CAS: 13040-19-2
SKU: S2004
Zinc ricinoleate | SKU: S2004
Synonyms: Zinc salt of ricinoleic acid; Zinc bis(ricinoleate); Zinc diricinoleate
Zinc Ricinoleate is the zinc salt of ricinoleic acid, a naturally derived fatty acid sourced from castor oil. Widely recognized as one of the most effective natural odor-neutralizing agents available, it works by chemically binding to odor-causing molecules — including sulfur- and nitrogen-based compounds such as mercaptans and short-chain carboxylic acids — rendering them imperceptible rather than simply masking them with fragrance. Sarchem Labs supplies Zinc Ricinoleate in both cosmetic and industrial grades, supported by full documentation (COA, SDS) for regulatory and quality assurance needs. Our cosmetic-grade material meets the purity standards required for deodorant sticks, creams, sprays, and other personal care formulations, while our industrial-grade material serves applications in household products, air fresheners, pet care, plastics, and waste/odor management systems.
KG

Specifications

Appearancewhite to cream color powder
Content of Zinc5.6-6.6%
Melting Point50–55°C
pH of Liquid, Typical (10% soln)7.2-7.8
Specific Gravity Approx600 kg/m3
OdorOdorless
ColorWhite
Assay Percent Range98-100
Linear FormulaC18H33O3Zn
IUPAC NameZinc (R)-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate
Formula Weight364.8
percent purity≥98%
Physical FormPowder
Chemical Name or MaterialZinc ricinoleate
Molecular FormulaC36H66O6Zn
Molecular Weight663.3 g/mol
CAS Number13040-19-2
Water SolubilityInsoluble
Solubility in OilsSoluble
Surfactant CompatibilityEmulsifiable in surfactant systems
ApplicationsDeodorants and antiperspirants (primary application)

Applications

Deodorants and antiperspirants (primary application)
Foot care creams and body powders
Personal hygiene formulations for odor control
Fragrance formulations, to help extend scent longevity
Wound care preparations
Textile treatments for odor management

Product Description

What is Zinc Ricinoleate?

Zinc Ricinoleate is a plant-derived functional ingredient formed by combining zinc with ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid sourced from castor oil. Rather than relying on a synthetic active, this compound uses a naturally occurring building block to deliver its odor-control performance, which makes it an attractive option for formulators looking to move away from petrochemical-based ingredients. It is typically supplied as a fine powder that is insoluble in water but disperses readily into oil phases and surfactant-based systems.

What distinguishes this ingredient is its mechanism of action: rather than simply covering up unpleasant smells the way a masking fragrance does, Zinc Ricinoleate chemically binds to and neutralizes the odor-causing compounds generated by everyday bacterial activity on skin. It is also valued for being biodegradable, free of parabens and aluminum salts, and generally well tolerated by sensitive skin.

Uses of Zinc Ricinoleate

The leading use of Zinc Ricinoleate is in deodorant and antiperspirant systems, where it functions as an aluminum-free odor-control agent that addresses malodor at its source rather than relying on fragrance overlay alone. This makes it especially useful in natural and sensitive-skin deodorant lines.

Beyond underarm care, formulators use it in foot creams and body powders to help manage perspiration-related odor, and in broader personal hygiene products where odor control is a core performance claim. It also appears in fragrance formulations, where its odor-binding action can help fragrance notes stay perceptible longer, and it has a place in select wound care and textile treatment applications.

Safety Information

  • PPE: Wear nitrile gloves, eye protection (safety glasses or goggles), and a lab coat when handling.
  • Handling: Avoid generating dust during weighing, transfer, or mixing; use local exhaust ventilation where dust generation is likely.
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry location below 30°C, protected from moisture, in a tightly sealed container.
  • Eye Contact: If material contacts the eyes, flush thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention if irritation persists.

FAQs: Zinc ricinoleate

No. Zinc oxide is an inorganic mineral compound, while Zinc Ricinoleate is an organic zinc salt formed from ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid derived from castor oil. Zinc Ricinoleate's odor-neutralizing action comes from its fatty acid structure binding to malodor molecules, not from zinc-oxide chemistry.

Because it is derived from castor oil rather than synthesized from petrochemical or mineral sources, and because it does not rely on aluminum salts to block perspiration — instead chemically neutralizing odor-causing compounds.

It neutralizes malodor molecules at a chemical level rather than covering them up with fragrance.

It should be kept in a cool, dry area below 30°C, sealed away from moisture, since the powder can be sensitive to humidity over time.

Yes, it is commonly selected for sensitive-skin and paraben-free formulations because it is free of parabens and aluminum salts and is generally well tolerated.