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PEG-50 CASTOR OIL.

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

PEG-50 Castor Oil is a versatile hydrophilic, nonionic surfactant essential for cosmetic formulation stability. It functions to create stable emulsions of oil and water, enhance ingredient solubility, and acts as a wetting agent. Additionally, it offers benefits for skin hydration as an occlusive and humectant.

Summary

Emulsifying Solubilizer Wetting Agent Occlusive Humectant Surfactant Cleansing Agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a hydrophilic, nonionic surfactant, PEG-50 Castor Oil primarily reduces interfacial tension, allowing for the stable formation of mixtures between immiscible oil and water phases, thereby acting as a potent emulsifier and solubilizer. On the skin, it can establish a protective, occlusive layer to minimize transepidermal water loss. Its humectant properties enable it to attract and retain moisture, while also aiding in cleansing by suspending and removing oil and soil particles.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Related PEGylated hydrogenated castor oils (e.g., PEG-30, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil) were found safe for use in cosmetics up to 100%. A formulation containing 20% PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil was concluded to likely not irritate human skin in a dermal irritation test. It was also found non-irritant or mildly irritant in rabbit eye irritation tests, even at 100%.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 5.5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient optimizes the clear solubility of components within water-based systems and enhances the long-term stability of solubilized products. It is generally well-tolerated by the skin and does not typically promote microbial growth, often negating the need for additional preservatives in the context of general PEGs.

Synergies

  • Facilitates the stable blending of diverse cosmetic ingredients, especially those with oil and water phases.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used with restrictions
Max tested
100%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed PEG-50 Castor Oil, among other PEGylated oils, safe for use in cosmetic formulations, provided the final product is non-irritating. The FDA has recognized castor oil, its base, as a permitted food additive. Critical to its safety profile is the necessity for rigorous purification processes to eliminate potential trace impurities such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane from the raw ingredient before incorporation into cosmetic products.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-50 Castor Oil is a valuable multi-functional ingredient, primarily for its emulsifying and solubilizing properties, which also offers mild hydration benefits, provided it is sourced and formulated to be free of impurities.

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