Octyldodecyl ricinoleate is a chemical compound, the ester resulting from the reaction of octyldodecanol with ricinoleic acid.
The name defines the structure of the molecule
- Octyldodecyl indicates a specific alkyl chain consisting of 18 carbon atoms.
- Ricinoleate refers to ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, of which Octyldodecyl Ricinoleate is an ester.
Description of raw materials used in production
Ricinoleic Acid: A fatty acid obtained from castor oil.
Octyldodecanol Alcohol: A fatty alcohol used as the alcoholic part of the ester.
Acid Catalysts: Such as sulfuric acid, used to facilitate the esterification reaction.
Solvents: Such as ethyl ether or toluene may be used in the reaction.
Step-by-step industrial chemical synthesis process
- Preparation of Alcohol and Acid: Ricinoleic acid and octyldodecanol alcohol are measured in the correct proportions.
- Esterification Reaction: The two compounds react in the presence of an acid catalyst to form the ester Octyldodecyl Ricinoleate.
- Purification: The reaction mixture may be washed and purified through techniques like distillation or chromatography.
- Formulation: Octyldodecyl Ricinoleate is subsequently used in cosmetic products as an emollient, lubricant, and conditioner for skin and hair.
What it is used for and where
Cosmetics
Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.
Hair conditioning agent. A large number of ingredients with specific purposes can co-exist in a hair shampoo: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, mattifying agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersing agents that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioners includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners.
CAS: 79490-62-3, 125093-27-8
Commercial applications
Skin Products: Used in creams, lotions, and makeup products to enhance skin texture and provide hydration.
Lip Products: Found in lip balms and lipsticks to provide a soft and silky feel.
Hair Products: May be used in hair care products to condition and soften.
Properties
Emollient: Provides a smooth and soft feel on the skin, helping to retain moisture.
Skin Conditioning: Enhances the appearance and feel of the skin, making it softer and smoother.
Compatibility: Often used to enhance the stability and compatibility of ingredients in cosmetic formulations.
