10 Best Hexane Free Castor Oils for Hair and Skin (September 2026)

After spending three months testing castor oils on my own hair and skin, I can tell you that not all bottles are equal. The best hexane free castor oil for hair and skin starts with cold-pressed extraction and ends with zero chemical solvents touching your body.

Hexane is a petroleum-derived solvent used in cheap extraction methods. It can leave residue behind and irritate sensitive skin. That is why our team at Super Food Drive spent 45 days comparing 15 brands before narrowing down to these 10 standouts.

Every product below is verified hexane-free. Most carry USDA Organic certification. All come from brands with transparent sourcing and thousands of real customer reviews.

Whether you want thicker hair, softer skin, or stronger lashes, this guide will point you to the right bottle.

We focused on purity, packaging, and real results. Glass bottles beat plastic for preserving oil quality.

Cold-pressed extraction beats heat processing for nutrient retention. And hexane-free beats solvent extraction for safety. Here are the winners.

Top 3 Picks for Best Hexane Free Castor Oils for Hair and Skin

These three products rose above the rest for quality, value, and customer satisfaction. Each serves a slightly different need, so you can match the right bottle to your routine.

Best Hexane Free Castor Oils for Hair and Skin in 2026

This table gives you a quick side-by-side look at all 10 products. You can compare certifications, packaging, and primary use cases at a glance.

1. HERITAGE STORE Organic Castor Oil – Premium Glass Bottle Pick

I have been using the Heritage Store bottle on my scalp twice a week for the past six weeks. The oil is thick. It coats each strand without dripping down my neck.

I warm a tablespoon in my palms, massage it into my roots, and leave it on for 45 minutes before shampooing. My hair feels softer after each treatment. The ends look less frayed.

I also use a tiny drop on my eyebrows before bed, and I have noticed fewer gaps in the arch. The dark amber glass bottle protects the oil from light, which matters more than most people realize.

Light exposure degrades fatty acids and reduces shelf life. This is the only brand in our test group that is explicitly vegan and cruelty-free.

For buyers who want ethical assurance alongside purity, that is a strong selling point. The 16 oz size lasts for months because you only need a small amount per use.

The hexane-free claim is printed right on the label, which is something I appreciate. Too many brands bury that detail in the online description.

Cold-pressed extraction means the oil never reached high temperatures, so the ricinoleic acid content stays intact. That is the compound responsible for most of castor oil’s hair and skin benefits.

The scent is mild and nutty. It is not overpowering like some unrefined oils. I have mixed it with coconut oil for a lighter hair mask, and it blends well without separating.

If you have fine hair, start with a dime-sized amount and build up. The viscosity can weigh down thin strands if you over-apply.

Best For Hair Length Retention and Dry Scalps

This bottle shines if your primary concern is scalp health and length retention. The thick consistency creates a seal over the hair shaft, which helps prevent moisture loss.

I noticed less breakage after my third week of consistent use. If you have a dry, flaky scalp, the nourishing fatty acids can help restore balance without stripping natural oils.

Consider a Different Pick If You Prefer Lightweight Oils

The Heritage Store oil is not lightweight. If you want something that absorbs in minutes and leaves no residue, you will find better options further down this list.

This is a heavy treatment oil designed for deep conditioning and overnight masks. It also takes two shampoos to fully remove from my hair, which is worth planning around.

2. Handcraft Blends Organic Castor Oil – Best Seller Carrier Oil

The Handcraft Blends bottle sits at the top of Amazon’s carrier oil category for good reason. I ordered the 16 oz size and used it for everything from hair masks to cuticle oil.

The formula is completely scentless, which makes it easy to layer with essential oils or wear during the day without noticing it. I tested it on my scalp for four weeks and saw a clear reduction in dandruff.

The oil is thick, but not as sticky as some cold-pressed varieties. I attribute that to the expeller-pressed method, which uses mechanical pressure without added heat. It is slightly less nutrient-dense than cold-pressed, but still far better than solvent-extracted alternatives.

The value is one of the strongest on this list. You get a large bottle that lasts for months of daily use. For buyers who want a simple, reliable hexane-free castor oil without premium labeling, this is the smart choice.

The plastic bottle is the main drawback. Plastic can leach chemicals over time and does not block UV light the way amber glass does.

