Ingredient review
PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
INCI: PEG-7 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL
A reliable, low-irritation emulsifier that helps rinse away oil-based impurities without stripping the skin.
In plain English
PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a modified castor oil that acts like a bridge between water and oil. In a cleanser, it helps dissolve makeup and sunscreen so they can be washed off easily. It is considered very gentle and is commonly used in products for sensitive skin.
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-7 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.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging PEG-7 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
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 ingredient made by reacting hydrogenated castor oil with ethylene oxide (PEG-7). It is a water-soluble emulsifier that helps mix oil and water phases in a formula.
How it works
Its molecular structure has both water-loving (hydrophilic) and oil-loving (lipophilic) parts. When you apply a product containing it, it surrounds oil droplets and allows them to be rinsed away with water, leaving skin clean without a heavy residue.
Pros
Gentle on skin
Rated very low on irritation scales, making it a safe choice for daily cleansing even for sensitive or reactive skin.
Effective makeup remover
Breaks down oil-based impurities like sunscreen and foundation, allowing them to be rinsed away without harsh rubbing.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic processing
Made using ethylene oxide, which can produce trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane (a potential contaminant). However, cosmetic-grade ingredients are purified to meet safety limits.
Not for oil-only formulas
Because it is water-soluble, it is not suitable for anhydrous oil cleansers that require a water-free formula.
Best for
- Anyone looking for a gentle, non-stripping makeup remover
- People with dry or sensitive skin who need effective cleansing without irritation
Use caution if
- Those who prefer completely natural or plant-derived ingredients without any synthetic processing
Usage tips
Safety summary
PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. The main concern is potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, but reputable suppliers purify the ingredient to meet strict safety standards. It has a very low irritation and comedogenic rating.
Research notes
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed PEG derivatives and found them safe for use in cosmetics. Studies show that PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil has low acute toxicity and is not a skin sensitizer. No significant human or animal studies specifically on this ingredient were found, but its safety profile is well-established through its long history of use.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 10%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other countries. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has deemed it safe as used in rinse-off and leave-on products.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Makeup removers, Moisturizers, Serums
- Environmental note
- PEG compounds can be slow to biodegrade. However, PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is generally considered less persistent than some other PEGs due to its shorter PEG chain.
Good to know
- PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is often listed near the top of ingredient lists in micellar waters and cleansing balms.
- It is considered safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel at concentrations up to 100%.
Common questions
What is PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil in beauty products?
PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a modified castor oil that acts like a bridge between water and oil. In a cleanser, it helps dissolve makeup and sunscreen so they can be washed off easily. It is considered very gentle and is commonly used in products for sensitive skin.
What does PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil do in a beauty product?
Its molecular structure has both water-loving (hydrophilic) and oil-loving (lipophilic) parts. When you apply a product containing it, it surrounds oil droplets and allows them to be rinsed away with water, leaving skin clean without a heavy residue.
Is PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil safe for most people?
PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. The main concern is potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, but reputable suppliers purify the ingredient to meet strict safety standards. It has a very low irritation and comedogenic rating.
Who should be careful with PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?
Those who prefer completely natural or plant-derived ingredients without any synthetic processing
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.