Ingredient review
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate
INCI: PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL LAURATE
A gentle emulsifier that helps mix oils and water, but may feel heavy on very oily skin.
In plain English
This ingredient is a helper that allows oil and water to blend together in products like cleansers and lotions. It's made by attaching a water-loving chain (PEG-60) to hydrogenated castor oil, then adding lauric acid. In simple terms, it helps create smooth, stable formulas that rinse off easily without leaving a greasy film.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
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
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate 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.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate.
- 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
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
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 (forming PEG-60) and then esterifying with lauric acid. It acts as a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier.
How it works
Its molecular structure has both water-loving (hydrophilic) and oil-loving (lipophilic) parts, allowing it to reduce surface tension between oil and water. This helps disperse oils into tiny droplets that can be rinsed away, making it useful in cleansers and makeup removers.
Pros
Effective emulsifier
Stabilizes oil-water blends, making cleansers and lotions smooth and easy to rinse off without leaving a greasy feel.
Low irritation potential
Generally well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin, when used at typical concentrations.
Cons and cautions
Potential for heavy feel
On very oily or acne-prone skin, it may contribute to a slightly heavy or occlusive sensation, especially in leave-on products.
Manufacturing purity concerns
PEG compounds can contain trace impurities like ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane if not properly purified; choose reputable brands that test for purity.
Best for
- People who use oil-based cleansers or makeup removers
- Those with normal to dry skin looking for gentle cleansing
Use caution if
- Individuals with known sensitivity to PEG compounds
- Those who prefer completely natural or PEG-free formulations
Usage tips
Safety summary
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. The main concern is potential contamination with ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, but reputable suppliers and brands ensure these impurities are removed. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential.
Research notes
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated PEG derivatives and concluded they are safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to minimize impurities. No specific studies on this exact compound were found, but its safety profile is inferred from similar PEG emulsifiers.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–5% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulas
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and many other regions. The CIR panel has reviewed PEG derivatives and found them safe when formulated to minimize impurities.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Makeup removers, Lotions, Serums
- Environmental note
- PEG compounds are generally biodegradable, but their production involves ethylene oxide, which is derived from fossil fuels. Some brands now use bio-based PEG alternatives.
Good to know
- PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate is often used in micellar waters and oil cleansers
- It is considered safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel at typical use levels
Common questions
What is PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate in beauty products?
This ingredient is a helper that allows oil and water to blend together in products like cleansers and lotions. It's made by attaching a water-loving chain (PEG-60) to hydrogenated castor oil, then adding lauric acid. In simple terms, it helps create smooth, stable formulas that rinse off easily without leaving a greasy film.
What does PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate do in a beauty product?
Its molecular structure has both water-loving (hydrophilic) and oil-loving (lipophilic) parts, allowing it to reduce surface tension between oil and water. This helps disperse oils into tiny droplets that can be rinsed away, making it useful in cleansers and makeup removers.
Is PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate safe for most people?
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. The main concern is potential contamination with ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, but reputable suppliers and brands ensure these impurities are removed. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential.
Who should be careful with PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate?
Individuals with known sensitivity to PEG compounds Those who prefer completely natural or PEG-free formulations
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.