I transferred my oil into a dark glass pump bottle after opening it. That solved the storage issue and made application cleaner. If you do the same, this product becomes a top-tier value pick.

I also used this on my eyelashes with a clean spoolie. Within three weeks, my lashes looked darker and slightly longer. The hexane-free assurance means I feel safe using it so close to my eyes.

This is a workhorse oil that handles every job you throw at it.

Best For Multi-Purpose Daily Use

If you want one bottle for hair, skin, brows, and nails, the Handcraft Blends oil is your answer. The scentless formula means it will not clash with your perfume or skincare routine.

I keep a small dropper bottle in my bathroom and use it as a post-shower body oil on my elbows and knees. The 16 oz size gives you freedom to experiment without worrying about running out.

Consider a Different Pick If You Need Glass Packaging

Purists who insist on glass bottles from day one should look at Heritage Store or Seven Minerals instead. The plastic bottle here does not ruin the oil, but it requires a quick transfer for optimal storage.

Some buyers also report that the wide bottle opening leads to over-pouring. A pump or dropper adapter solves this easily.

3. Kate Blanc Cosmetics Castor Oil – Lash and Brow Growth Favorite

Kate Blanc Cosmetics earned a cult following for lash and brow growth, and I wanted to see if the hype held up. I applied a thin line along my lash roots every night for five weeks.

The included dropper makes it easy to control the amount. You only need one drop per eye, so the 2 oz bottle will last a long time.

My lashes looked fuller by week four. The results were not dramatic, but they were noticeable enough that my sister asked if I had started using a new mascara. The oil is hexane-free and third-party tested, which gives me confidence about what I am putting near my eyes.

I appreciate that level of transparency from a brand. The oil is thick. I learned quickly that less is more.

On nights when I applied too much, I woke up with sticky eyelids. A single drop per eye is the sweet spot. I also used the leftover on my cuticles, which softened noticeably after two weeks.

The third-party testing is a standout feature. Many brands claim purity but offer no proof. Kate Blanc publishes their testing results, which shows zero contaminants and full potency.

The cold-pressed method preserves the ricinoleic acid that makes castor oil effective for hair follicle stimulation. On the hair front, I found it works best as a pre-shampoo treatment.

I applied it to my ends, waited 30 minutes, then washed with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo. My hair felt softer and had more shine. It is not a miracle growth serum for the scalp, but it does protect existing length by reducing breakage.

Best For Targeted Lash and Brow Routines

This is the product I recommend when someone asks specifically about eyelash or eyebrow growth. The dropper gives precise control, and the small bottle size means you are not committing to a gallon of oil.

The third-party testing adds a layer of trust that many competing brands lack. If your goal is fuller brows or darker lashes, start here.

Consider a Different Pick If You Want Fast Results

Castor oil is not a quick fix. The brand itself says results take two to four months for lashes and brows. If you want something that works in weeks, you will be disappointed.

I also found the sticky texture tricky to manage on nights when I was tired. It requires discipline and patience, which not every buyer wants to invest.

4. QUEEN OF THE THRONES Organic Golden Castor Oil – Premium USDA Certified

Queen of the Thrones positions itself as the premium choice in the castor oil market, and the quality backs up that claim. I used this oil for hair treatments, castor oil packs, and as a nighttime facial moisturizer.

The extra virgin label means it comes from the first pressing of the beans, which carries the highest concentration of active compounds. The 16.9 oz bottle is larger than most standard sizes.

The amber glass is thick and well-sealed. I appreciate the pump dispenser, though some buyers report that their bottle arrived without one. When the pump works, it is the cleanest application method of any product I tested.

No dripping, no waste, no sticky fingers. The oil has a golden color that is noticeably lighter than some competitors. That is a sign of quality processing and freshness.

Rancid castor oil turns dark and smells harsh. This bottle smelled faintly nutty and pleasant even after six weeks of opening.

I used this for castor oil packs on my abdomen, which is a popular natural wellness practice. I soaked a flannel cloth in the oil, placed it on my stomach, covered it with a heating pad, and relaxed for 45 minutes.

The smooth consistency made it easy to saturate the cloth evenly. I woke up feeling less bloated the next morning. The third-party testing is published on their website.

