Zinc Ricinoleate

An effective active ingredient (odour absorber) with no bactericidal effect and no impact on the skin’s own microbiome. It helps absorb unpleasant odours and prevents the growth of the bacteria that cause them. It is a completely safe, non-sensitising substance. Natural cosmetics use it mainly for its deodorising effects. Zinc ricinoleate is a derivative of natural substances. Today, as we look for natural alternatives to toxic chemicals, zinc ricinoleate offers a solution, as it is derived from ricinoleic acid, which occurs naturally in castor oil. Zinc ricinoleate has excellent odour-absorbing properties, meaning it traps odours and makes them undetectable to the human nose. It does not interfere with natural sweating. It has no bactericidal or fungicidal properties and therefore does not affect the skin’s natural flora. Thanks to its effective deodorising properties, zinc ricinoleate is particularly suitable for all types of deodorant emulsions. The substance is obtained by reacting zinc oxide with ricinoleic acid, which makes up 85-90 % of castor oil from the Ricinus communis plant. It is a semi-natural product synthesised in laboratories from renewable resources, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.

Its mechanism of action involves chemically neutralising odour molecules through sorption, in which zinc ions bind hydroxy fatty acids to odour-causing compounds, making them undetectable to the human nose. In this way, it absorbs and neutralises unpleasant odours without blocking the sweat glands. It soothes the skin and supports its natural microflora. A concentration of 1,5-3 % is recommended in deodorants for optimal effectiveness in emulsions, sticks or creams.

It is particularly recommended for sensitive underarm skin prone to irritation, as well as for all skin types, including dry, oily and blemish-prone skin. It is ideal for people looking for natural deodorants without aluminium, parabens or harsh bactericidal agents, as it does not affect natural sweating and minimises the risk of allergies. Suitable for those sensitive to sodium bicarbonate or those who want gentle odour protection in foot creams or antiperspirants.

Studies confirm its safety and effectiveness: according to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, it is safe at concentrations of up to 5-10 % without sensitising effects. Research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science (2005) showed that zinc ricinoleate at a concentration of 2 % neutralised 95 % of odour after 24 hours in ex vivo tests on human skin, without altering the microbiome. Another study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2012) demonstrated a 68 % reduction in odour compared with a placebo when used in deodorants after 8 hours.