Zinc ricinoleate is the zinc salt of ricinoleic acid, a major fatty acid found in castor oil. It is used in many deodorants as an odor-adsorbing agent. Zinc ricinoleate is intended for use in making deodorants and odor absorbents. Zinc ricinoleate traps and chemically absorbs odor molecules formed during bacterial decomposition of perspiration. It does not inhibit transpiration and is therefore not an antiperspirant.