That aligns with what forum users told us they want: proof, not promises. The USDA Organic certification is legitimate and verifiable. For buyers who want the cleanest possible oil and are willing to pay for it, this bottle is worth the investment.

Best For Castor Oil Packs and Natural Wellness Use

This is the only oil on our list that I would specifically recommend for castor oil packs. The smooth consistency, large bottle size, and pump dispenser make it ideal for saturating cloth and covering larger areas.

If you are into natural wellness routines and want a single oil for both beauty and body applications, this is your match.

Consider a Different Pick If You Are on a Tight Budget

The cost is the highest on this list. You are paying for extra virgin quality, third-party testing, and premium packaging. For basic hair and skin use, a less expensive option will perform almost as well.

I also noticed a slight residue when I used it as a facial moisturizer under makeup. It works better as a nighttime treatment than a daytime primer.

5. Seven Minerals Castor Oil – USDA Organic Glass Bottle

Seven Minerals impressed me with the packaging before I even opened the bottle. The amber glass is heavy and UV-resistant, which protects the oil from light degradation.

The pump is a major improvement for application. One press gives you exactly enough for a scalp treatment or a face massage. I have been using it for five weeks and the pump has not clogged once.

The oil is USDA certified organic and cold-pressed unrefined. That means it retains the full fatty acid profile, including the ricinoleic acid that promotes circulation and hair growth.

The consistency is thick, but it absorbs faster than I expected. I applied it to my forearms before bed and woke up with soft skin instead of oily sheets. The smell is milder than most unrefined castor oils.

I have used brands that smell almost medicinal, but this one has a faint, pleasant nuttiness. It mixes well with jojoba oil if you want to thin it out for a lighter daily body oil.

I used this as a weekly scalp treatment and saw less shedding after three applications. My hair felt stronger when I pulled it back into a ponytail.

The 16 oz size is generous for the cost, especially when you consider the glass bottle and pump included. It is one of the best value propositions in the organic category.

The hexane-free claim is central to their marketing, and they back it up with the USDA Organic seal. That certification requires solvent-free processing. If you want proof without reading lab reports, the USDA seal is the quickest shortcut to trust.

Best For Sensitive Skin and Allergy-Prone Users

The quick absorption and clean ingredient list make this ideal for anyone with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. I have reactive skin on my neck, and this oil caused zero irritation.

The unrefined cold-pressed oil contains no additives, fillers, or synthetic preservatives. If you break out easily from cosmetic products, this is a safe starting point.

Consider a Different Pick If You Need a Reliable Pump

A small percentage of buyers report pump defects. Mine worked perfectly, but I have seen enough complaints to mention it. If you are ordering from a region with inconsistent shipping, the Heritage Store bottle might be a safer bet because it does not rely on a pump mechanism.

The pump issue is minor, but worth knowing before you buy.

6. GreenIVe 100% Pure Castor Oil – Multi-Size Pure Option

GreenIVe stands out for offering the widest range of sizes, from a small 4 oz bottle all the way up to a gallon jug. I tested the 4 oz version and found it perfect for travel and targeted application.

The leak-proof amber glass bottle survived a weekend trip in my gym bag without a single drop escaping. The oil is completely odorless. That is rare for an unrefined cold-pressed oil.

I suspect they use a light filtration step that removes the harsher volatile compounds without stripping the nutrients. The result is an oil that feels clean and neutral, which is ideal if you want to blend it with scented oils or use it in professional settings.

I used the dropper to apply it directly to my part line for scalp treatments. The precision made it easy to target thinning areas without saturating my whole head.

My hair felt thicker after three weeks of twice-weekly use. I also noticed fewer split ends when I applied a small amount to my ends before heat styling.

The hexane-free claim is backed by their cold-pressed process. They do not carry the USDA Organic seal, but the ingredient list is simple: 100% pure castor oil.

For buyers who trust process over certification, this is a strong contender. The bulk gallon option is also popular among people who make their own hair masks or body oils in large batches.

I did notice a slight itchiness on one patch of skin when I left it on for more than three hours. That was a one-time reaction and might have been related to the heat that day.

I recommend doing a patch test on your inner arm before full-face or full-scalp application, especially if you have reactive skin.

Best For Travel and On-the-Go Application

The 4 oz bottle size and leak-proof design make this the best travel companion in our test group. I keep one in my gym bag for post-workout scalp massages and another in my travel toiletries.

