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PEG-200 CASTOR OIL.

Valuable CAS 61791-12-6 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-200 Castor Oil is a polyethylene glycol derivative of castor oil, primarily functioning as a versatile surfactant and emulsifier. It effectively blends oil and water phases, while also serving as a humectant to enhance skin hydration and barrier integrity.

Summary

Surfactant Emulsifier Solubilizer Humectant Skin conditioning agent Penetration enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient operates as a surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer by reducing surface tension and facilitating the stable dispersion of immiscible liquids within formulations. Its hydrophilic nature allows it to attract and retain moisture from the environment, thereby delivering humectant properties that improve skin hydration and reinforce barrier function. Furthermore, PEGs, including PEG-200 Castor Oil, can enhance the penetration of other active ingredients into the skin.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

No specific data regarding dusting potential or typical high-concentration usage that would indicate a dusting concern for this ingredient.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Polyethylene glycols generally exhibit a wide range of solubility and viscosity characteristics, contributing to good formulation stability. Related nonionic surfactants like PEG-36 Castor Oil are known to be compatible with other nonionic, and most anionic and cationic surfactants.

Synergies

  • Other nonionic surfactants
  • Most anionic surfactants
  • Most cationic surfactants

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used with restrictions
Max tested
50%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel deems PEGylated oils, including PEG-200 Castor Oil, safe for cosmetic use when formulated to be non-irritating. Related PEG Castor Oils (e.g., PEG-30, -33, -35, -36, -40) have been found safe at concentrations up to 50%. It is important to note that trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, an ethoxylation byproduct, may be present but can be controlled through purification processes. PEG castor oils and their hydrogenated counterparts should not be applied to compromised or damaged skin. The FDA permits castor oil as a flavoring agent and certain PEG Castor Oil ingredients (molecular weight 400-3,000) as indirect food additives, indicating a general safety profile.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-200 Castor Oil is a valuable multifunctional ingredient, offering significant formulation benefits as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and humectant, with a generally safe profile when properly formulated and not applied to damaged skin.

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