What Is Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate?
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate starts with castor oil, a thick vegetable oil pressed from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. The oil is first hydrogenated, meaning hydrogen is added to make the liquid more solid and stable. Next it is reacted with ethylene oxide about 60 times on average, a step called ethoxylation that gives the ingredient its PEG (polyethylene glycol) part. Finally the castor base is linked to triisostearate, a fatty acid derived from isostearic acid, to improve texture and skin feel.
Chemists began modifying castor oil in the mid-20th century to meet the growing need for versatile, skin-friendly ingredients in creams and lotions. The PEG versions quickly gained popularity because they mixed oil and water smoothly and stayed stable over time. Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate is now produced in large batches under controlled temperatures and pressures, with each step followed by purification to remove unwanted by-products.
You will mostly find this ingredient in lotions, creams, facial cleansers, makeup removers, sheet masks, serums and hair conditioners where a silky texture and even blend of oil and water are important.
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking agent improves both the feel and performance of a wide range of formulas.
- Emulsifying: Helps oil and water stay mixed so the product remains smooth, stable and easy to spread without separating over time
- Viscosity controlling: Adjusts thickness giving lotions a light glide or creams a richer cushion depending on the desired texture
Who Can Use Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by most skin types, including dry, normal, combination and oily skin. Its low weight and balanced oil-in-water profile let it rinse away cleanly so it rarely leaves a greasy film. Those with very acne-prone skin may still prefer to monitor use since any fatty ester can, in theory, add to pore buildup if used in heavy layers.
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate is made from plant-derived castor oil and synthetic processing agents, not animal sources, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used on the skin at cosmetic levels. This is not medical advice, and anyone expecting or nursing should review all personal care products with a qualified health professional to be extra safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so there is no added need for special sun precautions beyond daily sunscreen use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can vary from one person to another. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and, when the product is well formulated, most users will not experience them.
- Mild skin irritation: a transient tingling or redness, usually in very sensitive or compromised skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis: rare cases of itching, rash or swelling in individuals allergic to castor derivatives or polyethylene glycol compounds
- Eye stinging: temporary discomfort if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Folliculitis: small surface pimples in people prone to this condition if the product is left on thickly without proper cleansing
If any discomfort or visible reaction occurs stop use right away and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate combines water-soluble PEG chains with a hydrogenated castor oil backbone, making it far less oily and more rinse-off than raw plant oils. Studies and formulators’ feedback place most PEG-castor derivatives at the low end of the clog-pore scale, with little evidence of widespread breakout issues. Its large, bulky molecular structure also tends to sit on the surface and wash away rather than settling deep inside pores.
In practical terms this means the ingredient is generally acceptable for people who are prone to acne, especially when used in wash-off cleansers or light lotions. Very oily or highly congestion-prone skin may still wish to limit leave-on layers containing many fatty esters, but Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate itself is unlikely to be the chief culprit.
Products that pair this emulsifier with heavy occlusive oils or waxes may raise the overall comedogenic load, so the full formula matters more than this single component.
Summary
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Triisostearate is valued for two things: it keeps oil and water happily blended and it fine-tunes how thick or silky a product feels. The PEG section loves water, the hydrogenated castor and triisostearate parts love oil, so the molecule pulls both phases together into a stable emulsion while adding just enough body for a smooth glide.
It pops up in a fair number of modern creams, cleansers and makeup removers, though it is not as famous as classic emulsifiers like polysorbates. Formulators appreciate its mildness and versatility, which is why you will still see it on ingredient labels despite newer green alternatives.
Current safety reviews find it low risk for irritation or systemic toxicity when used at cosmetic levels. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to patch test a fresh product to be sure your unique skin stays comfortable.