What Is Sesame Oil/Succinic Acid/Triricinolein Copolymer?
Sesame Oil/Succinic Acid/Triricinolein Copolymer is a plant-derived polymer created by reacting cold-pressed sesame seed oil with succinic acid, a small organic acid often produced from fermented sugar, and triricinolein, the main triglyceride found in castor oil. The reaction links these ingredients into a larger, stable molecule that behaves like a soft, semi-solid resin. Because the starting materials are renewable oils instead of petroleum, the polymer gained attention in the early 2000s when brands began searching for greener alternatives to mineral oil derivatives.
To make the polymer, chemists heat the three components together in the presence of a catalyst. During this transesterification step, parts of each molecule swap positions, then condense into long chains. The result is a smooth, lightly tacky substance that melts on skin contact and leaves a cushiony feel. Manufacturers refine the mixture, filter out residues and test the final material for color, odor and purity before it goes into finished formulas.
You will most often find Sesame Oil/Succinic Acid/Triricinolein Copolymer in moisturizing creams, body butters, lipsticks, primers, hair conditioners, masks and many anti-aging lotions where it gives products a richer skin feel without a greasy after-touch.
Sesame Oil/Succinic Acid/Triricinolein Copolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves a single but important role in personal care products.
As an emollient, it fills the tiny gaps between skin cells to create a smooth surface, traps water to reduce dryness and improves the slip of a formula so it glides on easily. The polymer’s plant oil backbone also adds a lightweight, comforting film that can soften rough patches and enhance the luxurious texture consumers expect from premium moisturizers and color cosmetics.
Who Can Use Sesame Oil/Succinic Acid/Triricinolein Copolymer
This emollient works for most skin types including normal, dry and mature skin, thanks to its softening film and light melt-in finish. People with very oily or acne-prone skin might find it a touch rich, so they may prefer it in rinse-off or low-percentage leave-on products.
The polymer is made from plant oils and a plant-derived acid so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal ingredients or by-products are involved in its production.
There is nothing in its chemistry that is known to harm pregnant or breastfeeding women when used on skin, but this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of a product to their doctor before adding it to a routine, just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be worn in daytime products without extra sun risk.
It is also free of common sensitizers like fragrance allergens and dyes, which makes it a gentle option for many people with reactive skin.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from Sesame Oil/Succinic Acid/Triricinolein Copolymer differ from person to person. The following are potential reactions and they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Allergic reaction in individuals with a sesame seed allergy
- Mild redness or itching on very sensitive skin
- Transient clogged pores or small breakouts on acne-prone skin if the formula is heavy
- Stinging if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek medical advice if symptoms do not quickly settle down.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 out of 5.
The backbone of this polymer still contains fatty acid chains from sesame and castor oils, which can sit on skin longer than very light esters yet they are less occlusive than straight plant oils thanks to the larger, more branched polymer structure. That puts it in the low-to-moderate clogging range.
Suitable for most skin types that are not highly acne-prone, but people who break out easily may want to use it in rinse-off products or formulas that balance it with lightweight humectants and non-greasy emulsifiers.
Formulation level matters: cleansers, masks and conditioners rinse away before they have time to settle into pores, while rich night creams with 5 % or more of this polymer can feel heavier and possibly increase congestion on oily areas.
Summary
Sesame Oil/Succinic Acid/Triricinolein Copolymer is a plant-based emollient that smooths the skin surface, softens rough patches and gives creams or lip products a plush glide. Its flexible polymer chains form a breathable film that locks in moisture without the slick residue associated with pure oils.
It is a niche ingredient most often seen in natural-leaning or premium formulas that want a greener alternative to mineral oil derivatives. You will not find it in every drugstore lotion, but brands focused on eco credentials and rich textures reach for it more each year.
Overall safety is high: toxicology data show low irritation potential, it is vegan friendly and it does not boost sun sensitivity. As with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to patch test a small area first, especially if you have reactive or breakout-prone skin.