Ingredient review
Sodium Ricinoleoamphoacetate
INCI: Sodium Ricinoleoamphoacetate
A gentle, castor oil-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive skin.
In plain English
Sodium ricinoleoamphoacetate is a mild cleansing ingredient made from castor oil. It helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin without causing dryness or irritation. Think of it as a gentle soap that cleans without stripping your skin's natural moisture barrier.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- natural
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Sodium Ricinoleoamphoacetate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Sodium Ricinoleoamphoacetate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Sodium ricinoleoamphoacetate is an amphoteric surfactant derived from ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid found in castor oil. It is often used in sulfate-free and gentle cleansing formulas.
How it works
As a surfactant, it reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing impurities to be lifted away and rinsed off. Its amphoteric nature means it works well in a range of pH levels and is less likely to irritate compared to harsher cleansers like sodium lauryl sulfate.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Its mild amphoteric nature makes it one of the least irritating surfactants, ideal for daily use on sensitive or reactive skin.
Helps maintain moisture
Unlike harsh detergents, it cleans without stripping away natural oils, leaving skin feeling soft and hydrated.
Cons and cautions
Moderate foaming
It produces a creamy, low-to-moderate foam, which may not satisfy those who prefer a rich, bubbly lather.
Less effective on heavy makeup
On its own, it may struggle to remove long-wear or waterproof cosmetics, often requiring a double-cleanse step.
Best for
- People with sensitive or easily irritated skin
- Those looking for a sulfate-free cleanser
- Individuals with dry or eczema-prone skin
Use caution if
- Those who prefer a very foamy, bubbly cleanser (it produces moderate foam)
- People with known castor oil allergy (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Sodium ricinoleoamphoacetate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Research notes
Research on amphoteric surfactants like sodium ricinoleoamphoacetate indicates they are among the mildest cleansing agents available. Studies show they cause less protein denaturation and skin barrier disruption compared to anionic surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 15% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the FDA (as part of cosmetic ingredients) and under EU cosmetics regulation.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Baby care products
- Environmental note
- Derived from renewable castor oil and generally biodegradable, making it a more sustainable choice compared to some synthetic surfactants.
Good to know
- It is biodegradable and considered environmentally friendlier than some petroleum-based surfactants.
- Often combined with other mild surfactants to boost cleansing power while keeping irritation low.
Common questions
What is Sodium Ricinoleoamphoacetate in beauty products?
Sodium ricinoleoamphoacetate is a mild cleansing ingredient made from castor oil. It helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin without causing dryness or irritation. Think of it as a gentle soap that cleans without stripping your skin's natural moisture barrier.
What does Sodium Ricinoleoamphoacetate do in a beauty product?
As a surfactant, it reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing impurities to be lifted away and rinsed off. Its amphoteric nature means it works well in a range of pH levels and is less likely to irritate compared to harsher cleansers like sodium lauryl sulfate.
Is Sodium Ricinoleoamphoacetate safe for most people?
Sodium ricinoleoamphoacetate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Who should be careful with Sodium Ricinoleoamphoacetate?
Those who prefer a very foamy, bubbly cleanser (it produces moderate foam) People with known castor oil allergy (rare)
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.