What Is Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Pca Isostearate?
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Pca Isostearate is a plant-derived ingredient made from castor oil that has been hydrogenated then reacted with ethylene oxide and two skin-friendly acids, isostearic acid and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. The result is a soft waxy substance that mixes well with both water and oil, making it a handy helper in modern skincare formulas. Castor oil itself has been used for centuries as a natural emollient, but chemists began modifying it in the mid-20th century to improve its texture and stability in creams and lotions. By attaching roughly 60 units of ethylene oxide (that’s what the “Peg-60” part means) they created a material that dissolves smoothly in water while still keeping the nurturing feel of the original oil.
Manufacturing starts with purified castor oil that is first hydrogenated to make it more solid and less prone to spoiling. This hydrogenated oil is then treated with ethylene oxide in a carefully controlled process to reach the desired 60-unit average. Finally, it is esterified with isostearic acid and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to boost its skin affinity and conditioning power. The finished ingredient looks like an off-white paste or flakes that melt easily into formulations.
You will most often find Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Pca Isostearate in moisturizers, facial masks, creamy cleansers, makeup removers, leave-on conditioners and anti-aging serums where a silky skin feel and stable texture are needed.
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Pca Isostearate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is prized mainly for one key role in cosmetics: skin conditioning. It coats the skin with a light protective film that helps hold in moisture, softens rough spots and leaves the surface feeling smooth but not greasy. Its water-friendly nature also lets it help blend oil and water parts of a formula, so products stay uniform and pleasant to use.
Who Can Use Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Pca Isostearate
This versatile emulsifier and skin conditioner is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, normal, combination and even sensitive or acne-prone skin, thanks to its lightweight, non-occlusive finish and very low likelihood of clogging pores. Because it is sourced from castor beans and produced without any animal-derived substances, it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians unless the finished product contains other non-vegan additives.
Formulators often include it in products aimed at expectant or breastfeeding mothers and no specific warnings have been issued by safety panels, yet this is not medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the ingredient list of any cosmetic they plan to use to their physician to be on the safe side.
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Pca Isostearate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, and there are no known interactions with common topical actives like retinoids, vitamin C or exfoliating acids.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Pca Isostearate differ from one individual to another. The following is a list of potential side effects that could occur, though they are uncommon when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as intended.
- Transient stinging or tingling especially if applied to freshly exfoliated or broken skin
- Mild redness or irritation in those with extremely reactive complexions
- Allergic contact dermatitis marked by itching, swelling or a rash in individuals allergic to castor derivatives or polyethylene glycols
- Eye discomfort such as watering or slight burning if a high-concentration product accidently gets into the eyes
If any of these effects occur discontinue use and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or dermatologist
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Although Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Pca Isostearate is rooted in castor oil, the hydrogenation and heavy PEG modification make it far more water dispersible than raw plant oils. This high level of water solubility means it rinses off skin surfaces easily and is less likely to sit in pores and oxidize. Most industry references class similar PEG-castor derivatives at 0 or 1, reflecting the very low chance of clogging pores.
Because of this low score the ingredient is generally considered suitable for people who experience acne or frequent breakouts.
One extra point to note is that overall formula design matters: if Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Pca Isostearate is paired with heavy waxes or butters the final product could feel richer on skin even though this specific component remains low risk.
Summary
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Pca Isostearate acts mainly as a skin conditioner and secondary emulsifier. It deposits a lightweight breathable film that binds moisture and leaves skin feeling smooth while also helping oil and water parts of a product stay perfectly blended, keeping textures stable and elegant.
It is a niche ingredient rather than a household name, but formulators who want a gentle plant-derived alternative to stronger surfactants reach for it often in cleansers masks and leave-on treatments. Its safety profile is strong, with low irritation and virtually no comedogenic risk for most users.
Overall it is considered safe for daily use by all skin types. As with any new cosmetic, performing a small patch test when first trying a product that contains this ingredient is still the smartest way to spot any unusual sensitivity.