Allowed in EU

Ricinoleic Acid

A cosmetic ingredient used as cleansing, skin conditioning - emollient, surfactant - cleansing in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.

What is it?

9-Octadecenoic acid, 12-hydroxy-, (9Z, 12R)-

What does it do?

Ricinoleic Acid is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:

  • Cleansing

    helps remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other contaminants from skin or hair

  • Skin conditioning - emollient

    softens the skin by reducing roughness and friction between skin cells

  • Surfactant - cleansing

    surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes

  • Surfactant - emulsifying

    surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate

EU regulatory status

Ricinoleic Acid is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ricinoleic Acid?

Ricinoleic Acid is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. 9-Octadecenoic acid, 12-hydroxy-, (9Z, 12R)-

Is Ricinoleic Acid allowed in cosmetics in the EU?

Yes. Ricinoleic Acid is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.

What does Ricinoleic Acid do in cosmetic products?

Ricinoleic Acid is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: cleansing, skin conditioning - emollient, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying.

What is the CAS number of Ricinoleic Acid?

The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Ricinoleic Acid is 141-22-0 / 7431-95-0.

Related ingredients

Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010