What Is Peg-9 Ricinoleate?
Peg-9 Ricinoleate is a liquid ingredient made by attaching roughly nine units of ethylene oxide to ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid found in castor oil. This process, called ethoxylation, turns the naturally thick oil into a water-friendly substance that can mix smoothly into modern skincare and haircare formulas. Chemists began experimenting with ricinoleic acid in the mid-20th century when demand grew for gentle plant-based cleansers, and Peg-9 Ricinoleate soon found a place in toiletries thanks to its mildness and ability to lift away dirt. Production starts with castor beans, which are pressed to obtain castor oil. The ricinoleic acid is isolated and reacted with ethylene oxide under controlled heat and pressure. The finished ingredient is then purified and checked for quality before heading to product manufacturers. You will most often see Peg-9 Ricinoleate in facial cleansers, micellar waters, bath gels, baby washes, makeup removers, scalp scrubs and some lightweight moisturizers where a gentle yet effective cleansing action is needed.
Peg-9 Ricinoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas Peg-9 Ricinoleate serves a single key role:
Cleansing: Its water-loving and oil-loving parts allow it to latch onto grime, excess sebum and product buildup then rinse them away with water. This helps leave skin or hair feeling fresh without the tight dryness that harsher detergents can cause, making it suitable for daily use and for sensitive skin types.
Who Can Use Peg-9 Ricinoleate
Thanks to its gentle cleansing action Peg-9 Ricinoleate is usually well tolerated by normal, dry, oily and combination skin. Sensitive skin often does fine with it too because the ingredient has a low irritation profile and helps remove grime without stripping the natural moisture barrier. There are no known reasons it would be unsuitable for any specific skin type but those with a proven allergy to castor oil derivatives should steer clear.
Peg-9 Ricinoleate is made from castor beans and ethylene oxide, both of which are plant sourced or synthetic rather than animal derived. That means products using it can fit vegan and vegetarian lifestyles when the rest of the formula also meets cruelty-free standards.
The component is not known to enter the body in meaningful amounts through normal topical use, so it is generally viewed as safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should have a quick chat with their doctor before adding new products, just to be safe.
Peg-9 Ricinoleate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so no extra sun care steps are required beyond the usual daily SPF recommendation.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Peg-9 Ricinoleate are rare and depend on the individual. The points below list possible reactions, though most users will not notice any problems when the ingredient has been formulated and used correctly.
- Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis in people allergic to castor oil derivatives
- Eye irritation if the product splashes directly into the eyes
If any of these issues occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or pharmacist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg-9 Ricinoleate is made from a fatty acid that has been chemically linked to small water-loving units, which keeps it light and easily rinsed off. It does not linger on skin or form a heavy occlusive film, so it rarely blocks pores. The score of 1 means it is considered very low risk for clogging, though no ingredient is completely without risk for every person.
This low rating makes Peg-9 Ricinoleate generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. Only people who know they react to castor-derived ingredients may want to avoid it.
Because it is designed to lift away oils then wash off, any residue left behind is minimal, further lowering the chance of congestion.
Summary
Peg-9 Ricinoleate is a gentle cleanser that works by grabbing onto both oil and water so grime can be rinsed away without stripping skin or hair. Its mild nature, low irritation potential and low comedogenic score make it a useful choice for face washes, micellar waters, baby cleansers and other rinse-off products.
The ingredient is moderately popular in modern formulas, especially those aimed at sensitive skin or eco-conscious shoppers who like plant-based sources. It is not as widely used as classic sulfates or newer trendy surfactants, yet formulators appreciate its balance of gentleness and effectiveness.
Current safety data shows little cause for concern when the ingredient is used topically in normal cosmetic amounts. Still, skin can be unpredictable, so it is smart to do a quick patch test when trying any new product that contains Peg-9 Ricinoleate.