What Is Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil starts with ordinary castor oil pressed from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. The oil is first hydrogenated, a process that adds hydrogen to the natural fatty acids so they become solid and more stable. After that the material is treated with about 60 units of ethylene oxide, giving it the “Peg-60” part of its name and turning the waxy oil into a water-loving ingredient that mixes easily with liquids.
Chemists began experimenting with castor oil derivatives in the mid-1900s when the beauty industry needed gentle cleansers for the new wave of creamy face washes and shampoos. Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil proved ideal because it could pull oil and water together without harsh surfactants and soon became a staple in cosmetic labs.
Today you will spot it in facial cleansers, micellar waters, toners, sheet masks, scalp treatments, leave-in conditioners, body lotions and many “oil-in-water” serums that need a clear finish. Because it can dissolve both oily impurities and water-based actives it is popular in multitasking formulas that promise quick rinse-off and a light feel.
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators pick this ingredient for two main reasons
- Cleansing: Its dual love for oil and water lets it trap makeup residue, sunscreen and excess sebum so they rinse away without stripping skin or hair. This gentler approach helps maintain the natural moisture barrier and leaves a soft finish
- Emulsifying: It keeps oil and water parts of a recipe blended and stable which prevents products from separating on the shelf or on your skin. A stable emulsion spreads evenly so active ingredients are delivered consistently and textures stay smooth from the first pump to the last
Who Can Use Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by most skin types. Its mild cleansing action suits dry, oily, combination and even sensitive skin because it lifts debris without stripping natural lipids. People with a known allergy to castor oil or polyethylene glycols (PEGs) should steer clear since the molecule contains both elements.
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from plant based castor beans, with no animal by-products used in the manufacturing steps, so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
Current safety assessments show no specific hazards for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used as directed in rinse-off or leave-on products. This is not medical advice. Expectant or nursing mothers should review any skincare routine with their healthcare provider to be extra safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be worn during the day without affecting SPF performance.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil differ from person to person. The effects listed below are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is used at the low levels found in finished cosmetics.
- Transient redness or stinging on very sensitive skin, usually resolving shortly after rinsing
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals specifically allergic to castor oil proteins or PEG compounds
- Dry patches or tightness if the overall formula is too cleansing for a user’s skin condition
- Mild eye irritation if a cleanser or makeup remover containing the ingredient is accidentally rubbed into the eyes
- Enhanced penetration of actives which could amplify irritation from stronger exfoliants or retinoids layered in the same routine
If any discomfort, swelling or persistent irritation occurs, stop using the product and seek medical advice.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 (low risk)
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is mostly water soluble and used in small amounts to help oils mix with water so it tends to rinse clean without leaving a waxy film that could block pores. The hydrogenation step removes the natural triglycerides that make raw castor oil a bit heavier and the added PEG groups keep the molecule mobile in water based formulas. Because of this it earns a low score of 1.
Most people who are prone to acne or breakouts can use products containing this ingredient without extra worry.
Very thick balms that rely on Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil to keep oil and water together may still feel occlusive if layered several times so those with congested skin should judge texture and frequency of use.
Summary
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil acts as a gentle cleanser and a reliable emulsifier. Its split personality—one end loving water the other end loving oil—lifts dirt makeup and excess sebum then lets everything wash away while keeping the formula smooth and stable.
The ingredient is a quiet workhorse found in a wide range of cleansers toners and hair products though it rarely takes center stage in marketing copy. Brands like it because it is plant derived easy to formulate with and gives a light non greasy feel.
Safety reviews show it is well tolerated by most skin types with only rare allergy reports. As with any new cosmetic it is smart to patch test a small area first just to be sure your skin agrees.