PEG-2 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-2 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?

PEG-2 Hydrogenated Castor Oil originates from castor oil extracted from Ricinus communis seeds, which undergoes hydrogenation to stabilize its ricinoleic acid chains by reducing double bonds. It is then ethoxylated with two ethylene oxide molecules, attaching short polyethylene glycol chains that confer water solubility. This creates a non-ionic surfactant suitable for rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics like shampoos, cleansers, lotions, and perfumes. In formulations, it reduces interfacial tension between immiscible oil and water phases, forming stable micelles that emulsify lipids and disperse hydrophobic ingredients. Its dual hydrophilic-lipophilic nature enables fragrance solubilization in clear aqueous systems, enhances product spreadability with an emollient touch, and aids gentle surfactant action for effective yet mild cleansing without stripping skin.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 3 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Fragrance ingredient

Contributes scent character and/or masks base odors, shaping the overall sensory experience of the formula (subject to allergen and IFRA considerations).

Emollient

Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.

Surfactant

Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.

Emulsifying agent

Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Facilitates stable blending of oils and water for consistent cream and lotion textures.

Solubilizes fragrances and essential oils evenly in watery formulas.

Delivers a softening emollient effect, improving skin feel and slip.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
Users of shampoos and body washes seeking mild cleansing.	People sensitive to polyethylene glycol derivatives.
Individuals preferring scented water-based skincare products.	Those wary of ethoxylated ingredients due to impurity concerns.
Those desiring smooth-applying emulsions like lotions.	Individuals with rare castor-derived allergies.

Safety Notes

Considered safe in cosmetics by expert reviews when manufactured to minimize contaminants.
EWG scores it moderate due to potential ethylene oxide residues.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-2 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

What products commonly contain it?

Found in shampoos, body washes, lotions, and fragrance waters for emulsifying and solubilizing.

Is it irritating to skin?

Typically low irritation potential in rinse-off and diluted leave-on uses.

Why is it used in fragranced products?

It disperses oil-soluble scents into water-based formulas for clear, stable solutions.