What Is Peg-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?
Peg-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a plant-derived ingredient made by taking natural castor oil, fully saturating its fatty acids with hydrogen to make it more stable, then attaching an average of seven ethylene oxide units to create a water-friendly “PEG” portion. The end result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that blends easily with both oils and water. First introduced in the late 20th century when formulators were searching for gentle alternatives to harsh sulfates, it quickly gained popularity for its versatility and mildness.
The manufacturing process starts with cold-pressed castor seeds from the Ricinus communis plant. The oil is hydrogenated, which converts its main fatty acid ricinoleic acid into a more solid, saturated form that resists oxidation. Ethoxylation follows, where controlled amounts of ethylene oxide are added to give the molecule its PEG-7 portion, improving solubility. Rigorous purification steps remove residues and ensure cosmetic-grade quality.
You will often find Peg-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil in facial cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers, shampoo and conditioner, leave-in sprays, lightweight moisturizers, sheet masks and even some sunscreens. Its ability to bridge oil and water phases lets brands create clear, low-foam formulas that feel silky rather than greasy.
Peg-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators reach for this multitasker because it performs more than one job at once, improving both product texture and skin feel.
- Cleansing: The ingredient surrounds dirt, makeup and excess sebum so they can be rinsed away with water, helping create gentle cleansers that do not strip the skin’s natural barrier.
- Emulsifying: Its dual water-loving and oil-loving structure binds oil and water together, keeping creams, lotions and balms from separating while delivering a smooth, lightweight finish.
Who Can Use Peg-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
This ingredient is considered gentle enough for nearly all skin types, including dry, normal, combination and sensitive skin, thanks to its mild cleansing action and low likelihood of clogging pores. Very oily or severely acne-prone skin may prefer lighter formulas, yet most people in those groups still tolerate it well when it is used at low levels.
Peg-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is sourced from castor beans and contains no animal-derived material, making it suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically and in the small amounts found in cosmetics. This is not medical advice, so anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask a healthcare professional before adding new products to a routine.
The molecule does not absorb UV light and is not known to make skin more sensitive to the sun, so it does not increase photosensitivity.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can differ from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely for the average user when the product is properly formulated.
- Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness or stinging
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to castor derivatives or PEGs
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- In very rare cases, increased penetration of other active ingredients that could heighten their irritating effect
If any troubling reaction occurs discontinue use immediately and consult a qualified medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 Peg-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is highly water soluble and used in low percentages, so it is unlikely to build up inside pores or create the thick occlusive film that can trigger breakouts. Its PEG portion keeps the molecule dispersed in water rather than sitting on skin for long periods, further lowering clogging potential. For these reasons it is generally considered safe for acne-prone skin, though individual responses can vary. Most formulas also pair it with lightweight humectants and surfactants which dilute any residual oiliness, keeping the overall risk very low.
Concentration, product type and the presence of heavier oils will influence real-world comedogenicity, so evaluating the full ingredient list is always wise.
Summary
Peg-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil acts mainly as a gentle cleanser and an efficient emulsifier. Its castor oil backbone grabs onto oils and debris while the PEG segment binds to water, allowing makeup, sebum and dirt to lift away easily without stripping skin. The same dual affinity stabilises oil-in-water mixtures so creams stay smooth and clear solutions remain haze-free.
The ingredient is fairly popular in modern skincare because it offers sulfate-free cleansing, a light silky feel and plant-derived sourcing that appeals to eco-minded shoppers. You will spot it in everything from micellar waters to leave-in conditioners, though it is not quite as ubiquitous as classic surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine.
Extensive safety reviews show Peg-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil to be low risk for irritation or sensitisation when used as directed in cosmetics. Still, skin can be unpredictable so performing a small patch test with any new product is a smart precaution.