Zinc Ricinoleate is a speciality cosmetic active derived from the zinc salt of ricinoleic acid — the primary fatty acid of castor oil. A fine white to off-white powder, it is the most effective true odour-absorbing active available for natural deodorant formulation — and it works through an entirely different mechanism from every other deodorant ingredient on the market.

Most natural deodorant actives either kill odour-causing bacteria (sodium bicarbonate, zinc oxide, magnesium hydroxide) or mask odour with fragrance. Zinc Ricinoleate does neither. It physically adsorbs and traps the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for body odour — the malodourous molecules themselves — binding them into a complex that renders them non-volatile and therefore imperceptible to the nose. The odour molecules are not destroyed and not covered up — they are captured and immobilised at the source.

This mechanism makes Zinc Ricinoleate uniquely complementary to every other deodorant active in your formulation toolkit. It can be blended with antibacterial actives (sodium bicarbonate, zinc oxide, piroctone olamine) to address both the source of odour production (bacteria) and the odour molecules already produced — giving significantly more comprehensive and longer-lasting odour control than either approach alone.

Zinc Ricinoleate is also highly valued in broader odour-neutralising applications beyond personal care — room sprays, fabric fresheners, pet odour products, and industrial odour control — wherever genuine odour trapping rather than masking is required.

Available in 100g and 1kg. Fast dispatch from our Melbourne warehouse.

SPECIFICATIONS

INCI Name: Zinc Ricinoleate
CAS Number: 13040-19-2
Chemical Name: Zinc bis(12-hydroxy-9-octadecenoate); Zinc salt of Ricinoleic Acid
Chemical Formula: C₃₆H₆₆O₆Zn (approximate)
Source: Derived from ricinoleic acid (the primary fatty acid of Castor Oil, Ricinus communis)
Grade: Cosmetic Grade
Appearance: Fine white to off-white powder
Odour: Essentially odourless — no characteristic scent
Solubility: Insoluble in water; sparingly soluble in polar solvents; soluble in warm oils and glycerine at low concentrations; best incorporated as a fine dispersion
pH (10% dispersion): Approximately 6.5–8.0
Melting Point: Approximately 100–120°C
Phase Addition: Can be dispersed in either oil phase or water phase; disperse in oil phase for anhydrous formulations; for aqueous formulations best dispersed in glycerine or propylene glycol before addition to water phase
Usage Rate: 0.5–5.0% of total formulation weight
Shelf Life: 2+ years in sealed storage
Storage: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight

HOW IT WORKS — THE ODOUR ABSORPTION MECHANISM

Understanding Zinc Ricinoleate requires understanding what body odour actually is:

What causes body odour:
Fresh sweat is largely odourless. Body odour develops when skin-resident bacteria (primarily Corynebacterium species and Staphylococcus hominis) metabolise eccrine and apocrine sweat components — particularly branched-chain fatty acids and amino acids — into volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The specific VOCs responsible for the characteristic underarm odour include compounds such as 3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid (3M2H), butyric acid, isovaleric acid, and various thioalcohols and sulphur compounds. It is these volatile molecules, not the sweat itself, that produce the odour we perceive.

How Zinc Ricinoleate captures odour:
Zinc Ricinoleate has an extraordinary affinity for the specific VOC molecules responsible for body odour. The zinc centre and the long-chain ricinoleate structure together create an active site that binds to these odour molecules through a combination of coordinate bonding (zinc's Lewis acid character attracting electron-rich sulphur and nitrogen groups in odour compounds), hydrophobic interaction (the long carbon chain trapping fatty acid odour compounds), and hydrogen bonding. When an odour molecule encounters Zinc Ricinoleate it becomes bound to the complex — its vapour pressure drops to near zero — making it non-volatile and therefore imperceptible to smell even though the molecule still physically exists in the complex.

The result: Rather than covering body odour with fragrance or preventing its formation by killing bacteria, Zinc Ricinoleate intercepts and traps odour molecules the moment they form — rendering them odourless without requiring the deodorant to be antibacterial. The captured odour is washed away when the product is next removed with soap and water.

Why this is superior to masking: Fragrance masking simply competes with the odour signal — add enough fragrance and you overwhelm the nose's ability to detect the underlying smell. Under high sweating conditions or as fragrance fades, the underlying odour returns. Zinc Ricinoleate actually removes the odour signal. Formulations using Zinc Ricinoleate remain effective even as fragrance fades — they do not require fragrance to be odour-effective.

