What Is Butyl Acetyl Ricinoleate?
Butyl Acetyl Ricinoleate is a plant-derived oil ester created from castor oil. Chemically, it is known as Butyl O-acetylricinoleate, a modified form of ricinoleic acid where parts of the original fatty acid are swapped with butyl and acetyl groups. These tweaks keep the natural richness of castor oil while giving the ingredient a lighter feel that sinks into skin more smoothly.
Castor oil has been used for centuries in folk beauty routines thanks to its thick, conditioning nature. In the late twentieth century formulators wanted a version that would deliver the same softness without the sticky drag. By reacting castor oil with butanol and acetic anhydride under controlled heat they produced Butyl Acetyl Ricinoleate, balancing slip and nourishment. This ester has since become a quiet workhorse in modern skin care, showing up wherever a silky touch is needed.
You will most often spot it in moisturizers, hand creams, lip balms, night masks, anti-aging serums and rich body butters. It can also be blended into makeup like lipsticks or creamy foundations to improve spreadability and comfort.
Butyl Acetyl Ricinoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas, Butyl Acetyl Ricinoleate serves a couple of key roles that keep skin feeling healthy and products feeling luxurious
- Skin Conditioning: Forms a soft, flexible film that helps trap moisture, leaving skin smooth and supple
- Emollient: Fills in tiny gaps between skin cells to reduce roughness, giving products a creamy glide and a comforting afterfeel
Who Can Use Butyl Acetyl Ricinoleate
Most skin types tolerate Butyl Acetyl Ricinoleate well. Dry and mature skin often loves its cushioning feel, while normal and combination skin enjoy the added softness without a greasy residue. Oily or acne prone users usually do fine too, though those who react poorly to richer lipids might prefer lighter textures. Sensitive skin rarely reports problems because the molecule is fragrance free and low in known irritants.
The ingredient is sourced from castor beans so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. No animal components or by-products are involved in its manufacture.
No studies suggest that Butyl Acetyl Ricinoleate poses special risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when used topically, yet this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should run new skincare products by a qualified health professional to stay on the safe side.
It does not increase photosensitivity, and it is stable under normal daylight conditions, so daily sunscreen habits remain unchanged for users of products containing this ester.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Topical reactions to Butyl Acetyl Ricinoleate differ from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential outcomes, and most people will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching, especially on very reactive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to castor derivatives
- Occasional clogged pores or breakout flare-ups in users highly prone to comedones
- Greasy film or heaviness if applied in thick layers or combined with other rich occlusives
- Transient eye stinging if the product migrates into the eyes
If any of these effects occur stop use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 out of 5
Because Butyl Acetyl Ricinoleate is a lighter ester of castor oil it spreads easily and absorbs better than the original oil yet still has a moderately rich fatty backbone. This means it presents a low to moderate chance of blocking pores, especially in formulas where it is used at higher levels or combined with other heavy lipids.
Overall it is generally acceptable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts, though ultra sensitive or very oily skin might prefer ingredients that sit closer to the non-comedogenic end of the scale.
Its comedogenic potential can vary depending on the full product recipe. Thinner lotions with smaller amounts of the ester are usually less risky than thick balms that rely on it for occlusive power.
Summary
Butyl Acetyl Ricinoleate acts mainly as a skin conditioning agent and emollient. By forming a soft breathable film it locks in moisture while filling micro-gaps between skin cells so skin feels smoother and looks more supple. Its modified structure lets it glide on without the stickiness typical of raw castor oil.
Although it is not a headline ingredient like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C it has carved out a quiet niche in creams, balms and lip products that need a silky cushiony feel. Formulators value its balance of slip and nourishment which is why it keeps showing up even if most shoppers have never heard its name.
Current data shows the ester is safe for topical use with a low rate of irritation or allergenicity. Still every skin is unique so patch testing any new product that contains it is the smartest way to rule out surprises and keep your routine trouble-free.