Flexicare™ ZR-P

Flexicare ZR-P is an odor neutralizer...not an antimicrobial or chemical masking agent. More effective than related copper and magnesium salts of the same valence, and related stearic and oleic acids of the same carbon number, Flexicare ZR-P zinc ricinoleate forms a unique fixating complex that traps and absorbs odor causing substances. Zinc ricinoleate is a zinc salt of ricinoleic acid, derived from zinc and a purified fatty acid from castor seed oil, a vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant.

• Flexicare ZR-P is a low melting solid ideal for compounding. It is soluble in a range of organic solvents and is soluble in aqueous surfactant mixtures.

Natural Odor Neutralizer
Flexicare ZR-P is a naturally renewable odor neutralizer that traps and absorbs odors...not an antimicrobial or chemical odor masking agent. Flexicare ZR-P is a zinc salt of ricinoleic acid, derived from zinc and a purified fatty acid from naturally renewable castor oil. Castor oil is obtained by the cold pressing of seeds of the Ricinus communis plant followed by clarification of the oil by heat. Often questioned, castor oil does not contain ricin because ricin is water soluble and does not dissolve in the oil obtained from the castor seeds. Purified castor oil is then naturally split into ricinoleic acid and glycerin
for additional purification.

Castor oil is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a natural flavoring substance, as a direct food additive, and as a safe and effective stimulant laxative. The derived ricinoleic acid and its zinc salts are CIR reviewed (Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel) and regarded for use as safe, non-toxic ingredients in a wide range of cosmetics and toiletries, and  are FDA listed as Indirect Additives Used in Food Contact Substances (21 CFR §175.300).

Effective Odor Neutralization
The mechanism for odor fixation by Flexicare ZR-P is complicated, being a combination of adsorption, complex formation, and in some instances a chemical formation such as mercaptans to mercaptides. More effective than related copper and magnesium salts of the same valence, and related stearic and oleic acids of the same carbon number, Flexicare ZR-P zinc ricinoleate forms a unique fixating complex specific to the odor causing substances that cause intensive odor with low odor thresholds such as low molecular weight organic acids, amines, mercaptans, dialkyl sulfides, dialkyl disulfides,
NH3, H2S, and SO2. When formulated into Personal Care deodorant products, zinc
ricinoleate does not block pores or inhibit normal perspiration, and not being antimicrobial or antifungal, it will not interfere with the natural flora of the skin. Instead, zinc ricinoleate ‘traps’ the odor causing molecules produced by bacterial decomposition, such as TMHA (trans-3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid), in sweat so that they cannot be released with their characteristic sweaty smells.