PEG-36 Castor Oil

What is PEG-36 Castor Oil?

PEG-36 Castor Oil is a polyoxyethylene derivative of castor oil, produced by reacting castor oil—extracted from the seeds of Ricinus communis—with approximately 36 moles of ethylene oxide. This ethoxylation process enhances its water solubility and surfactant properties, transforming the naturally hydrophobic castor oil into a versatile cosmetic ingredient. Commonly found in rinse-off products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, as well as leave-on items such as lotions and toners, it functions by reducing surface tension between oil and water phases. This allows it to cleanse by lifting dirt and oils, stabilize emulsions for smooth textures, and dissolve lipophilic substances like fragrances into aqueous bases, resulting in transparent, non-separating formulations. Its mild nature supports use across various product types without compromising performance.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 2-4 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

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.
Solubilizing agent
Helps incorporate oils and fragrance into water-based formulas by forming micro-solutions, enabling clear sprays, toners, and micellar products.

Benefits

Facilitates thorough cleansing by lowering surface tension to remove impurities effectively.

Stabilizes emulsions, ensuring lotions and creams maintain consistent texture over time.

Solubilizes oils and scents, creating clear, homogeneous water-based products like toners.

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 foaming cleansers and shampoos seeking reliable lather and rinse-off.
Those sensitive to ethoxylated ingredients or preferring PEG-free options.
Individuals formulating or using micellar waters and sprays for makeup removal.
Individuals avoiding moderate EWG-rated (2-4) components in routines.
People preferring lightweight lotions and emulsions with even distribution.
Users seeking fully natural, unprocessed botanical-only formulations.

Safety Notes

  • EWG rates it between 2 and 4, indicating low to moderate overall hazard.
  • Non-comedogenic with a rating of 0, suitable for routine use without pore clogging.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-36 Castor Oil

What products commonly contain PEG-36 Castor Oil?

Found in shampoos, body washes, micellar waters, toners, and lotions for cleansing and stabilizing.

Is PEG-36 Castor Oil safe for daily use?

Yes, with EWG scores of 2-4 and non-comedogenic rating of 0, it's considered safe in typical cosmetic applications.

Does it help with fragrance in formulas?

Yes, as a solubilizing agent, it disperses oils and fragrances evenly into water-based products.