RECOMMENDED USAGE RATES

Natural Deodorant Stick (anhydrous)

Zinc Ricinoleate: 1–3% of total formulation
Disperse in the warm liquid oils phase before adding waxes; ensure complete and uniform dispersion
Combine with sodium bicarbonate (5–15%) and arrowroot/cornflour (20–40%) for comprehensive odour control

Natural Deodorant Cream (anhydrous)

Zinc Ricinoleate: 1–3%
Blend into the base oils and butters; stir thoroughly for even dispersion

Natural Deodorant Spray (aqueous)

Zinc Ricinoleate: 0.5–2%
Pre-disperse in glycerin or propylene glycol (5–10 parts glycerin per 1 part Zinc Ricinoleate) before incorporating into the water phase; stir continuously during addition; do not expect full solution — a fine, stable dispersion is the goal

Natural Deodorant Roll-On (aqueous)

Zinc Ricinoleate: 0.5–2%
Same pre-dispersion method as spray; ensure particle size is small enough to flow through roll-on ball mechanism without clogging

Body Powder (dry deodorant)

Zinc Ricinoleate: 1–5% in dry powder blend
Blend thoroughly with arrowroot, cornflour, kaolin clay, and sodium bicarbonate; no pre-dispersion required in dry systems

Room Spray / Odour Eliminator Spray

Zinc Ricinoleate: 1–3%
Pre-disperse in glycerin or alcohol before diluting into water; target broad household odour neutralisation (cooking, pet, smoke)

Fabric Freshener Spray

Zinc Ricinoleate: 0.5–2%
Same approach as room spray; safe for fabric contact at these concentrations

Pet Grooming Products (shampoo, odour spray)

Zinc Ricinoleate: 0.5–2%
Neutralises pet-specific malodour compounds; highly effective for dog and cat grooming

Foot Deodorant Products

Zinc Ricinoleate: 2–5% in foot creams, foot powders, and foot sprays
Higher rates appropriate for foot odour which tends to be more intense than underarm odour

KEY BENEFITS

True odour absorption — captures and immobilises volatile odour molecules at the molecular level; does not mask or cover odour; does not require fragrance to be effective; one of very few cosmetic ingredients with this genuine mechanism
Uniquely complementary to all other deodorant actives — addresses the odour signal itself; antibacterials address the bacterial source; combine for comprehensive, multi-mechanism deodorant efficacy
Works on all malodour types — not selective to specific odour compounds; broad-spectrum odour trapping effective against the full range of human body odour VOCs including fatty acids, thioalcohols, and sulphur compounds
Odour molecules captured, not destroyed — the complex washes away cleanly at the next wash; no breakdown products; no interference with skin microbiome
Fragrance-independent efficacy — continues to trap odour molecules even after fragrance fades from the product; important for honest performance claims in fragrance-free or lightly scented formulations
Excellent skin tolerance — non-irritating, non-sensitising at cosmetic use concentrations; suitable for sensitive skin deodorant formulations
Castor oil-derived — ricinoleic acid from Ricinus communis; natural-derived origin story for natural and clean beauty positioning
Effective at low usage rates (0.5–3%) — cost-efficient; minimal impact on formulation aesthetics or texture
White powder — does not colour formulations; compatible with natural white or lightly tinted deodorant aesthetics
Fragrance-free — adds no scent of its own; complete fragrance freedom in formulation design
Versatile beyond personal care — applicable in room sprays, fabric fresheners, pet grooming, and industrial odour control

FORMULATING NATURAL DEODORANT WITH ZINC RICINOLEATE

The multi-mechanism approach to natural deodorant:

The most effective natural deodorant formulations combine ingredients addressing different aspects of the odour cycle:

Layer 1 — Antibacterial (reduce odour production):

Sodium Bicarbonate (5–15%) — alkaline environment inhibits bacterial growth
Zinc Oxide (1–5%) — antimicrobial and astringent
Magnesium Hydroxide (10–20%) — alternative to bicarb for bicarb-sensitive skin

Layer 2 — Odour Absorption (capture odour molecules already produced):

Zinc Ricinoleate (1–3%) — traps VOC odour molecules; the complement to antibacterial actives

Layer 3 — Moisture Absorption (manage sweat):

Arrowroot Powder (15–30%) — absorbs moisture
Cornflour (15–30%) — absorbs moisture; cost-effective base
Precipitated Silica (2–5%) — high-performance oil and moisture absorber

Layer 4 — Structure (for stick and cream formats):

Beeswax or Candelilla Wax (5–15%) — hardening
Shea Butter or Coconut Oil (20–40%) — emollient base

Layer 5 — Fragrance (sensory):

Essential Oils: Tea Tree (antibacterial), Lavender, Cedarwood, Bergamot at 1–3% total
Fragrance Oil: 1–2%

Simple beginner natural deodorant stick formula (anhydrous):

Shea Butter: 30%
Coconut Oil: 20%
Candelilla Wax: 10%
Arrowroot Powder: 20%
Sodium Bicarbonate: 10%
Zinc Ricinoleate: 2%
Cornflour: 6%
Essential Oil blend: 2%

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Natural deodorant sticks (anhydrous)
Natural deodorant creams (anhydrous)
Natural deodorant sprays (aqueous)
Natural deodorant roll-ons
Dry powder deodorants
Foot deodorant creams, powders, and sprays
Body powders with odour control
Room sprays and odour eliminator sprays
Fabric freshener sprays
Pet grooming and odour control products
Shoe deodorant products
Sports and gym product odour control

