PEG-6 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-6 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?

PEG-6 Hydrogenated Castor Oil originates from castor oil extracted from Ricinus communis seeds, which undergoes hydrogenation to saturate its fatty acids for stability, followed by ethoxylation adding six polyethylene glycol chains. This results in a pale yellow, viscous liquid that is hydrophilic and non-ionic. It appears in various cosmetics, especially rinse-off items like shampoos, shower gels, and micellar waters, but also in leave-on products such as moisturizers and hair conditioners. Functionally, it serves as an emulsifier by stabilizing oil-in-water mixtures through interfacial tension reduction, a solubilizer dispersing lipophilic actives like scents into watery phases, and a co-surfactant aiding foam and cleanse. Its emollient nature imparts a silky texture during use, while low comedogenic profile suits diverse formulations.

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

Enhances product stability by blending oils and water for even textures in creams and cleansers.

Improves fragrance delivery by solubilizing scents in water-based products without separation.

Softens skin feel during application, aiding smoothness in lotions and washes.

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 needing rich lather and rinse.	People sensitive to ethoxylated compounds or PEG derivatives.
Individuals wanting stable, scented water-based skincare without oily residue.	Individuals wary of potential impurities from manufacturing processes.
Those applying lotions seeking emollient slip and moisture retention support.	Those preferring fully natural or minimally processed ingredients.

Safety Notes

EWG rates it 3 for moderate concerns mainly from possible contaminants like ethylene oxide.
CIR deems it safe in cosmetics at typical concentrations with proper purification.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-6 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

What does PEG-6 Hydrogenated Castor Oil do in products?

It emulsifies, solubilizes fragrances, and provides emollient feel in cleansers, shampoos, and creams.

Is it safe for daily use?

Assessed safe by experts like CIR for cosmetics when purified, with low irritation potential.

Does it cause acne?

Non-comedogenic rating of 0 indicates low risk of pore clogging.