
Examples: Industrial lubricants, greases, metalworking fluids.
Polymers & Resins
Use case: Renewable chemical intermediate.
Why it works: Reactive hydroxyl functionality enables chemical modification.
Examples: Polyurethanes, bio-based resins, elastomers.
Paints, Coatings & Adhesives
Use case: Film-forming and modifying agent.
Why it works: Compatibility with resins and improved flexibility.
Examples: Industrial coatings, inks, adhesive systems.
Specialty & Other Industrial Uses
Use case: Feedstock for downstream castor derivatives.
Why it works: Consistent chemical structure and availability.
Examples: Hydrogenated castor oil, 12-hydroxy stearic acid, esters.
Quality Standards & Compliance Practices
Industrial castor oil is supplied based on testing discipline rather than certification claims. Common practices include:
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Acid value testing
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Moisture analysis
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Appearance and odour checks
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Batch traceability records
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Availability of COA, TDS, and MSDS
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Structured quality systems aligned with generic ISO-style processes
Packaging, Storage & Export Handling
Packaging options commonly include:
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HDPE drums
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IBC containers
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Bulk tankers (where applicable)
Storage guidelines:
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Store in a cool, dry, and sealed environment
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Shelf life depends on storage conditions and handling
Export documentation typically includes:
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Commercial Invoice
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Packing List
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Certificate of Analysis (COA)
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MSDS
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Bill of Lading
HS Code: Provided on request
MOQ & Lead Time: Subject to grade, packaging, and incoterms; confirm at enquiry
Why Buyers Source Castor Oil from India
India is one of the world’s primary origins for castor seeds and castor oil. Gujarat functions as a major processing and export hub due to established agricultural supply chains, processing infrastructure, port connectivity, and export-oriented compliance systems. These factors support traceability and consistent global supply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the main industrial uses of castor oil?
Lubricants, polymers, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals.
2. What is the typical shelf life?
Depends on grade and storage conditions.
3. How should castor oil be stored?
In sealed containers, away from heat and moisture.
4. What packaging options are available?
Drums, IBCs, and bulk supply.
5. Is documentation provided with shipments?
COA, MSDS, and standard export documents are available.
6. How do buyers select the right grade?
Based on application requirements and testing parameters.
7. What QC checks are done on incoming batches?
Appearance, moisture, and acid value checks.
8. Are custom specifications possible?
Custom testing or processing may be discussed at enquiry stage.
Technical Enquiries
For technical datasheets, samples, or commercial enquiries, buyers may contact Nova Industries at export@novaind.in.
