What Is Sodium Ricinoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate?
Sodium Ricinoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate is a quaternary ammonium compound made from castor oil–derived ricinoleic acid. Chemists first explored castor oil for personal care in the mid-20th century because its unusual fatty acid gives a silky slip on skin and hair. By reacting ricinoleic acid with propylene glycol and a gentle amine, then quaternizing and neutralizing the mix with phosphoric acid and sodium, manufacturers created a water-soluble powder or thick liquid that is easy to add during the cool-down stage of product making. Its dual ionic nature lets it attract both oil and water, which is why it shows up in everyday cleansers, shampoos, micellar waters, facial wipes, creamy body washes, lightweight lotions, rinse-off masks and even some leave-on conditioners.
Sodium Ricinoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its place in a formula by performing several helpful jobs.
- Cleansing: Its charged head clings to dirt and excess oil while its fatty tail locks onto water, so it lifts grime from skin and hair and rinses away without harshness.
- Emulsifying: Stabilizes blends of oil and water, keeping creams smooth and preventing separation over time which means a longer shelf life and a nicer feel during use.
Who Can Use Sodium Ricinoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Because it is a gentle cleansing and emulsifying agent with low irritation potential, this ingredient suits most skin types including normal, oily, combination and even dry skin that dislikes harsh surfactants. People with very reactive or highly sensitive skin can usually tolerate it as well, though they should always monitor how their skin feels after use.
The ingredient is plant derived from castor oil and contains no animal by-products so it is generally considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not known to face special risks when using topical products that include this compound. It is used at low levels, remains mostly on the skin surface and has no reported hormonal activity. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should ask a healthcare professional before adding new personal care products, just to be safe.
Sodium Ricinoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it does not raise the risk of sunburn or photosensitivity.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Sodium Ricinoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues only and they are unlikely to occur for most users when the ingredient is formulated correctly in a product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging, especially on compromised or broken skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with a specific sensitivity to castor oil derivatives or quaternary ammonium compounds
- Temporary eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Build-up on hair leading to a weighed-down feel if used in very high concentrations or not rinsed thoroughly
If any negative reaction occurs stop using the product immediately and seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Sodium Ricinoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate is highly water soluble and used at low levels, so it rinses away rather than sitting on skin and clogging pores. Its fatty portion is balanced by a charged head group that resists depositing in follicle openings. While any ingredient can theoretically contribute to congestion if a formula is heavy or misused, this compound itself is very unlikely to trigger or worsen comedones.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in both rinse-off and leave-on products.
Because the ingredient is often paired with richer emollients, check the overall product composition if pore clogging is a concern.
Summary
Sodium Ricinoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate acts as a mild cleanser and an emulsifier, lifting away dirt and oil while keeping water-oil mixtures stable so creams stay smooth and shampoos stay homogenous. It does this by using a dual natured structure: a fatty tail grabs grime and a charged head binds to water, allowing everything to be rinsed off cleanly.
It is not a headline ingredient in mainstream beauty aisles but formulators who want gentle plant derived surfactants appreciate its versatility so you will spot it in niche skincare, baby washes and modern micellar products.
Overall safety data show a low irritation profile and no serious health flags. As with any new cosmetic, perform a quick patch test before full use to confirm personal compatibility.