Zinc Ricinoleate: The natural ingredient that captures odors
In our natural deodorant for men, we use a highly effective yet little-known ingredient: zinc ricinoleate. Derived from castor oil, this active ingredient is known for its unique ability to trap the molecules responsible for bad odors without blocking perspiration or irritating the skin. Here's where it comes from, how it's made, and why it's essential in our formulas.
What is zinc ricinoleate?
Zinc ricinoleate is a zinc salt derived from ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid naturally present in castor oil. It comes in the form of a white, odorless powder or paste, and is used as a natural deodorant agent.
Its unique feature: it doesn't mask odors, it doesn't chemically neutralize them... it captures them. Literally. It is one of the few ingredients capable of binding odor molecules so that they are no longer perceptible.
Where does it come from?
Zinc ricinoleate comes from two natural sources:
- castor oil, extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant,
- zinc, a mineral naturally present in the Earth's crust.
Castor oil is mainly produced in India, Brazil, and East Africa, where the plant grows easily in warm climates. Zinc, on the other hand, is extracted from natural ores and then purified for cosmetic use.
How is it made?
1. Castor oil extraction
Castor seeds are pressed to obtain an oil rich in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid with unique properties.
2. Isolation of ricinoleic acid
The oil is then refined to isolate ricinoleic acid, the molecule that will serve as the basis for the production of zinc ricinoleate.
3. Reaction with zinc
Ricinoleic acid is combined with a purified zinc salt. This reaction forms zinc ricinoleate, a stable, safe, and effective compound.
4. Purification and drying
The product