People typically take castor oil as a laxative, but the oil has potential benefitsTrusted Source for the skin. This article will outline what castor oil is and discuss its benefits for the skin, as well as how to use it and possible side effects to expect. Fast facts on castor oil Castor oil comes from seeds of the ricinus communis plant, which is native to tropical areas of Africa and Asia. It is typically applied directly to the skin using a cotton ball. Castor oil is relatively safe to use, but some people have reported side effects after applying it to their skin. Castor oil is thought to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, moisturizing, and some other useful properties. What is castor oil? Castor oil can help rejuvenate the skin. Castor oil is a translucent liquid with a yellow tint. It is an active ingredient in a wide variety of household items, from cleaning products to paints. It has also been used to treat a range of medical conditions, most notably digestive issues.