Ingredient review
PEG-7 Ricinoleamide
INCI: PEG-7 Ricinoleamide
A gentle cleansing ingredient that helps mix oil and water, but is rarely the star of the show.
In plain English
PEG-7 Ricinoleamide is a mild cleansing and emulsifying ingredient made from castor oil. It helps water and oil blend together in products like cleansers and shampoos, so they rinse away dirt and makeup without stripping your skin. The 'PEG-7' part means it has been processed to be water-friendly, making it less harsh than some other cleansers.
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 Ricinoleamide 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 Ricinoleamide.
- 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 surfactant created by reacting castor oil derivatives with ethylene oxide. It belongs to the PEG (polyethylene glycol) family and is designed to be gentle on skin while effectively removing oils and impurities.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to mix. In a cleanser, this helps lift sebum, makeup, and dirt from the skin so they can be rinsed away easily. Its mild nature means it cleans without overly disrupting the skin's natural barrier.
Pros
Mild on skin
Unlike harsher sulfates, PEG-7 Ricinoleamide cleans without stripping the skin's moisture barrier, making it suitable for daily use.
Good for rinse-off products
It helps create a smooth, creamy texture in cleansers and body washes, improving the user experience without heavy residue.
Cons and cautions
Not a standalone cleanser
It is usually combined with other surfactants to achieve optimal lather and cleaning power, so it rarely appears as the main ingredient.
Potential trace impurities
As a PEG derivative, there is a small risk of contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, though reputable brands purify their ingredients.
Best for
- People with normal to combination skin looking for a mild cleanser
- Anyone who prefers sulfate-free or gentle cleansing options
Use caution if
- Those with known sensitivities to PEG compounds or castor oil derivatives
Usage tips
Safety summary
PEG-7 Ricinoleamide is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main concern is potential trace contamination with 1,4-dioxane, but modern purification methods keep levels well below safety limits. It is generally non-irritating and non-comedogenic.
Research notes
Limited independent studies focus specifically on PEG-7 Ricinoleamide, but it is part of a well-studied class of PEG surfactants. Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have found PEG derivatives safe when properly manufactured. Most evidence comes from formulation science rather than clinical trials.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Usually 0.5–5% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and EU CosIng database, with no specific restrictions at typical concentrations.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- Castor oil is a renewable resource, but the PEG processing involves ethylene oxide, which has environmental considerations. Biodegradability is moderate.
Good to know
- PEG-7 Ricinoleamide is often used in 'gentle' or 'sulfate-free' formulas
- It is derived from castor oil, which is a renewable plant source
Common questions
What is PEG-7 Ricinoleamide in beauty products?
PEG-7 Ricinoleamide is a mild cleansing and emulsifying ingredient made from castor oil. It helps water and oil blend together in products like cleansers and shampoos, so they rinse away dirt and makeup without stripping your skin. The 'PEG-7' part means it has been processed to be water-friendly, making it less harsh than some other cleansers.
What does PEG-7 Ricinoleamide do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to mix. In a cleanser, this helps lift sebum, makeup, and dirt from the skin so they can be rinsed away easily. Its mild nature means it cleans without overly disrupting the skin's natural barrier.
Is PEG-7 Ricinoleamide safe for most people?
PEG-7 Ricinoleamide is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main concern is potential trace contamination with 1,4-dioxane, but modern purification methods keep levels well below safety limits. It is generally non-irritating and non-comedogenic.
Who should be careful with PEG-7 Ricinoleamide?
Those with known sensitivities to PEG compounds or castor oil derivatives
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.