What Is Peg-30 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate?
Peg-30 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate is a plant-derived ingredient made from castor oil obtained from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. The raw castor oil is first hydrogenated to turn its naturally unsaturated fatty acids into saturated ones, which gives better stability and a solid wax-like texture. Next, the hydrogenated oil is reacted with about 30 units of ethylene oxide, a step called ethoxylation, to make it water-friendly. Finally, it is esterified with lauric acid (a fatty acid found in coconut and palm sources) to create a single laurate group. The result is a mild, nonionic substance that can blend oil and water, help spread products evenly and leave skin feeling soft.
Castor oil derivatives have been used in personal care since the mid-20th century when chemists looked for gentle plant alternatives to animal fats and harsher synthetic surfactants. The Peg-30 version became popular as formulations moved toward lighter, fast-absorbing textures in the 1980s and 1990s.
You can find Peg-30 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate in a wide range of leave-on and rinse-off products such as facial moisturizers, anti-aging serums, sheet masks, cleansing balms, makeup removers, sunscreens, hand creams, body lotions, hair conditioners and styling creams.
Peg-30 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multi-tasking ingredient brings one main advantage to skincare and haircare formulas.
Skin conditioning: It forms a light, breathable film on the surface, which helps smooth rough patches, reduce moisture loss and leave skin or hair feeling soft and supple. Because it is partly water-soluble, it rinses away cleanly yet still maintains a comfortable after-feel, making products less greasy while improving spreadability.
Who Can Use Peg-30 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate
This ingredient suits nearly every skin type, from dry and mature to oily and combination, because it delivers a light conditioning feel without trapping excess oil. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well, though anyone with a known allergy to castor derivatives or polyethylene glycols (PEGs) should proceed with caution.
It is plant derived and contains no animal sourced components, making it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
Safety reviews show no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used at the low amounts found in cosmetics. That said, this is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should discuss any skincare routine with their doctor to be extra safe.
Peg-30 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate does not increase sensitivity to sunlight, so normal daytime use is fine without extra photo precautions beyond a good sunscreen.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can differ from person to person, and the issues listed below are possible yet uncommon when the product is formulated correctly.
- Mild skin irritation, such as temporary redness or stinging, especially on compromised or broken skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to castor oil or PEG ingredients
- Eye discomfort if a rinse off product splashes into the eyes
- Occasional clogged pores or small breakouts in people who are extremely acne prone
- Build up on hair shafts leading to dullness if a leave on hair product is overused
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg-30 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate starts with castor oil, which on its own has a low likelihood of clogging pores. After hydrogenation, ethoxylation and laurate esterification, the molecules become bulkier and more water friendly, so they sit on the skin as a thin, rinsable film rather than seeping into pores. Formulas usually include it at modest levels for slip and spreadability, further lowering any risk of comedones.
Because the rating is only 1, most people prone to acne or breakouts can use products that contain this ingredient without major concern, though a few very reactive skin types may still notice small surface bumps.
If used in heavy, occlusive creams or layered with other rich oils it could incrementally raise the overall comedogenic load of a routine, so lightweight formats are a safer bet for oily or congested skin types.
Summary
Peg-30 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate is mainly a skin conditioning agent that leaves a soft, non greasy finish while helping water and oil components blend smoothly. Its partial water solubility means it conditions then rinses clean, giving formulas a light, spreadable texture.
The ingredient enjoys steady but quiet popularity, showing up in many modern moisturizers, sunscreens and cleansing balms even if it rarely gets spotlighted on the front label.
Safety assessments place it in the low risk category for irritation, sensitization and comedogenicity when used at normal cosmetic levels. As with any new product though it is smart to do a quick patch test to make sure your skin agrees with the full formula.