What Is Peg-8 Di/Triricinoleate?
Peg-8 Di/Triricinoleate is a plant-derived ingredient made by reacting castor oil fatty acids with a small amount of ethylene oxide, ending up with an average of eight repeating “PEG” units. The fatty acids used are dimers and trimers of ricinoleic acid, the main component of castor oil. This blend of oil-loving and water-loving parts lets the material sit comfortably between oil and water, which is why it is valued in skincare formulas. Castor oil has been a beauty staple for decades, and chemists began modifying it in the late twentieth century to create safer, more versatile emulsifiers. The manufacturing process involves first dimerizing and trimerizing ricinoleic acid, then attaching the PEG units through controlled ethoxylation. The resulting liquid or soft paste is filtered and purified before it is supplied to cosmetic labs.
You will most often find Peg-8 Di/Triricinoleate in creams, lotions, makeup removers, cleansing balms, masks, tinted moisturizers, sunscreens and some hair conditioners. Its ability to help oil and water stay mixed makes it handy in both rinse-off and leave-on products.
Peg-8 Di/Triricinoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient brings one key advantage to a formula.
As an emulsifying agent it binds oil and water into a stable mixture, giving products a smooth, uniform texture that feels pleasant on the skin, resists separating during storage and helps active ingredients spread evenly.
Who Can Use Peg-8 Di/Triricinoleate
This emulsifier is generally well tolerated by dry, normal and combination skin because it has a balanced oil and water profile that does not leave a greasy film. Most oily or acne-prone users can also use it comfortably, though extremely breakout-prone individuals may prefer lighter emulsifiers since the castor-oil backbone has a mild tendency to occlude pores.
The ingredient is sourced from castor beans and manufactured synthetically, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians as long as the finished product is not tested on animals.
Current safety assessments report no reproductive or developmental concerns at the tiny levels used in cosmetics, making it appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should still clear new skincare products with a healthcare professional.
Peg-8 Di/Triricinoleate is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to any cosmetic ingredient differ between individuals. The effects listed below are possible yet uncommon when the emulsifier is used at standard cosmetic concentrations and produced under good manufacturing practices.
- Mild skin irritation or redness in highly sensitive users
- Allergic contact dermatitis in those specifically allergic to castor derivatives or polyethylene glycols
- Transient eye stinging if a product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Clogged pores or blemishes in people who are extremely acne-prone
If irritation or another adverse effect occurs discontinue use and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Peg-8 Di/Triricinoleate keeps a small remnant of castor oil’s fatty character, yet the attached PEG chains increase water solubility and lower its tendency to block pores. At the low percentages typically used in creams and lotions it rarely forms the heavy, occlusive film linked with breakouts. This makes it generally suitable for acne-prone users, though exceptionally sensitive skin types may still prefer even lighter emulsifiers. Formulators often combine it with non-comedogenic oils or silicones, further reducing any clogging risk.
Summary
Peg-8 Di/Triricinoleate is an emulsifier that stabilises oil-in-water blends, giving skincare and makeup a smooth feel and consistent texture. It pulls this off by pairing a water-loving PEG segment with oil-loving ricinoleic acid dimers and trimers, so the molecule can sit at the oil-water boundary and keep the two phases mixed.
While not a headline ingredient, it enjoys steady popularity among chemists who need a plant-derived, medium-weight emulsifier that behaves reliably in both rinse-off and leave-on formulas. You will find it more in everyday moisturisers and cleansing balms than in buzz-worthy launches.
Safety data show a low irritation profile and no major systemic concerns at cosmetic use levels. Still, skin is personal, so it is smart to patch test any new product containing this or any other ingredient before adding it to your routine.