What Is Peg-2 Ricinoleate?
Peg-2 Ricinoleate is a synthetic ingredient created by joining ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid from castor oil, with two units of ethylene oxide. This process produces an ester that has both oil-loving and water-loving parts, a balance that makes it valuable in modern skincare. Castor oil has been used for centuries in folk beauty routines, but the pegylated version emerged in the mid-20th century when chemists looked for plant-based raw materials that could stabilize lotions and creams more reliably than animal fats.
Manufacturing begins with purified castor oil. The oil is first split to isolate ricinoleic acid, then reacted with ethylene oxide under controlled heat and pressure. The resulting Peg-2 Ricinoleate is purified, tested for safety, and supplied as a viscous liquid or soft paste that blends easily with other cosmetic ingredients.
You are most likely to find Peg-2 Ricinoleate in moisturizers, facial masks, cleansing balms, cream cleansers, sunscreens, makeup foundations, hair conditioners and leave-on treatments that need to keep water and oil phases from separating on the shelf or on your skin.
Peg-2 Ricinoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Peg-2 Ricinoleate is classified as an emulsifying agent. By lowering the surface tension between oil and water, it helps form stable, uniform mixtures that feel smooth and light on application. A well-emulsified formula distributes active ingredients evenly, rinses off more cleanly and resists separation over time, which means longer shelf life and a better user experience.
Who Can Use Peg-2 Ricinoleate
Peg-2 Ricinoleate is generally considered suitable for all skin types, including dry, normal, combination and oily complexions, because it functions mainly as a helper ingredient rather than an active that alters skin behavior. Sensitive or compromised skin can usually tolerate it as well since it is used at low concentrations, although individuals with a known sensitivity to castor derivatives or polyethylene glycols might prefer to steer clear.
The ingredient is derived from castor oil and processed synthetically, so products containing it are typically appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. No animal-derived substances are involved in its manufacture.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Peg-2 Ricinoleate is applied topically. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should have a healthcare professional review any skincare product they plan to use.
Peg-2 Ricinoleate does not cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It can be used in both day and night formulations without special sun precautions beyond normal sunscreen use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg-2 Ricinoleate differ from person to person. The points below outline potential issues that could occur, yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic levels in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as itching or burning
- Temporary redness or warmth at the application site
- Allergic contact dermatitis in users sensitive to castor oil derivatives or polyethylene glycols
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Breakouts in acne-prone skin if the overall formula is very rich or occlusive
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Peg-2 Ricinoleate sits at the low end of the scale because its PEG portion makes the molecule water friendly, which helps it rinse away rather than linger and clog pores. It is also used at small percentages as a helper ingredient, not as a heavy oil. For most people, including those prone to breakouts, it is unlikely to cause clogged pores. Formulas that pair it with thick occlusive oils could raise the overall comedogenic potential, so the finished product matters more than the single ingredient.
Summary
Peg-2 Ricinoleate is mainly an emulsifier that keeps water and oil blended, improves spreadability and helps other ingredients stay evenly distributed. Its split personality, one part that loves water and one that loves oil, lets it sit at the interface between the two phases, lowering surface tension and locking the mix in place.
It is a workhorse rather than a star, so it is not a buzzword on product labels, yet many creams, cleansers and hair conditioners rely on it quietly behind the scenes. Safety studies and decades of use show it is generally well tolerated with a very low risk of irritation or pore clogging. Still, skin is personal, so doing a small patch test with any new product that contains Peg-2 Ricinoleate is a smart habit.