Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

PEG-55 CASTOR OIL.

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

PEG-55 Castor Oil is a polyethylene glycol derivative of castor oil, functioning primarily as a versatile emulsifier and solubilizer in skincare. It also contributes to skin hydration by attracting and retaining moisture, enhancing the overall stability and performance of cosmetic formulations.

Summary

emulsifying surfactant solubilizing humectant moisturizing

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient effectively stabilizes oil-in-water formulations by reducing interfacial tension, due to its amphiphilic structure acting as an emulsifier and surfactant. Its polyethylene glycol component aids in humectancy, forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules to promote long-term skin hydration, reduce transepidermal water loss, and support the skin's natural barrier function.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Polyethylene glycols and their derivatives, including PEG-55 Castor Oil, are generally well-tolerated by the skin and are not microbiologically sensitive, potentially reducing the need for additional preservatives. It functions effectively as a solubilizer for various actives, fragrances, and colorants, and can serve as a humectant, cream base, or consistency enhancer.

Synergies

  • active ingredients (solubilization)
  • perfume oils (solubilization)
  • colorants (solubilization)

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

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

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel deemed PEG-55 Castor Oil, among 130 related PEGylated oils, safe for cosmetic use when formulated to be non-irritating. For similar compounds like PEG-30 to -40 castor oil, safety was established up to 50% concentration. Concerns regarding trace impurities like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane in PEG-containing ingredients necessitate rigorous purification procedures.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-55 Castor Oil is a valuable multifunctional ingredient, offering excellent emulsifying and solubilizing properties while contributing to skin hydration and formulation stability across diverse cosmetic applications.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…