What Is Peg-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate?
Peg-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate is a plant-derived ingredient based on castor oil obtained from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. The raw castor oil first goes through hydrogenation, a process that saturates its fatty acids to make them more stable, then it is reacted with about ten units of ethylene oxide to create a PEG backbone, and finally it is esterified with isostearic acid. The result is a waxy liquid that blends the nourishing fatty acid profile of castor oil with water-loving polyethylene glycol chains, giving it both oil and water compatibility.
Manufacturers began adapting castor oil into more sophisticated derivatives in the mid-20th century when the cosmetics industry looked for ingredients that could stabilize water-in-oil creams without the heaviness of pure oils. Peg-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate quickly proved useful because it stays liquid at room temperature, has a mild feel, and resists oxidation better than unmodified castor oil.
Today you will spot it in a wide range of products, including facial moisturizers, sunscreens, cleansing balms, makeup removers, color cosmetics like liquid foundations and lipsticks, conditioning hair masks and leave-in treatments, as well as body lotions and baby care formulas. Its balanced structure helps brands create smooth, stable, and pleasant textures without relying on synthetic petrolatum-based ingredients.
Peg-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ingredient supports both the structure and feel of a formula.
- Emulsifying – Helps oil and water mix into a uniform cream or lotion, preventing separation over time and improving the product’s shelf life and appearance
- Viscosity controlling – Fine-tunes thickness so a product feels neither too runny nor too heavy, giving formulators flexibility to craft anything from light fluids to rich balms
Who Can Use Peg-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate
This ingredient suits most skin types thanks to its balanced oil-and-water affinity. Dry, normal and combination complexions usually enjoy its light cushioning feel, while sensitive skin tends to tolerate it because it contains no fragrance or essential oils. Very oily or severely acne-prone users might prefer smaller amounts since any oil-derivative can feel rich if layered heavily, though Peg-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate is considered low clogging.
It is sourced from castor beans and processed synthetically with no animal by-products so it is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
The molecule stays largely on the surface of the skin and is regarded as low risk for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice; anyone expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of every product to their doctor just to be safe.
It does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known interactions with common actives like retinol or vitamin C.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate vary from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential effects and are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is used correctly by the manufacturer.
- Mild skin irritation or redness in people allergic to castor oil derivatives or polyethylene glycol
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis marked by itching or small bumps
- Transient eye stinging if a product containing it is rubbed into the eye area
- Heavy or greasy afterfeel for those with extremely oily skin, which might contribute to a temporary feeling of congestion
If you notice any of these reactions stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Peg-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate is mostly non-greasy and its PEG chains keep the molecule sitting on the surface rather than sinking into pores. It has a smaller fatty acid load than pure castor oil which lowers its tendency to trap dead cells or sebum. In standard tests it rarely triggers clogged pores so it earns a low rating of 1.
Most people who are prone to acne or breakouts can use products with this ingredient without extra worry.
Formulas that pair it with heavier butters or waxes could be more clogging than the ingredient alone so the overall product matters too.
Summary
Peg-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate acts as an emulsifier and viscosity controller. Its water-friendly PEG backbone pulls oils and water together into a smooth stable mix while the hydrogenated castor oil portion adds slip and a soft cushiony feel, letting chemists fine-tune thickness from light lotions to rich balms.
It is fairly common in modern skin care makeup and hair care though not as famous as buzzier actives because it works quietly behind the scenes to improve texture and shelf life.
Current safety data shows a low risk of irritation or sensitization and no links to systemic health problems. Still every skin is unique so patch test any new product that lists Peg-10 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate to make sure it agrees with you.