What Is Peg/Ppg-32/3 Ricinoleate?
Peg/Ppg-32/3 Ricinoleate is a plant-derived synthetic ingredient created by linking castor oil’s fatty acid, ricinoleic acid, with a chain of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG) units. The numbers 32/3 tell chemists how many average units of each building block are present, giving the molecule a balanced water-loving and oil-loving character. First explored in the mid-20th century when PEG technology opened new possibilities for making oils water-dispersible, this ester quickly found a place in cosmetic labs because it cleans skin without harshness.
Manufacturing starts with castor oil that is treated to isolate 12-hydroxy-9(Z)-octadecenoic acid. This fatty acid is then reacted with controlled amounts of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, forming a mixed PEG-PPG polymer. A final esterification step ties the polymer to the fatty acid, producing a clear liquid that blends easily into water-based formulas.
You will most often meet Peg/Ppg-32/3 Ricinoleate in facial cleansers, micellar waters, cleansing balms, makeup removers, body washes, shampoos and baby wash products where gentle yet effective cleansing is a priority.
Peg/Ppg-32/3 Ricinoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient contributes one main benefit to a formula.
Cleansing: Its surfactant nature loosens dirt, oil and makeup then helps them rinse away with water. Because the molecule has both water-friendly and oil-friendly sections, it can dissolve greasy impurities while staying mild on skin and hair, leaving a clean comfortable feel without stripping natural moisture.
Who Can Use Peg/Ppg-32/3 Ricinoleate
This cleansing agent is generally well tolerated by all skin types including oily, combination, normal and dry. Sensitive skin usually fares well too because the molecule is mild and non stripping. Very rare cases of sensitivity can occur in people reactive to polyethylene glycol based ingredients so anyone with a known PEG allergy should steer clear.
Peg/Ppg-32/3 Ricinoleate is synthesized from castor oil and petrochemical feedstocks, none of which are animal derived. No animal by-products are involved in the manufacturing process so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Available safety data show no specific reproductive or developmental concerns, meaning it is not automatically off limits for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review any skincare routine with a qualified healthcare provider just to be safe.
The ingredient does not increase sun sensitivity so there is no extra need for photo-protection beyond the normal daily use of sunscreen.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg/Ppg-32/3 Ricinoleate vary by individual. The points below outline potential reactions that could occur, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly and at appropriate levels in finished products.
- Mild skin irritation such as stinging or burning in very sensitive users
- Redness or itching linked to rare allergic contact dermatitis
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes during use
- Dryness or tightness when formulated at a high concentration or used excessively
If any adverse effect develops stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg/Ppg-32/3 Ricinoleate is mostly water soluble once dispersed so it rinses away rather than sitting on the skin and clogging pores. Its castor-oil backbone is balanced by a long PEG-PPG chain that keeps the molecule fluid and non-sticky, reducing the chance of buildup inside follicles. Lab data and user reports rarely link it to breakouts which is why it earns a low score of 1.
Suitable for acne-prone or congested skin but, as with any surfactant, over-cleansing could leave skin dry and trigger compensatory oil production.
Summary
Peg/Ppg-32/3 Ricinoleate is a gentle surfactant that lifts away dirt, oil and makeup thanks to its split personality: a fatty acid tail loves grease while the PEG-PPG chain loves water, letting the ingredient capture grime then rinse it down the drain. It shows up in cleansers, micellar waters and baby washes though it is not a headline-grabbing star, more a quiet workhorse that formulators appreciate for its mildness.
Safety assessments rate it low risk with only rare irritation or allergy concerns reported. Overall it is considered safe for regular use, but as with any new skincare product a quick patch test is a smart idea to rule out personal sensitivity.