What Is Peg-65 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?
Peg-65 Hydrogenated Castor Oil starts with castor oil, a vegetable oil pressed from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. The raw oil is first hydrogenated, a process that adds hydrogen to the fatty acids and turns the liquid oil into a solid wax. This hydrogenated castor wax is then reacted with ethylene oxide roughly 65 times, which attaches small polyethylene glycol (PEG) units to the wax. The result is a wax-like material that dissolves easily in water and mixes well with both oils and water-based ingredients.
Castor oil has been used in folk beauty rituals since ancient Egypt. In the 1940s formulators began modifying it to improve texture and stability in personal care products. Adding PEG groups made it possible to create clear, stable cleansers and lotions that rinsed off without a greasy feel. Today Peg-65 Hydrogenated Castor Oil appears in facial cleansers, micellar waters, shampoos, makeup removers, bath gels, creamy body washes, moisturizers, sunscreens and some hair conditioners.
Peg-65 Hydrogenated Castor Oil’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose this multi-tasking ingredient because it performs two practical jobs that improve how a product looks, feels and works on the skin or hair.
- Cleansing: Its PEG units grab onto dirt, excess oil and product residue then allow them to rinse away with water. This gives cleansers and shampoos their ability to remove buildup without leaving a heavy film.
- Emulsifying: It helps oil and water stay mixed, creating smooth stable creams, lotions and gels. This keeps formulas from separating so every pump or squeeze delivers the same balanced blend of ingredients.
Who Can Use Peg-65 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
This ingredient is generally regarded as gentle enough for all skin types including oily, dry, sensitive and mature because it rinses clean without stripping natural moisture or leaving a heavy residue. Those with very reactive skin may prefer formulas that keep its percentage low, yet most people tolerate it well.
Peg-65 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is plant derived so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The castor oil comes from the Ricinus communis plant and no animal-based additives are used during its modification.
Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals are not known to face special risks when using products that contain this ingredient because it stays on the surface of skin and hair rather than being absorbed in meaningful amounts. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should still review new products with a healthcare provider to be on the safe side.
The ingredient does not cause photosensitivity, meaning it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well alongside common actives such as retinol, vitamin C and acids without destabilizing them.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Peg-65 Hydrogenated Castor Oil vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects yet most users will never experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation a transient feeling of tightness or itching can occur, especially on compromised or very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis rare redness, rash or swelling due to sensitivity to castor derivatives or trace impurities
- Eye stinging if a cleanser containing the ingredient gets into the eyes it can cause temporary discomfort
- Acne flare-up very blemish-prone skin might notice clogged pores if the rest of the formula is heavy or left on the face without rinsing
- Over-drying when used at high levels in a rinse-off cleanser it may remove too much sebum leading to dryness or flaking
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Peg-65 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is highly water soluble and has a waxy structure that rinses off easily rather than sitting in pores. The PEG chains lower the chance of the ingredient solidifying on skin and trapping dead cells or sebum. For these reasons it is considered to carry a very low risk of clogging pores.
Overall this ingredient is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, especially in rinse-off products like cleansers and shampoos.
As with any emulsifier, the finished formula matters. Rich creams that also include heavy oils or butters could still feel occlusive even if this single ingredient is low on the comedogenic scale.
Summary
Peg-65 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a plant-derived multitasker that cleanses and emulsifies. Its PEG groups latch onto oil and grime so they rinse away with water, while its waxy backbone helps mix oil and water phases into stable blends.
Thanks to this dual action it shows up widely in facial cleansers, micellar waters, body washes, sunscreens and lightweight lotions, though it may fly under the radar because it works quietly behind the scenes rather than being a star marketing ingredient.
Safety studies and decades of use point to a low irritation profile with minimal risk when used in typical cosmetic concentrations. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product that lists Peg-65 Hydrogenated Castor Oil before full-face or full-body application.