Castor oil is a vegetable oil made by extracting oil from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, which are known as castor beans. The seeds contain a toxic enzyme called ricin, but the heating process that castor oil undergoes during production deactivates the ricin, allowing the oil to be used safely. Castor oil is a multipurpose oil that has been used for thousands of years for medicinal, industrial, and pharmaceutical purposes. It is commonly used as an additive in foods, medications, and skin care products, as well as an industrial lubricant and biodiesel fuel component. Castor oil is also used in cosmetics to promote hydration and is often added to products like lotions, makeup, and cleansers. Castor oil is a triglyceride that has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, and research shows that when applied to the skin, it may prevent infection, reduce inflammation, improve localized blood flow, and shed damaged skin cells. Castor oil and its derivatives are used in the manufacturing of soaps, lubricants, hydraulic and brake fluids, paints, dyes, coatings, inks, cold-resistant plastics, waxes and polishes, nylon, and perfumes.