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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Castor Oil

  • Base oils
  • CAS 8001-79-4

Castor Oil (CAS 8001-79-4) appears in 3 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Generally low toxicity (familiar from food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic uses). Skin contact poses minimal risk for most users; rare contact allergy reported.

Castor oil is a viscous, plant-derived triglyceride pressed from castor bean. In car-care it is used as a film-forming emollient in some wax blends and leather products.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Plant-derived oil; used in some carnauba waxes and leather conditioners for emollient/lubricity properties

Common questions about Castor Oil

What is Castor Oil used for in car care?
Plant-derived oil; used in some carnauba waxes and leather conditioners for emollient/lubricity properties
Is Castor Oil a VOC?
No. Castor Oil is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Castor Oil on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Castor Oil is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Castor Oil biodegradable?
Yes. Castor Oil has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

3 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.