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Technical Specification Sheet

Castor Oil (Cold Pressed)

INCI Name: Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Common Name: Castor Oil
Botanical Source: Ricinus communis
Plant Part Used: Seed
Extraction Method: Mechanical Cold Pressing
CAS Number: 8001-79-4
EC Number: 232-293-8
Grade: Cosmetic Grade
Packaging Size: 50g

1. Material Overview

Castor Oil is a vegetable oil mechanically extracted from the seeds of Ricinus communis.

This cosmetic-grade raw material is supplied exclusively for further formulation into cosmetic and personal care products. It is distinguished by its unusually high concentration of ricinoleic acid, which contributes to its characteristic viscosity and polarity compared to most plant oils.

The oil remains liquid at room temperature but exhibits a thick, cohesive flow profile.

2. Physical & Organoleptic Characteristics

• Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy liquid

• Color: Pale yellow to light amber

• Odor: Mild, characteristic fatty aroma

• Solubility: Oil soluble

• Viscosity: High

Natural variation may occur depending on harvest, processing, and filtration level.

3. Composition & Functional Attributes

Castor Oil typically contains:

• Ricinoleic acid (predominant fatty acid)

• Oleic acid

• Linoleic acid

• Palmitic acid

• Stearic acid

Its elevated ricinoleic acid content gives it distinct physicochemical properties compared to other vegetable oils.

Functional Contribution in Formulations

Within cosmetic systems, Castor Oil is selected for its ability to:

• Contribute high-viscosity emollient properties

• Enhance film-forming characteristics in anhydrous systems

• Support dispersion of pigments in oil-based formulations

• Improve structural body in balms and gloss systems

• Complement conditioning concepts in hair-focused formulations

Its polarity allows it to interact differently within oil phases compared to standard triglyceride oils.

All functional performance must be validated within the final cosmetic formulation.

4. Suitable Formulation Applications

• Lip oil and gloss systems

• Hair oils and conditioning systems

• Balms and ointment bases

• Pigment-dispersed formulations

• Anhydrous blends

• Emulsion oil phases

Inclusion levels should be determined through formulation trials, stability assessment, and regulatory evaluation.

5. Storage & Stability

• Store in a cool, dry place

• Protect from direct light and heat

• Keep container tightly sealed

Castor Oil exhibits relatively good oxidative stability compared to many polyunsaturated oils, but appropriate storage conditions remain essential.

6. Handling & Manufacturing Considerations

This material should be handled in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

Compatibility testing, microbiological evaluation (where relevant), stability assessment, and final cosmetic safety evaluation remain the responsibility of the formulator or Responsible Person prior to market placement.

7. Regulatory Positioning

This product is supplied strictly as a raw cosmetic ingredient for further formulation.

It is not a finished cosmetic product and is not marketed for direct consumer application.

The purchaser assumes full responsibility for compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and any other applicable legislation, including CPSR preparation, PIF documentation, labeling, stability testing, and notification procedures.

8. Interesting Facts About the Raw Material

• Castor Oil is unique among vegetable oils due to its high ricinoleic acid content.

• The oil remains liquid despite a relatively high viscosity.

• It has been widely used as a functional oil in both cosmetic and industrial applications.

• The plant contains ricin in raw seeds, but properly processed cosmetic-grade oil does not contain ricin.

• Its polarity differentiates it from most triglyceride-based plant oils.