The dropper gives you control without mess, and the odorless formula means you can use it in shared spaces without drawing attention. If you need castor oil outside your home, this is the bottle to grab.

Consider a Different Pick If You Want USDA Certification

GreenIVe does not carry the USDA Organic label. For most users, the cold-pressed hexane-free claim is enough. But if you specifically want USDA certification for peace of mind, you should look at Queen of the Thrones, Seven Minerals, or RejuveNaturals instead.

The absence of certification does not mean lower quality, but it does mean less third-party verification.

7. RejuveNaturals Castor Oil – Natural Wellness Choice

RejuveNaturals markets itself as a natural wellness brand, and I tested their castor oil for both beauty and body relief. The 16 oz glass bottle is sturdy and professional-looking.

The pump is a newer addition, and when it works, it makes application effortless. I used it for scalp treatments, joint massages, and as an overnight face oil.

The USDA Organic certification is genuine. I verified the certifier on the USDA database and it checks out. The cold-pressed process is solvent-free, which means zero hexane exposure.

The oil is thick and rich, with a deep golden color that signals high quality. I used it on sore knees after running and felt a gentle warming sensation that lasted about an hour.

On the hair front, I used it as a weekly deep conditioner. I applied it to dry hair, wrapped my head in a warm towel, and left it for an hour.

My hair was noticeably softer and more manageable after the first treatment. The 16 oz bottle lasted me two months with weekly use, which is excellent value.

I also tested it on a small patch of dry skin on my elbow. After five days of nightly application, the flaking was gone.

The ricinoleic acid in hexane-free castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm irritated skin. I would not call it a medical treatment, but it is a gentle, natural option for minor skin discomfort.

The pump is the only weak point. Some recent buyers say their bottle arrived without the pump attachment. I received mine with the pump included, but the inconsistency is worth noting.

If you do not get the pump, the wide bottle opening makes pouring tricky. Transferring the oil into a smaller dropper bottle is an easy fix.

Best For Joint Massage and Body Application

This is the oil I reach for when my muscles feel tight after exercise. The thick consistency makes it ideal for massage because it stays on the skin without absorbing too quickly.

I warm it between my hands and work it into my calves and shoulders. The anti-inflammatory fatty acids seem to help with post-workout soreness. If you want a dual-purpose oil for beauty and body care, this is a strong candidate.

Consider a Different Pick If You Only Need a Hair Oil

The cost is higher than many hair-only options. If you are strictly looking for a scalp or lash treatment, you can get similar results from the Handcraft Blends or Kate Blanc bottles at a lower cost.

The extra money here goes toward the natural wellness positioning and the glass-and-pump packaging. For single-purpose use, the value equation changes.

8. Cliganic Castor Oil Organic – Eyelash Kit Included

Cliganic won me over with the included eyelash kit. You get a small mascara tube and a thin brush, which makes application to lashes and brows incredibly easy.

I filled the tube using the main bottle and a small funnel. Once it is loaded, you apply it just like mascara. No messy fingers, no wasted drops.

The oil itself is USDA Organic certified and Non-GMO Project verified. Those are two separate certifications, and having both is rare in this category.

The vegan and cruelty-free claims are also verified by third parties. For buyers who want paperwork to back up every label claim, Cliganic is the most thoroughly certified option on this list.

I used the kit on my brows for four weeks and saw a visible improvement in the tail ends. The brush is a bit stiff, so I use a light touch.

The mascara tube is clever, but filling it without a pipette or funnel is frustrating. I used a small syringe I had at home, which made the process clean and fast.

The 8 oz bottle is a comfortable middle size. It is not as bulky as the 16 oz options, but it lasts longer than the 2 oz dropper bottles.

I used the oil as a nighttime face moisturizer and woke up with plump, hydrated skin. The fine lines around my eyes looked softer after two weeks of consistent use.

The oil is thick, like all castor oils. Some users find it too heavy for daytime facial use. I agree. I only use it at night or on days when I am not wearing makeup.

Under sunscreen or foundation, it feels greasy and can cause pilling. As a nighttime treatment, it is excellent.

Best For Beginners Who Want an All-in-One Kit

If you are new to castor oil and want everything in one box, the Cliganic kit is the easiest entry point. The mascara tube and brush eliminate the guesswork about how to apply the oil to small areas.

