Baking soda

Carrageenan

Chamomile (German)

Fluoride

Ginger

Glycerin

Glycyrrhizin

Glyceryl laurate

Hectorite clay

Hops

Lemongrass

Lichen

Natural flavors

Poloxamer 335 and 407

Potassium nitrate

Propolis

Propylene glycol

Sage

Silica, hydrated

Silica shells

Sodium lauryl sulfate

Sorbitol

Sucrose cocoate 

Xanthan gum

Xylitol

Zinc citrate

Zinc ricinoleate

Further ingredient research:

Search the databases of the American Botanical Council for the latest research on herbal ingredients.

Ingredient Fact Sheet: Zinc Ricinoleate

What is it?

Zinc ricinoleate is a zinc salt from ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid is a purified fatty acid from the oil obtained by squeezing castor beans.

What does it do?

Like a sponge, zinc ricinoleate traps and absorbs the odor molecules produced by skin bacteria.

What are the alternatives?

Crown ether is an odor-absorbing molecule, but it is synthetic. Certain clays can absorb odor, as can baking soda under certain conditions. But zinc ricinoleate works better than these alternatives—in the damp underarm environment, it absorbs odor more effectively than clays and baking sodas, which don't perform well when wet.

What are the risks?

The toxin ricin can be obtained from castor beans, but it is a protein. Ricinoleic acid is a fat, so there is no relation between the two materials.

Tom's of Maine recognizes that no two people are alike, and even with pure and natural ingredients, some individuals may develop an allergic reaction that is unique to them. As with any product, be sure to discontinue use if you experience discomfort or other indications that the product may not be appropriate for your individual body chemistry.