Ingredient review

PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

INCI: PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

A gentle, semi-synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in cleansers and makeup removers, with a low risk of irritation for most skin types.

beautyskincaresurfactant

In plain English

PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a modified version of castor oil that has been processed to make it water-friendly. It acts like a bridge between oil and water, so it helps cleansers and makeup removers wash away dirt, oil, and makeup without leaving a greasy residue. Because it's made from castor oil (a plant-based oil) and then combined with polyethylene glycol (a synthetic compound), it's considered semi-synthetic. It's generally well-tolerated and unlikely to clog pores or cause irritation for most people.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

3.8Good
3.8/ 5

Potentially useful with some tradeoffs

The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.

Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.

Source
semi synthetic
Evidence
moderate
Irritation
low
Clogging risk
low
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.

Plain-English read

Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.

Score terms in plain English

Irritation risk

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

A semi-synthetic ingredient created by reacting hydrogenated castor oil with ethylene oxide (PEG). This process adds water-attracting properties to the oil, making it a versatile emulsifier and surfactant.

How it works

In a cosmetic product, PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to mix into a stable emulsion. This helps rinse-off products like cleansers and makeup removers effectively lift and remove oil-based impurities (like sebum and waterproof makeup) while being easily washed away with water.

Pros

Effective at removing makeup

PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil helps break down waterproof makeup and sunscreen without requiring harsh scrubbing, making it a good choice for gentle cleansing routines.

Low risk of pore clogging

Unlike some oils and waxes, this ingredient has a low comedogenic rating, so it's less likely to contribute to breakouts or clogged pores for most users.

Cons and cautions

Potential for irritation in sensitive skin

While generally mild, some individuals with very reactive skin may experience stinging or redness, especially in leave-on products or at high concentrations.

Manufacturing concerns with PEG compounds

PEG compounds can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, though reputable brands test for purity and regulatory limits are in place to keep levels safe.

Best for

  • People who wear waterproof or long-wear makeup and need an effective but gentle makeup remover
  • Those with normal to oily skin looking for a non-stripping cleanser

Use caution if

  • Individuals with known sensitivity to PEG compounds or castor oil derivatives should patch test first

Usage tips

Use in rinse-off products like cleansers and makeup removers for best results; avoid high concentrations in leave-on products if you have sensitive skin.
Pair with a gentle second cleanser if you have oily or acne-prone skin to ensure all residue is removed.

Safety summary

PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. As with all PEG compounds, purity is important to avoid contamination with 1,4-dioxane, but regulatory standards and good manufacturing practices keep risks minimal.

Research notes

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed PEG compounds and concluded they are safe for use in cosmetics. Individual studies on PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil specifically are limited, but its safety profile is supported by the broader safety data on PEG derivatives and hydrogenated castor oil.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Typically 1–10% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulations
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA), EU (CosIng), and many other regions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated PEG compounds and found them safe for use in cosmetics when formulated properly.
Common uses
Cleansers, Makeup removers, Facial washes, Shampoos, Body washes
Environmental note
PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is semi-synthetic and may not be readily biodegradable in all environments. However, its plant-derived castor oil base is renewable.

Good to know

  • PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is often found in 'oil cleansers' and 'balm cleansers' that transform into a milky emulsion when water is added.
  • It is considered more water-soluble than its non-PEG counterpart, hydrogenated castor oil, making it easier to rinse off.

Common questions

What is PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil in beauty products?

PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a modified version of castor oil that has been processed to make it water-friendly. It acts like a bridge between oil and water, so it helps cleansers and makeup removers wash away dirt, oil, and makeup without leaving a greasy residue. Because it's made from castor oil (a plant-based oil) and then combined with polyethylene glycol (a synthetic compound), it's considered semi-synthetic. It's generally well-tolerated and unlikely to clog pores or cause irritation for most people.

What does PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil do in a beauty product?

In a cosmetic product, PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to mix into a stable emulsion. This helps rinse-off products like cleansers and makeup removers effectively lift and remove oil-based impurities (like sebum and waterproof makeup) while being easily washed away with water.

Is PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil safe for most people?

PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. As with all PEG compounds, purity is important to avoid contamination with 1,4-dioxane, but regulatory standards and good manufacturing practices keep risks minimal.

Who should be careful with PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?

Individuals with known sensitivity to PEG compounds or castor oil derivatives should patch test first

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) – Safety Assessment of PEGsOpenEuropean Commission CosIng Database – PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor OilOpenPubMed – Safety of PEG derivatives in cosmeticsOpen

Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.