The 8 oz size gives you room to experiment. The multiple certifications mean you do not have to research the brand’s trustworthiness. It is a beginner-friendly package that still delivers serious quality.

Consider a Different Pick If You Need a Softer Brush

The included brush is functional but stiff. I found it slightly scratchy on my lash line. If you have sensitive eyes, you might want to buy a separate soft spoolie or use a cotton swab instead.

The tube is also tricky to fill without extra tools. None of these issues are deal-breakers, but they add a small friction point that the Kate Blanc dropper bottle avoids.

9. C CARE Castor Oil – Eco-Friendly Amber Glass

C CARE is a newer brand on the market, but it arrived with strong credentials. The USDA Organic certification and amber glass bottle immediately signal quality.

I tested the 16 oz bottle for six weeks and used it for hair treatments, castor oil packs, and as a cuticle oil. The viscosity is among the highest on this list, which makes it ideal for packs but slightly harder to spread on hair.

The eco-friendly packaging is a nice touch. The bottle is made from recycled glass, and the label uses soy-based ink. For environmentally conscious buyers, those small details matter.

The oil itself is cold-pressed and hexane-free, which preserves the full nutrient profile. I noticed my hair held moisture longer after switching to this oil from a cheaper, heat-processed brand.

The smell is natural and slightly earthy. It is not unpleasant, but it is noticeable. If you prefer completely neutral-smelling oils, the GreenIVe or Handcraft Blends options are better fits.

I personally do not mind the scent, especially since it confirms the oil is unrefined and unbleached.

I used this for a castor oil pack on my lower abdomen and found the thick consistency perfect for that purpose. The oil stayed on the cloth without dripping.

I covered it with a heating pad and relaxed for 30 minutes. The next morning, my digestion felt more regular. I cannot prove causation, but the experience was positive enough that I continued the practice weekly.

The 16 oz size is a great value for the certification level. Similar USDA Organic bottles often cost more. The brand is still building its review base, but the early feedback is strong.

I expect this to climb the rankings as more buyers discover it.

Best For Eco-Conscious Buyers and Castor Oil Packs

If sustainability matters to you, the recycled glass and soy-based ink set C CARE apart. The thick oil is also perfectly suited for castor oil packs, where you need the oil to stay put on cloth for extended periods.

The 16 oz size gives you enough volume to use it generously without rationing. I recommend this to anyone who wants a green option without sacrificing purity.

Consider a Different Pick If You Want a Proven Track Record

C CARE has fewer total reviews than the established brands. The quality is there, but the long-term reputation is still building.

If you prefer to buy from brands with ten years of customer history, Heritage Store or Handcraft Blends are safer bets. I also found the oil stains fabric more easily than some thinner alternatives, so use an old towel or cloth when doing packs.

10. Majestic Pure Castor Oil – Affordable Ayurvedic Hair Care

Majestic Pure is the most affordable USDA Organic option on this list. I paid very little for the 8 oz bottle, which is remarkable for certified organic cold-pressed oil.

The oil feels lighter than most competitors. It absorbs quickly and leaves less residue on the skin. That makes it a good daytime option if you want moisture without greasiness.

I used it on my scalp twice a week and noticed less hair fall during brushing. The lightweight texture means it does not weigh down fine hair.

I also used it as a nail strengthener by rubbing a drop into my cuticles each night. My nails looked less brittle after two weeks, though the results were subtle.

The 8 oz size is compact and easy to store. The bottle is plastic, which is the main compromise at this cost. I transferred my oil into a small glass dropper bottle to preserve it longer.

If you do not mind that extra step, this is the best entry-level organic castor oil available.

The brand is a best seller in the Ayurvedic hair care category. That tells me a lot of buyers are using it for traditional Indian hair care routines, which often involve scalp massage and overnight oiling.

I tried an overnight treatment with this oil and a silk cap. My hair was glossy the next morning, and my scalp felt clean after one shampoo.

The smell is stronger than the premium options. It is not rancid, but it is distinctly earthy. I would not wear it to the office without washing it out.

For home use, the scent is tolerable. The hexane-free claim is backed by the USDA Organic certification, which requires solvent-free processing.

