What Is Peg-15 Glyceryl Ricinoleate?
Peg-15 Glyceryl Ricinoleate is a plant-derived ingredient made by reacting castor oil–rich in the fatty acid ricinoleic acid–with glycerin and about fifteen units of ethylene oxide. The result is a water-loving, oil-loving molecule that can sit at the border of the two, helping them mix smoothly. Its ability to bridge oil and water was first explored in the mid-20th century when formulators were looking for gentler alternatives to soap-based emulsifiers. Over time the ingredient proved reliable, mild and cost-effective, which led to its wide adoption in personal care.
Manufacturing starts with refined castor oil, which is combined with glycerin to form glyceryl ricinoleate. Controlled addition of ethylene oxide units follows, yielding the PEG-15 grade that strikes a balance between solubility and skin feel. The finished material is usually supplied as a soft pasty solid or viscous liquid that dissolves easily in the heated oil phase of a cosmetic batch.
You will most often find Peg-15 Glyceryl Ricinoleate in moisturizers, cleansing milks, creamy facial masks, sunscreen lotions and color cosmetics like liquid foundation. It is also common in hair conditioners and styling creams where a stable, silky emulsion is required.
Peg-15 Glyceryl Ricinoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves one main purpose that makes a big difference to how products look, feel and perform.
As an emulsifying agent Peg-15 Glyceryl Ricinoleate keeps water and oil blended so a formula stays uniform from the first pump to the last. A stable emulsion prevents separation, improves spreadability and delivers active ingredients evenly across the skin or hair, giving a smooth non-greasy finish and extending shelf life.
Who Can Use Peg-15 Glyceryl Ricinoleate
Peg-15 Glyceryl Ricinoleate is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, normal and combination skin because it is mild and non stripping. Sensitive skin usually handles it fine thanks to its castor oil backbone, though anyone with a known allergy to castor derivatives should proceed with caution. Very oily or acne prone skin may prefer lightweight formulas that use lower levels of this emulsifier as heavy creams rich in it could feel slightly occlusive and contribute to congestion if not removed thoroughly.
The ingredient is sourced from plant materials so it suits vegans and vegetarians as long as the finished cosmetic is free from other animal derived components.
No data suggests special risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically at cosmetic concentrations. That said this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should show the ingredient list of any product to a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Peg-15 Glyceryl Ricinoleate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and it plays well with common actives like vitamin C and retinoids without destabilizing them.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg-15 Glyceryl Ricinoleate differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur although most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation or redness in those highly sensitive to castor oil derivatives
- Allergic contact dermatitis presenting as itchiness or small bumps
- Temporary stinging if the product is applied to broken or freshly shaved skin
- Eye irritation and watering if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Clogged pores and breakouts in individuals already prone to acne when used in heavy leave-on formulas
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a qualified healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 out of 5. Peg-15 Glyceryl Ricinoleate is derived from castor oil, a fatty ingredient that can form a light film on skin. The added PEG groups make it more water soluble and less likely to clog pores than pure oils, yet some occlusive character remains which may trap debris in very oily or congestion-prone skin. Overall it sits in the low-to-moderate range for pore-clogging potential.
Suitable for acne-prone users in lightweight rinse-off or fluid leave-on formulas, but richer creams heavy in this emulsifier might feel too sealing for those who break out easily.
Comedogenicity also depends on the full formula, how much is used and how thoroughly the product is removed, so judging a finished product as a whole is important.
Summary
Peg-15 Glyceryl Ricinoleate is primarily an emulsifier that keeps water and oil blended so lotions, creams and hair conditioners stay smooth, stable and easy to spread. Its castor oil backbone anchors itself to oils while the PEG groups reach into water, creating a micro-network that holds the two phases together and improves product feel.
It is a workhorse used by many formulators, though newer natural emulsifiers and silicone-based systems sometimes overshadow it in trend-driven launches. Still, its reliability and mildness keep it present in a broad range of everyday skincare and haircare items.
Safety reviews show it is low risk for most people with only rare irritation or allergy. As with any cosmetic ingredient, trying a small patch first helps catch individual sensitivities before full use.