What Is Peg-7 Ricinoleamide?
Peg-7 Ricinoleamide is a plant-derived ingredient created from castor oil’s main fatty acid, ricinoleic acid. Chemists link this fatty acid to an average of seven units of polyethylene glycol, turning the oily molecule into one that can mix well with both water and oil. This transformation is done through a controlled ethoxylation followed by amidation, steps that have been common in cosmetic chemistry since the 1970s when formulators began searching for gentler alternatives to soap-type emulsifiers. Because castor oil is widely available and renewable, Peg-7 Ricinoleamide quickly found a place in modern personal care labs.
You will most often spot Peg-7 Ricinoleamide in products that need a smooth blend of oil and water such as facial cleansers, lightweight moisturizers, makeup removers, leave-in hair conditioners, sunscreens and sheet mask essences. Its ability to stabilize and soften formulas lets brands create milky textures that rinse clean without leaving a greasy feel.
Peg-7 Ricinoleamide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Peg-7 Ricinoleamide serves primarily as an emulsifier, meaning it helps water and oil stay mixed. By doing so it keeps a cream or lotion from separating on the shelf, gives the product a uniform look and ensures each pump or swipe delivers the same balance of ingredients. A stable emulsion spreads more evenly on skin or hair, feels lighter and absorbs more predictably which can improve the overall user experience.
Who Can Use Peg-7 Ricinoleamide
This emulsifier is considered gentle and non-comedogenic, so it generally suits oily, dry, combination and even sensitive skin. Because it helps blend water and oil without relying on harsh surfactants, people prone to redness or tightness often tolerate it well. No specific skin type needs to avoid it, though very dry skin might want additional occlusive ingredients alongside it for extra moisture retention.
Peg-7 Ricinoleamide is plant-derived from castor beans which makes it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians, provided the finished product as a whole is not tested on animals.
The ingredient is not known to penetrate deeply or enter the bloodstream, so it is widely regarded as safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should have their doctor review any skincare products they plan to use.
Peg-7 Ricinoleamide does not increase photosensitivity and has no documented interactions with sun exposure.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Peg-7 Ricinoleamide differ from person to person. The following highlights potential side effects, though most people will not encounter them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness or itching
- Stinging sensation on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis for individuals sensitive to polyethylene glycols or castor derivatives
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If you notice any discomfort or visible reaction while using a product containing Peg-7 Ricinoleamide discontinue use and consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Peg-7 Ricinoleamide is a lightweight PEG-modified castor oil derivative that mixes well with water which helps it rinse clean rather than linger in pores. Its molecular size is relatively large and it remains mostly on the skin’s surface so it is unlikely to block follicles. Trace amounts of residual fatty acids could, in theory, contribute to minimal pore clogging which is why it is not rated a perfect zero.
Because of this low score it is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
As with most PEG-based emulsifiers, the comedogenic potential can rise slightly if a formula is heavy in oils or butters so the finished product as a whole matters more than this single ingredient.
Summary
Peg-7 Ricinoleamide is an emulsifier that keeps water and oil blended, stabilises texture and helps products spread smoothly. By attaching around seven units of polyethylene glycol to ricinoleic acid chemists create a molecule that dissolves in both phases and forms stable, milky emulsions.
It is neither the hottest trend nor a forgotten relic, sitting comfortably in many cleansers, lotions and hair conditioners because it offers reliable performance at a reasonable cost.
The ingredient has a solid safety record, shows low irritation and scores very low on comedogenicity, making it friendly to most skin types. Even so, skin can react unpredictably so it is always wise to patch test any new product that contains Peg-7 Ricinoleamide before full use.