Propylene Glycol Ricinoleate

What is Propylene Glycol Ricinoleate?

Propylene Glycol Ricinoleate is a fatty acid ester produced by reacting propylene glycol with ricinoleic acid, the primary unsaturated fatty acid from castor oil seeds. This plant-based ingredient belongs to the emollient and surfactant family in cosmetics. It functions by mimicking natural skin lipids to provide a smooth, non-greasy feel, reducing friction on the skin surface. As an emulsifier, it bridges oil and water phases, forming stable barriers that prevent separation in creams and lotions. Its surfactant properties lower surface tension for better spreading and cleansing. Additionally, it suspends particles and adjusts product thickness, ensuring even distribution of colors or exfoliants in formulations like moisturizers, sunscreens, and makeup. Derived from renewable castor beans, it supports clean-label preferences in modern skincare.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Emollient
Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.
Suspending agent
Keeps insoluble particles (pigments, beads, actives) evenly dispersed by increasing viscosity or forming a network, preventing settling and separation.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.

Benefits

Softens and smooths skin texture for improved feel.

Stabilizes emulsions in creams and lotions for consistent use.

Controls viscosity to enhance product spreadability and suspension of particles.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals seeking lightweight emollients for daily moisturizers.
Those with known allergies to castor oil derivatives.
Users of emulsion-based products like lotions needing stable textures.
Users sensitive to glycol esters in high concentrations.
People preferring plant-derived ingredients in viscosity-adjusted formulas.
Individuals preferring completely anhydrous formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by EWG with scores of 1 across categories.
  • Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use by regulatory reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about Propylene Glycol Ricinoleate

What is propylene glycol ricinoleate made from?

It is an ester of propylene glycol and ricinoleic acid extracted from castor oil.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

It has a low hazard rating and minimal irritation reports from cosmetic safety evaluations.

What products commonly include it?

Found in moisturizers, lotions, and makeup for emolliency and stabilization.