What Is Peg-35 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?
Peg-35 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a plant-derived ingredient made from castor oil that has been fully hydrogenated, then reacted with about 35 units of ethylene oxide. Hydrogenation turns the original liquid oil into a solid wax, which is then ethoxylated to make it water dispersible. The result is a soft white pasty material that blends easily with both water and oil.
Castor oil has been used for skin and hair care since ancient Egypt, but it was the mid-1900s rise of modern emulsifiers that brought its hydrogenated, ethoxylated form into cosmetics. Chemists discovered that altering castor oil in this way gave it the power to clean skin gently and keep mixed formulas stable.
The process starts with pure castor seeds pressed to obtain the oil. The oil is hydrogenated under high pressure to saturate its fatty acids, then ethoxylated in a controlled reaction that adds the poly-ethylene glycol (PEG) groups. Quality is refined through filtration and testing to remove residues and ensure skin safety.
You will most often see Peg-35 Hydrogenated Castor Oil in facial cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, sunscreens, sheet masks and lightweight serums where a non-greasy feel and clear texture are desired.
Peg-35 Hydrogenated Castor Oil’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile ingredient offers more than one advantage to modern formulas
- Cleansing: Acts as a gentle surfactant that lifts dirt, oil and makeup without stripping natural moisture so skin and hair feel clean yet comfortable
- Emulsifying: Helps water and oil phases mix smoothly which keeps lotions, creams and cleansing waters uniform, stable and pleasant to apply
Who Can Use Peg-35 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Most skin types tolerate this ingredient well thanks to its mild cleansing action and non greasy feel. Oily and combination skin appreciate that it removes excess sebum without leaving residue, while dry or sensitive skin usually finds it gentle enough to avoid tightness or redness. Those with extremely compromised or highly reactive skin should still approach any new surfactant with caution as their barrier can be easily upset.
The material is plant based and contains no animal derived substances so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current data shows no special concerns for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used as intended in rinse off or leave on cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run their full routine past a qualified doctor just to be safe.
Peg-35 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is not known to cause photosensitivity and will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also has no reported interactions with common actives like retinol or vitamin C so it fits easily into most routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions vary from person to person so the issues listed below are only potential outcomes. When the ingredient is used correctly in a well formulated product most people will not run into problems.
- Mild skin irritation such as dryness stinging or redness
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to castor derivatives or polyethylene glycols
- Eye irritation if a product accidentally gets into the eyes before rinsing
- Rare buildup on hair that can leave strands feeling coated if the cleanser is not rinsed thoroughly
- Trace impurities like 1,4 dioxane when manufacturing quality control is poor
If any discomfort or unusual reaction appears stop using the product immediately and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Peg-35 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is highly water dispersible and rinses away cleanly, so it has little chance of clogging pores. Its molecule is large and partly water loving, which keeps it from building up inside follicles the way heavier plant oils sometimes can. Because of this low likelihood of blockage, the ingredient is generally considered safe for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
The only time it might contribute to congestion is if it is used at high levels in a very rich leave-on formula that is not balanced with lightweight ingredients, but this is uncommon. Most cleansers and lotions include it at modest percentages where it remains non-occlusive.
Summary
Peg-35 Hydrogenated Castor Oil works mainly as a mild cleanser and an emulsifier. Its surfactant side lifts away dirt, oil and makeup while its emulsifying side keeps water and oil phases blended so products stay smooth and stable. These dual talents explain why it shows up in micellar waters, gentle face washes, lightweight lotions, sunscreens and even hair care.
It is not the hottest trending ingredient on social media, yet formulators rely on it because it performs consistently, feels light on skin and plays nicely with many actives. You will often find it quietly listed in the middle of an ingredient list doing its job without fanfare.
Current research and decades of use point to a strong safety profile when created under good manufacturing practices. Still, skin is personal, so performing a simple patch test whenever you add a new product that contains Peg-35 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is the easiest way to confirm that your skin will love it.