Ingredient review
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
INCI: PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
A versatile emulsifier that helps blend oil and water, but may irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin at high concentrations.
In plain English
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a lab-made ingredient that helps mix oil and water in products like cleansers and makeup removers. It is made by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) to hydrogenated castor oil, which makes it water-friendly. While effective, it can sometimes cause stinging or breakouts in people with sensitive or acne-prone skin, especially if used in high amounts.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Main practical flags: irritation is moderate; clogging risk is moderate.
- Source
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- moderate
- Clogging risk
- moderate
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil can be useful, but watch for some irritation potential and possible clogging concerns.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- 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
moderateCan bother some users, especially with frequent use, damaged skin, or strong companion ingredients.
Clogging risk
moderateMay be fine for many users but deserves caution if you are breakout-prone.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A semi-synthetic compound created by reacting hydrogenated castor oil with ethylene oxide to form a water-soluble emulsifier with 60 units of PEG.
How it works
It reduces surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to blend into stable emulsions. In cleansers, it helps dissolve makeup and excess oil, then rinses away easily with water.
Pros
Effective emulsifier
Blends oil and water seamlessly, making cleansers and makeup removers more effective without heavy residue.
Versatile in formulations
Works well in both rinse-off and leave-on products, from shampoos to serums, improving texture and stability.
Cons and cautions
Potential irritant
At higher concentrations, it can cause stinging, redness, or irritation, especially on sensitive or compromised skin.
May clog pores
Some users report breakouts or clogged pores with products containing this ingredient, particularly if used frequently.
Best for
- People with normal to oily skin looking for effective makeup removers
- Those who tolerate emulsifiers well and want lightweight cleansing textures
Use caution if
- Individuals with very sensitive or reactive skin
- Those prone to clogged pores or acne breakouts from emulsifiers
Usage tips
Safety summary
Generally safe for most skin types when used in typical concentrations, but may cause irritation or breakouts in sensitive or acne-prone individuals. Manufacturing impurities like 1,4-dioxane are regulated and kept to low levels in reputable products.
Research notes
Studies show PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an effective emulsifier with low acute toxicity, but skin irritation potential increases with concentration. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has deemed it safe for use in cosmetics with restrictions.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5% in leave-on products; up to 20% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and EU CosIng database, with concentration limits recommended to minimize irritation.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Makeup removers, Fragrance solubilizer, Shampoos, Conditioners
- Environmental note
- PEG compounds can be slow to biodegrade; however, hydrogenated castor oil is derived from castor beans, a renewable resource.
Good to know
- PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is often used to solubilize fragrances and essential oils in water-based products.
- The '60' refers to the number of ethylene oxide units, which affects its water solubility and mildness.
Common questions
What is PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil in beauty products?
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a lab-made ingredient that helps mix oil and water in products like cleansers and makeup removers. It is made by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) to hydrogenated castor oil, which makes it water-friendly. While effective, it can sometimes cause stinging or breakouts in people with sensitive or acne-prone skin, especially if used in high amounts.
What does PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil do in a beauty product?
It reduces surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to blend into stable emulsions. In cleansers, it helps dissolve makeup and excess oil, then rinses away easily with water.
Is PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil safe for most people?
Generally safe for most skin types when used in typical concentrations, but may cause irritation or breakouts in sensitive or acne-prone individuals. Manufacturing impurities like 1,4-dioxane are regulated and kept to low levels in reputable products.
Who should be careful with PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?
Individuals with very sensitive or reactive skin Those prone to clogged pores or acne breakouts from emulsifiers
Research sources
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.