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POTASSIUM RICINOLEATE.

Valuable CAS 7492-30-0 / CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Potassium Ricinoleate is an anionic surfactant derived from castor oil, expertly formulated to reduce surface tension, enable stable oil-in-water emulsions, and cleanse the skin. It supports a balanced skin environment, particularly benefiting oily and normal skin types.

Summary

cleansing emulsifying surfactant skin-conditioning foam-enhancing

Science

Mechanism of Action

As an amphiphilic molecule, Potassium Ricinoleate possesses both hydrophilic and lipophilic characteristics, allowing it to significantly reduce surface tension at liquid interfaces. This fundamental property makes it an effective surfactant, enabling the creation of stable emulsions from otherwise immiscible oil and water phases. Beyond its emulsifying role, it acts as a cleansing agent, enhances foam, and imparts skin-conditioning benefits. Its parent compound, ricinoleic acid, is also recognized for its antimicrobial efficacy and its capacity to help purify skin by disaggregating pore-clogging lipids.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 7 – 11
0 7 14

Stability

Optimal stability is observed in an alkaline pH range, specifically between 7.0 and 11.0.

Conflicts

  • Cationic ingredients (potential for precipitation or deactivation due to its anionic nature)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel reaffirmed Potassium Ricinoleate's safety as a cosmetic ingredient in 2024. While specific maximum use concentrations for this compound were not reported in cosmetic surveys, related castor oil derivatives have been used at high percentages (up to 81%). GHS classification data indicates it 'Causes serious eye irritation' (94.7% of reports) and 'Causes skin irritation' (11.8%), suggesting a moderate potential for irritation despite animal studies generally showing no significant irritant or sensitization potential. Sensitization has been noted in specific populations with dermatoses, though clinical experience suggests such reactions are generally infrequent.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Moderate
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Potassium Ricinoleate is a valuable ingredient for its robust surfactant and emulsifying properties, supporting effective cleansing and skin conditioning, particularly for oily and normal skin, while its established safety profile warrants consideration of its moderate irritancy potential in specific applications.

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