Ricinoleic Acid

AKA: 141-22-0, Ricinolic acid, Ricinic acid, D-12-Hydroxyoleic acid, (9Z, 12R)-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid, Kyselina ricinolova, 12-Hydroxy-cis-9-octadecenoic acid, L'acide ricinoleique, Acide ricinoleique
Synthetic
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Acid
Clean
OriginDerived from castor oil (Ricinus communis), a tropical plant seed oil rich in fatty acids. Obtained through hydrogenation and separation of specific fatty acid components from castor oil.
9-Octadecenoic acid, 12-hydroxy-, (9Z, 12R)-
Solubility 3460
Formula
C18H34O3
Mol. Weight
298.50
CAS #
141-22-0, 7431-95-0
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions moderate (CIR 353)
Mixed Sensitization Results (CIR Panel on the ingredient group)
CIR Panel statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually / plus 3 case reports (CIR 623)
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2022 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR
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