What Is Peg-20 Glyceryl Ricinoleate?
Peg-20 Glyceryl Ricinoleate is a plant-derived surfactant made by combining castor oil fatty acids with glycerin, then attaching about 20 units of ethylene oxide to the molecule. This process turns the naturally thick oil into a water-friendly ingredient that mixes easily with both oils and water. First introduced in the late 1960s as part of a new wave of gentle non-soap cleansers, it quickly found a place in personal care because it offered reliable cleansing without stripping skin. You will often see it in facial cleansers, body washes, micellar waters, makeup removers, bath oils, creamy masks and lightweight moisturizers where a smooth, stable blend of oil and water is needed.
Peg-20 Glyceryl Ricinoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasker improves the feel and performance of many formulas by taking on two key jobs
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature breaks up dirt, makeup and excess sebum, allowing them to rinse away easily so skin or hair feels fresh but not tight
- Emulsifying: It holds oil and water together, giving lotions a uniform texture, preventing separation in oil-based cleansers and helping creamy masks stay smooth throughout their shelf life
Who Can Use Peg-20 Glyceryl Ricinoleate
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by all skin types. Its mild cleansing action works nicely for dry or sensitive skin because it does not strip natural oils, while its ability to dissolve excess sebum makes it suitable for combination and oily skin. Very compromised or broken skin might feel a slight sting from any surfactant, so extra caution is advised in those cases.
Peg-20 Glyceryl Ricinoleate is usually produced from castor oil and vegetable glycerin, so it is compatible with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. If plant sourcing is important to you, look for brands that specify vegetable-derived glycerin or carry a vegan logo.
The ingredient has no known issues for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run every skincare product past a qualified health professional first, just to be safe.
It does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there are no special day-time precautions required.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg-20 Glyceryl Ricinoleate vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that could occur though they are unlikely for most users when the ingredient is used at proper levels in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or a tingling sensation
- Transient dryness if used in very high concentrations or in multiple products at once
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to castor-oil derivatives or PEGs
- Eye stinging if a cleanser containing the ingredient is not rinsed away fully
- Enhanced penetration of other actives, which could amplify their own irritation potential
If you experience any of these effects discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. While the molecule is derived from castor oil, the heavy fatty acids are largely balanced by the addition of PEG units that make it highly water soluble. This means it rinses away instead of clinging to pores. Laboratory data and long-time industry use show a very low tendency to trigger blackheads or whiteheads. For most people, even those who break out easily, Peg-20 Glyceryl Ricinoleate is unlikely to cause acne. Only individuals who react to any trace of rich oils may want to monitor their skin when first adding it to a routine.
One extra point to note is that the ingredient can increase the penetration of other substances. If a formula also contains comedogenic oils, their pore-blocking potential could be slightly higher.
Summary
Peg-20 Glyceryl Ricinoleate is a gentle surfactant and emulsifier that lifts away dirt and oil while helping water and oil stay perfectly mixed. It earns its cleansing power from its soap-like head that loves water and its fatty tail that grabs grime, then washes clean without stripping skin. As an emulsifier, it surrounds tiny oil droplets so lotions, creams and cleansers stay smooth and uniform from the first pump to the last.
The ingredient is a quiet workhorse rather than a headline act. It shows up in many mainstream cleansers, micellar waters and light moisturizers because chemists trust its reliability. Consumers rarely talk about it since it sits behind the scenes making textures feel right.
Overall safety is considered very high with low irritation and virtually no comedogenic risk for most users. Still, every skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains Peg-20 Glyceryl Ricinoleate before applying it all over the face or body.