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

PEG-60 CASTOR OIL.

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

PEG-60 Castor Oil is a highly versatile polyethylene glycol derivative of castor oil, functioning primarily as a non-ionic emulsifier and solubilizer. It effectively merges oil and water components, ensuring stable formulations and seamlessly integrating oil-based ingredients like fragrances into aqueous systems. Beyond its foundational formulation roles, it also delivers emollient and cleansing properties to the skin.

Summary

Emulsifying Surfactant/Cleansing Solubilizer Emollient

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient performs multiple actions within a formulation and on the skin. As an emulsifying agent, it creates and maintains stable blends of disparate oil and water phases. Its solubilizing capacity allows for the even dispersion of hydrophobic ingredients, such as oils and fragrances, in water-based solutions. Functioning as a surfactant, it aids in breaking down surface tension, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities. Furthermore, it acts as an emollient to smooth and moisturize skin, contributing to a soft texture, and can form a protective, occlusive layer to minimize moisture loss.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.00004–100%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Concentrations observed in cosmetic formulations typically range from 0.00004% to 18%. Comprehensive safety assessments indicate that even significantly higher concentrations are well-tolerated on the skin without adverse effects.
  2. 02 Research demonstrates that PEG-60 Castor Oil is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing to human skin, even at concentrations reaching 100%.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 5.5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Exhibits excellent stability across a range of pH conditions, with a 3% solution typically presenting a pH between 5.5 and 7. For formulation, it can be directly blended into the oil phase in its cold state, ideally at a 3:1 ratio (PEG-60 Castor Oil to oil), before being integrated into the water phase. Increasing its concentration can improve transparency in formulas that appear cloudy.

Safety

Safety Profile

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

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has affirmed the safety of PEGylated alkyl glycerides, including PEG-60 Castor Oil, for use at current concentrations provided formulations are non-irritating. This ingredient itself has been demonstrated to be generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing to human skin at concentrations up to 100%. It holds FDA approval for external applications, and its base ingredient, castor oil, is FDA-approved for direct addition to food.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-60 Castor Oil is a valuable ingredient, prized for its robust performance as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and emollient, coupled with its broad compatibility across all skin types and minimal risk of irritation or sensitization.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…