What Is Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?
Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a plant-derived ingredient made from castor oil that has been hydrogenated to turn its liquid fatty acids into more stable, wax-like forms. After hydrogenation, the castor oil is reacted with roughly 200 units of ethylene oxide, a process called ethoxylation, which attaches water-loving groups to the oil’s backbone. The result is a smooth, creamy substance that mixes well with both oils and water.
Castor oil has been valued since ancient times for its thick texture and skin-conditioning feel. In the mid-20th century chemists began modifying it to improve its stability and versatility. By adding hydrogen atoms they made it resistant to rancidity. By adding ethylene oxide they turned it into a gentle surfactant that could clean the skin without stripping it. This upgraded version soon appeared in personal care labs as a handy multitasker.
Today Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil shows up in a wide range of products, especially where a light, non-greasy skin feel is important. You will find it in facial cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers, sheet masks, lightweight lotions, hair conditioners and even some sunscreens where it helps the oily and watery parts stay blended.
Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators like this ingredient because it tackles more than one job at a time:
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature loosens dirt, makeup and excess oil then lifts them away when rinsed, leaving skin or hair feeling fresh but not tight
- Emulsifying: It acts as a bridge between water and oil so creams, lotions or two-phase liquids stay uniform, preventing separation and giving products a smooth, easy-to-spread texture
Who Can Use Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
This ingredient is generally friendly to all skin types. Its lightweight feel suits oily and combination skin because it cleanses without leaving residue, while the softening castor-oil backbone offers comfort to normal and mildly dry skin. Sensitive users usually tolerate it well thanks to its gentle surfactant profile, though anyone with a known allergy to polyethylene glycols (PEGs) should avoid it.
Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor beans, not animals, so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. No animal-based processing aids are involved in its manufacture.
Current safety reviews find no reproductive or developmental risks from topical use, so products containing this ingredient are generally considered safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Still, this is not medical advice and expecting or nursing mothers should run any skincare routine past a doctor just to be safe.
The ingredient is non-photosensitising, meaning it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays nicely with most actives and preservatives, so formulators can include it in a wide variety of leave-on and rinse-off products without extra precautions.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues that could occur, but most users will not experience any of them when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild skin irritation: rare stinging or redness, usually resolves quickly after rinsing
- Allergic contact dermatitis: very uncommon itching, rash or swelling in individuals sensitive to PEG derivatives
- Eye irritation: temporary watering or discomfort if the ingredient gets into the eyes in cleansers or makeup removers
- Breakouts in acne-prone skin: isolated reports of clogged pores when used at high concentrations in leave-on formulas
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 (low). The long PEG chain gives the molecule a water-loving character that keeps it from forming a heavy, pore-blocking film on skin. While the castor-oil backbone is fatty, hydrogenation makes it more stable and less likely to oxidise into pore-clogging by-products. In rinse-off cleansers it is quickly washed away and even in lightweight leave-ons it is used at modest levels, so build-up is minimal.
Because of this low rating Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
As with any ingredient, final comedogenicity depends on the whole formula and how often it is applied, so individual experiences can vary.
Summary
Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil works as a gentle cleanser and an effective emulsifier. Its surfactant properties come from the attached PEG groups, which let it surround dirt and oil so they can be rinsed away, while its castor-oil core gives it enough affinity for oils to keep water-oil mixtures stable in creams and lotions.
The ingredient enjoys steady popularity in modern formulations, especially micellar waters, light lotions and hair conditioners where a non-greasy feel is prized, though it is not as famous as big-name actives like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
Current safety assessments rate it as low risk for irritation or systemic effects when used topically. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product containing Peg-200 Hydrogenated Castor Oil before adding it to your routine.