What Is Peg/Ppg-10/2 Ricinoleate?
Peg/Ppg-10/2 Ricinoleate is a liquid ingredient created by attaching units of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG) to ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid found in castor oil. Its full chemical name, methyloxirane polymer with oxirane monoester with 12-hydroxy-9(Z)-octadecenoic acid, hints at this blend of plant-derived fatty acid with laboratory-made glycol chains. By combining these elements chemists produce a gentle surface-active molecule that dissolves well in both water and oil.
The roots of this chemistry date back to the 1950s when formulators looked for milder alternatives to traditional soaps. Castor-oil esters proved especially useful because they could be modified to improve solubility and reduce irritation. Over time Peg/Ppg-10/2 Ricinoleate became a favorite for products aimed at sensitive or dry skin.
Manufacturing begins with refined castor oil. Ricinoleic acid is separated then reacted with measured amounts of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. The result is a mixed polymer where roughly ten ethylene oxide units and two propylene oxide units are attached to each fatty acid molecule. The finished liquid is filtered, quality-checked and shipped to cosmetic labs.
You will normally spot Peg/Ppg-10/2 Ricinoleate in facial cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers, baby wipes, body washes and occasionally in gentle exfoliating masks or scrub bases where a non-stripping cleanse is desired.
Peg/Ppg-10/2 Ricinoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves a single yet important role in cosmetic formulas: cleansing. As a mild surfactant it loosens dirt, excess oil and makeup so they can be rinsed away without leaving skin tight or squeaky. Its balanced water-and-oil loving structure also helps stabilize emulsions, allowing creamy cleansers and milks to stay smooth until the last drop.
Who Can Use Peg/Ppg-10/2 Ricinoleate
This gentle cleansing agent is generally well tolerated by all skin types including sensitive, dry, normal and oily. Its lightweight structure rinses clean so it rarely leaves residue that could weigh on oily or acne-prone skin. People with a known sensitivity to polyethylene glycol or propylene glycol derivatives should avoid it because even a mild surfactant can trigger redness or itching in those rare cases.
Peg/Ppg-10/2 Ricinoleate is made from castor oil, a plant source, combined with synthetic glycol units produced in the lab. No animal-derived raw materials are used so products that rely on this ingredient are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
The compound has no documented hormonal activity and is not absorbed in significant amounts through intact skin. Current safety data rate it as acceptable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should confirm with a doctor before adding new skincare products to a routine.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity. Standard daytime sun protection practices remain sufficient.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ingredients differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that can occur, but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is included at typical cosmetic levels by a reputable manufacturer.
- Mild stinging or redness, especially on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitized to PEG or PPG compounds
- Temporary eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Dryness when overused or left on the skin for prolonged periods without rinsing
If any discomfort or irritation develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg/Ppg-10/2 Ricinoleate is highly water soluble and designed to rinse off completely, so it does not linger in pores the way heavier oils can. The castor oil backbone by itself carries a low comedogenic score and the addition of PEG and PPG chains lowers the chance of clogging even further. Its primary job is cleansing rather than depositing a film, which helps keep the rating close to non-comedogenic.
Because of this low score the ingredient is generally considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Formulas that pair it with richer emollients or oils can alter the overall comedogenicity of a finished product, so always look at the full ingredient list if congestion is a concern.
Summary
Peg/Ppg-10/2 Ricinoleate is a mild surfactant that lifts away dirt, makeup and excess oil while helping emulsions stay stable and silky. Its balanced water-loving and oil-loving structure lets it cleanse without stripping, making it a helpful workhorse in gentle facial cleansers micellar waters and baby products.
Although not as famous as big-name surfactants like coco-glucoside it quietly appears in many niche and sensitive-skin formulas because it offers reliable performance with minimal irritation.
Safety profiles rate it as low risk for toxicity and irritation in rinse-off products. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product that features Peg/Ppg-10/2 Ricinoleate before full-face use.