Castor oil is a vegetable oil composed mainly of ricinoleic acid, followed by other fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Castor oil is known for its numerous applications, including medicinal and cosmetic use. In cosmetics, castor oil is often used for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is also renowned for promoting hair and eyelash growth.
Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis). The extraction process involves cold-pressing the castor seeds to extract the oil. This process preserves the beneficial properties of the oil, including the high concentration of ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid considered to have various health benefits.