Here's a comparison of Castor Oil vs. Ester-based bases in lipstick:
? Castor Oil
What it is: A natural vegetable oil high in ricinoleic acid
Used for: Shine, gloss, pigment dispersion, emolliency
Pros:
Excellent pigment wetting – helps disperse color evenly
High shine/gloss finish
Natural and biodegradable
Common in natural/clean beauty products
Cons:
Sticky feel (can be heavy or tacky)
Less stable (can oxidize over time)
Slower dry-down; may transfer more
May not provide long wear or high slip
? Ester-based Lipstick Base
What it is: Synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds (e.g., isopropyl myristate, octyldodecanol) used to create smooth, emollient, often longer-lasting formulas
Pros:
Lightweight, non-greasy feel
Good pigment wetting and dispersion (varies by ester)
Smooth, non-sticky application
Better wear time and dry-down
Customizable feel (silky, creamy, matte, etc.)
Cons:
May require more careful formulation for stability
Best for: Matte or satin lipsticks, long-wear formulations, more modern or performance-focused products
✅ Which is Better?
Depends on your goal:
| Goal | Better Option |
|---|---|
| Natural formulation | Castor oil |
| High gloss | Same |
| Long wear | Ester base |
| Lightweight, silky feel | Ester base |
| Matte or satin finish | Ester base |