What Is Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer?
Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer is a man-made ingredient created from castor oil that has been hydrogenated to make it more stable, then linked with about 200 units of polyethylene glycol and finally reacted with a specialty molecule called isophorone diisocyanate. The result is a large, water-loving yet partly oil-like polymer that blends smoothly into modern skin care formulas.
Castor oil itself has a long history in beauty routines thanks to its natural fatty acids. Chemists began modifying it in the late twentieth century to improve its feel, reduce greasiness and help it mix better with water. By adding PEG chains and forming a copolymer with IPDI, they produced an ingredient that spreads easily, rinses clean and supports a silky after-touch.
The manufacturing process starts with purified castor oil. Hydrogen gas is applied under pressure to saturate its double bonds, which boosts shelf life. Next the oil is ethoxylated, meaning small links of ethylene oxide are attached, giving it water affinity. Finally the modified oil is reacted with IPDI to form sturdy urethane bonds, creating a high-performance polymer.
You will most often see Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer in lightweight moisturizers, daily creams, sheet masks, anti-aging serums, sunscreens, makeup primers, liquid foundations and gentle cleansers where a smooth, non-oily finish is desired.
Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In cosmetic formulas this ingredient serves mainly as a skin conditioning agent. By forming a soft, flexible film on the surface of the skin it helps lock in moisture, leaving skin feeling smooth and supple without a heavy residue. Its balanced oil-and-water loving structure also improves product spreadability so creams glide on evenly and active ingredients are distributed more uniformly.
Who Can Use Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Ipdi CopolymerThis ingredient is gentle enough for most skin types, including dry, normal and combination skin. Its light feel also suits oily and acne-prone skin because it conditions without adding extra oil. People with very sensitive or highly reactive skin should still keep an eye on how their skin responds the first few times they use a product that contains it, as any new ingredient can trigger irritation in rare cases.
Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer is made from castor oil and synthetic building blocks, none of which are animal derived, so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data do not flag this ingredient as risky for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used topically. That said, this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any skincare product to their health care provider to be extra safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more likely to burn in the sun, so it is not linked to photosensitivity. It is also odorless and free of common allergens like gluten and nuts, which helps widen its compatibility among users.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from using Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer can vary from person to person. The points below cover potential reactions only and are not expected to occur for most users when the ingredient is used in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or a stinging feeling
- Contact dermatitis in people who are allergic to castor derivatives or polyethylene glycol
- Temporary eye watering or burning if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Very rare clogging of pores in those who are extremely prone to comedones
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek advice from a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer is a large water-loving polymer that sits on the surface of skin rather than seeping deeply into pores, so it has a very low tendency to trap oil and dead cells. The hydrogenation step removes the natural unsaturated bonds in castor oil that could potentially oxidize and clog pores, while the PEG segments make the molecule highly water dispersible and easy to rinse away. This combination keeps the ingredient from acting like a heavy occlusive oil.
Because of its low rating it is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne and breakouts.
As with any polymer, formula context matters. Very rich creams that pair this ingredient with thick butters or waxes may still feel heavy on oily skin, so the overall product design should be taken into account.
Summary
Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer is mainly used as a skin conditioning agent that forms a thin flexible film to keep moisture in, improve spreadability and leave a soft non-greasy finish. Its hybrid oil-and-water structure lets it dissolve smoothly in both emulsions and cleansers, helping active ingredients distribute evenly while rinsing clean.
It is not a headline-grabbing superstar but it appears in a steady stream of modern moisturizers, sunscreens and makeup primers because formulators appreciate its reliability and pleasant after-feel.
Current research and cosmetic safety assessments rate it as low risk for irritation or sensitization when used topically. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so doing a small patch test with any new product that contains this ingredient is a smart move.