Zinc ricinoleate

Zinc ricinoleate (CAS 13040-19-2), also known as zinc diricinoleate, is the zinc salt of ricinoleic acid derived from castor oil.

Where is Zinc ricinoleate used?

• Personal care: primary active in deodorant sticks, roll-ons and sprays for fragrance-free products
• Textile and leather: finishing treatments imparting odor control to sportswear, footwear linings and technical fabrics
• Coatings and sealants: surface modifier and dispersing agent improving pigment wetting
• Adhesives and elastomers: processing aid influencing surface tack
• It binds odor molecules directly on the skin.
• Applied in wastewater and waste treatment to control strong odours.
• Used in plastics and rubber as a stabiliser and odour scavenger.
• Can be combined with triethyl citrate or other deodorant agents.

Good to know: Functions as a molecular odor absorber, trapping and neutralizing malodorous compounds rather than masking them with fragrance. Cosmetic-grade material typically meets purity requirements aligned with REACH and ISO 16128 natural origin criteria.

Formulation notes

• Fat-soluble; melting temperature of 80 °C, so it is introduced into the oil phase of the emulsion, which is heated to 80 °C until completely dissolved and incorporated into the remaining fats.
• Recommended dosage 1.5% to 3.0% for suitable emulsion-type deodorant formulations and solid stick-type deodorants.

Typical specification

• Cosmetic/high-purity grade (98%) is available on the market.
• Melting point 70–85 °C.
• Loss on drying not more than 1.0%.
• Zinc content approximately 10.5–12.5%.
• Compatible with non-ionic and anionic surfactant systems, making it suitable for emulsions and surfactant-based products.

Regulatory status

• INCI name: Zinc Ricinoleate.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Store cool, dry and ventilated, away from direct sunlight, below 35 °C.

Frequently asked questions about Zinc ricinoleate

In which phase should zinc ricinoleate be incorporated in a formulation?

It is insoluble in water but soluble in oils and organic solvents, so it is dissolved or dispersed in the oil phase of cosmetic formulations.

What physical form does zinc ricinoleate take?

It comes in the form of wax-like pellets.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.