What Is Sodium Peg-50 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Succinate?
Sodium Peg-50 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Succinate is a plant-derived ingredient made by modifying castor oil, the thick oil pressed from castor beans. First the natural oil is hydrogenated to make it more stable, then it is reacted with polyethylene glycol until it reaches an average of 50 repeating units. A small amount of succinic acid is added so the molecule can hold both water-loving and oil-loving parts, and finally the mixture is neutralized with a little sodium hydroxide to form the sodium salt used in cosmetics.
The beauty industry has relied on castor oil derivatives since the 1950s because they clean skin gently and mix water with oils better than many older surfactants. By attaching PEG units and succinate groups chemists created a milder, more versatile ingredient that could work in modern sulfate-free formulas.
You will most often spot Sodium Peg-50 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Succinate in facial cleansers, micellar waters, creamy body washes, sulfate-free shampoos, makeup removers, lightweight lotions, leave-on masks and some anti-aging serums that need very gentle emulsifiers.
Sodium Peg-50 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Succinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multi-tasking ingredient supports a formula in two main ways:
- Cleansing: Its surfactant action lifts away dirt, sweat and makeup while staying mild enough for sensitive skin, helping products foam lightly and rinse clean without stripping natural oils.
- Emulsifying: The molecule’s water-loving and oil-loving sides bind the two phases together so lotions, creams and milky cleansers stay smooth and stable during shelf life and spread evenly on skin.
Who Can Use Sodium Peg-50 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Succinate
Because it is mild and water soluble, this ingredient suits almost every skin type, from dry to oily to combination. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it well since it cleans without harsh sulfates and has a low chance of stripping the skin barrier. The only group that may need extra caution is anyone with a known allergy to castor oil derivatives, as they could react even to this gentler form.
Sodium Peg-50 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Succinate is plant derived, coming from castor beans, and contains no animal by-products, so it is usually acceptable for both vegetarians and vegans. Of course a finished product’s full ingredient list and brand policy should always be checked to confirm cruelty-free status.
The compound is not known to enter the bloodstream in meaningful amounts, so it is considered safe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This is not medical advice, and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should still show the full formula to a healthcare professional before adding a new product to a routine.
It does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so daytime use carries no extra risk of sunburn beyond normal, and there are no special timing rules to follow.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
People respond differently to any cosmetic ingredient. The points below list possible side effects of topical Sodium Peg-50 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Succinate, but most users will not notice any problems if the product has been formulated and used as directed.
• Mild skin irritation in very sensitive individuals, leading to temporary redness or itching
• Rare allergic contact dermatitis in those already allergic to castor oil or PEG compounds
• Stinging or tearing if it gets into the eyes at high concentration, more likely with undiluted raw material than finished products
• Increased dryness if a cleanser with a high level of the ingredient is used too often and not followed by moisturizer
If any unwanted reaction appears stop using the product and consult a medical professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
This low score reflects the ingredient’s strong water solubility and its role as a cleansing emulsifier that rinses away rather than sitting on skin and clogging pores. Unlike pure castor oil, the PEG units keep the molecule lighter and less likely to leave an oily film. Formulas that use it typically wash off or remain in very small amounts in leave-ons, so buildup is uncommon.
Because of its low tendency to block pores it is generally considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
As with any surfactant the final product’s full recipe and how thoroughly it is rinsed can influence performance, so extremely heavy or waxy formulations that pair it with comedogenic oils could still cause issues.
Summary
Sodium Peg-50 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Succinate acts mainly as a mild cleanser and an emulsifier. Its surfactant head grabs water while its fatty tail grabs oil, letting it lift away grime or hold water and oil phases together in stable lotions and creams.
It is not the buzziest ingredient on social media but formulators appreciate its reliability in gentle sulfate-free cleansers, micellar waters and lightweight lotions, so it shows up consistently behind the scenes.
Safety reviews find it non-sensitizing for most users, biodegradable and suitable for pregnancy and vegan lifestyles. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is wise to patch test a new product containing this ingredient before adding it to a daily routine.