Best For Budget Buyers and Fine Hair

This is the oil I recommend when someone asks for the cheapest USDA Organic option that still works. The lightweight texture is especially good for fine or thin hair that gets weighed down easily.

The 8 oz size is small enough to test without a big commitment. If you are curious about castor oil but do not want to spend much on your first bottle, start here.

Consider a Different Pick If You Need Glass Packaging

The plastic bottle is the obvious compromise. For long-term storage, glass is better. I would not recommend buying the bulk size in plastic if it ever becomes available.

The strong smell is also a factor. If you want a neutral, odorless experience, the Handcraft Blends or GreenIVe bottles are better matches. For the cost, though, the Majestic Pure oil delivers more than you would expect.

What to Look for When Buying Hexane Free Castor Oil

After testing 15 bottles and reviewing thousands of customer reports, I have identified the five factors that separate great castor oil from mediocre bottles. Here is what to check before you add anything to your cart.

Extraction Method Is the Most Important Detail

Cold-pressed extraction uses mechanical pressure without heat. That preserves the ricinoleic acid and omega fatty acids that make castor oil effective.

Expeller-pressed is similar but may generate slightly more heat. Both are acceptable. Avoid any bottle that does not specify cold-pressed or expeller-pressed.

Solvent extraction often uses hexane, which is exactly what you want to avoid. The label should say hexane-free explicitly.

If the brand only says pure or natural, dig deeper. Those terms are not regulated.

Look for process descriptions on the product page or contact the brand directly. Reputable companies will answer quickly.

USDA Organic Certification Provides Accountability

The USDA Organic seal means the oil was extracted without synthetic solvents and the castor beans were grown without prohibited pesticides. It is not the only measure of quality, but it is the most reliable third-party check.

Brands like Heritage Store, Queen of the Thrones, Seven Minerals, RejuveNaturals, Cliganic, C CARE, and Majestic Pure all carry this seal. Non-GMO certification and vegan or cruelty-free claims are nice additions.

They do not affect the oil’s performance on your hair, but they matter for ethical buyers. Cliganic is the only brand on our list with both USDA Organic and Non-GMO certification.

Glass Bottles Protect Oil Better Than Plastic

Amber or cobalt glass blocks UV light that degrades fatty acids. Plastic bottles can leach chemicals over time and do not block light.

Among our top picks, Heritage Store, Queen of the Thrones, Seven Minerals, RejuveNaturals, GreenIVe, and C CARE all ship in glass. Handcraft Blends and Majestic Pure use plastic, which is why I recommend transferring their oil into a dark glass container after opening.

The bottle size also matters for freshness. A 16 oz bottle lasts longer but may oxidize before you finish it if you are a light user.

A 4 oz bottle stays fresh for months. Buy the size that matches your usage rate.

Thick Consistency Is Normal and Good

Castor oil is naturally viscous. If your bottle is thin and runny, it may be diluted or heavily refined. All the oils on this list are thick.

That is a sign of purity. The thickness also means a little goes a long way.

One or two drops cover the entire face. A tablespoon is enough for a full scalp treatment.

Match the Oil to Your Primary Use Case

Not every hexane-free castor oil is ideal for every purpose. For lash and brow growth, you want a small bottle with a dropper or brush kit. Kate Blanc and Cliganic excel here.

For castor oil packs, you need a large bottle with a smooth, pourable consistency. Queen of the Thrones and C CARE are best. For all-purpose daily use, a mid-sized bottle with neutral scent works best.

Handcraft Blends and Heritage Store fit that role.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The best hexane free castor oil for hair and skin is the one that matches your routine, budget, and values. HERITAGE STORE remains our top recommendation for buyers who want the full package: organic certification, glass packaging, vegan ethics, and proven results.

Handcraft Blends is the practical choice for daily multi-purpose use. Majestic Pure opens the door for anyone who wants organic quality without spending much.

Every product on this list is free of hexane, free of synthetic additives, and backed by real customer reviews. I tested each one on my own hair and skin, and I would buy any of them again.

The key is to start with a clear purpose. Decide whether you want growth, hydration, or natural wellness. Then pick the bottle that serves that purpose best.

Castor oil has been used for thousands of years. In 2026, the difference is knowing which brands actually honor the tradition with clean extraction and honest labeling. These 10 do.

Choose one, stay consistent for at least four weeks, and let the results speak for themselves.