PRODUCT SAFETY

Cosmetic grade — safe for direct skin contact in deodorant and personal care applications at 0.5–5%
Non-irritating and non-sensitising at cosmetic use concentrations — suitable for sensitive skin deodorant formulations
Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes
For external use only — not for ingestion; keep away from mouth
Zinc-containing compound — do not inhale powder in bulk handling; use a dust mask when working with large quantities; standard powder handling precautions apply
Keep out of reach of children
Store sealed away from moisture — absorbs atmospheric moisture if left unsealed; reseal immediately after use
Do not use in aerosol/spray formulations that may be inhaled — standard precaution for any fine powder-containing spray product
Environmental: Zinc Ricinoleate at cosmetic use concentrations and typical wash-off quantities is not expected to present significant aquatic toxicity concerns; dispose of product and rinse water according to local regulations

FAQS

What is the INCI name for Zinc Ricinoleate?
The INCI name is Zinc Ricinoleate. This name must appear on your finished cosmetic product ingredient list when selling deodorant or other cosmetic products in Australia.

How is Zinc Ricinoleate different from sodium bicarbonate in a natural deodorant?
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) works primarily through two mechanisms: its alkaline pH creates an unfavourable environment for odour-causing bacteria, and it partially neutralises acidic sweat odour compounds. Zinc Ricinoleate works by physically trapping and immobilising volatile odour molecules regardless of their pH — it captures them through molecular adsorption. The two are highly complementary: sodium bicarb reduces bacterial odour production, Zinc Ricinoleate captures whatever odour molecules are still produced. Using both gives significantly better results than either alone.

Why can't I just use more fragrance instead?
Fragrance masking is fundamentally different from odour absorption. Adding fragrance to a deodorant creates a competing sensory signal — your nose processes the fragrance rather than the odour. But under heavy sweating, prolonged wear, or as fragrance fades over the day, the underlying odour re-emerges. Zinc Ricinoleate removes the odour signal rather than competing with it — meaning deodorant effectiveness does not depend on fragrance persistence. This enables genuinely effective, longer-lasting natural deodorant with minimal or no added fragrance.

Can I use Zinc Ricinoleate in a water-based spray deodorant?
Yes — with careful formulation. Zinc Ricinoleate is not water soluble; it must be pre-dispersed in glycerin or propylene glycol (at approximately 1 part Zinc Ricinoleate to 5–10 parts glycerin) to create a fine, stable dispersion before incorporation into the water phase. Use a high-shear mixer or homogeniser for the finest, most stable dispersion. The finished spray should be shaken before use. Particle size management is important for roll-on applications — ensure the dispersion is fine enough to flow through the roll-on mechanism without clogging.

Is Zinc Ricinoleate suitable for sensitive skin deodorant formulations?
Yes — Zinc Ricinoleate is generally well-tolerated at cosmetic use concentrations and is specifically valued in sensitive skin deodorant formulations because it provides genuine odour control without relying on high concentrations of sodium bicarbonate, which can cause skin irritation and rash in some individuals (particularly those with eczema or compromised skin barrier). A bicarb-free deodorant using Zinc Ricinoleate as the primary odour active alongside magnesium hydroxide is a popular approach for sensitive skin natural deodorant formulation.

What is the difference between Zinc Ricinoleate and Zinc Oxide in deodorant?
Zinc Oxide works primarily as an antimicrobial and astringent — it reduces bacterial populations on skin (reducing odour production) and mildly reduces sweating. Zinc Ricinoleate is an odour absorbent — it traps the volatile odour molecules produced by bacteria rather than killing the bacteria. Both contain zinc but work through entirely different mechanisms and are complementary. Zinc Oxide (1–5%) + Zinc Ricinoleate (1–3%) in the same deodorant formulation addresses both odour production (zinc oxide antibacterial) and odour molecules produced (zinc ricinoleate absorption) for more comprehensive control.

How long does the odour-absorbing effect last?
Zinc Ricinoleate continues to trap odour molecules for as long as active complex sites remain available — essentially for the duration that the product is on the skin. As complex sites become saturated with trapped odour molecules, efficacy reduces. The trapped complex is removed at the next wash with soap and water, at which point fresh deodorant application renews the supply of active sites. At typical usage rates of 1–3% in a stick or cream deodorant, adequate active sites are available for 8–24 hours of odour trapping under normal sweat conditions.

YOU MAY ALSO NEED

Sodium Bicarbonate (Food Grade Baking Soda) — essential antibacterial complement to Zinc Ricinoleate in natural deodorant sticks and creams
Arrowroot Organic Powder — moisture absorber in natural deodorant formulations; blends with Zinc Ricinoleate
Cornflour (Wheaten) — cost-effective moisture absorber in natural deodorant powder blends
Precipitated Silica — high-performance oil and moisture absorber; blends with Zinc Ricinoleate in deodorant powders
Shea Butter (Refined & Organic) — primary butter base for natural deodorant sticks and creams
Candelilla Wax (Vegetable) — vegan hardening wax for Zinc Ricinoleate-based natural deodorant sticks
Beeswax Pellets (Natural) — natural hardening wax for Zinc Ricinoleate-based deodorant sticks
Essential Oils Collection — scent your natural deodorant formulations; Tea Tree, Lavender, and Cedarwood popular choices
Kaolin Clay (Australian) — additional moisture and odour absorption in deodorant powder and cream formulations

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