Ricinoleic Acid
molecular structure · PubChem
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
Plant Oil
Acid
Clean
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
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
Traditional Use
The primary fatty acid derived from castor oil (Ricinus communis), which has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years in India, Egypt, and the Middle East. Ricinoleic acid itself was isolated and identified in the 19th century and is valued in cosmetics for its skin-conditioning and anti-inflammatory properties.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR