PEG-8 Ricinoleate

PEG / Ethoxylated

What is PEG-8 Ricinoleate?

PEG-8 Ricinoleate is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) ether of ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid in castor oil from Ricinus communis seeds. The 'PEG-8' denotes eight ethylene oxide molecules attached, making it water-soluble. Primarily used in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics like shampoos, body washes, lotions, and makeup removers, it serves as a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier. It works by reducing surface tension at interfaces, allowing oils and water to mix stably and enabling dirt removal without stripping skin. This creates uniform emulsions that resist separation, while providing light foaming in cleansers. Its castor oil base offers a renewable source, and it supports mild, balanced cleansing in diverse product types, from micellar waters to creamy emulsions.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 3 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

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.

Benefits

Supports stable oil-water mixing for consistent lotion and cream textures.

Enables effective yet gentle cleansing by lowering surface tension.

Non-comedogenic profile helps maintain clear pores in formulations.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People using daily cleansers or shampoos for mild surfactant action.
Those sensitive to ethoxylated or PEG compounds.
Individuals with oily or acne-prone skin seeking low pore-clogging options.
People concerned about potential impurities in PEG ingredients.
Users of emulsions like lotions preferring plant-derived stabilizers.
Individuals with castor oil derivative allergies.

Safety Notes

  • EWG rates it as low hazard (score 3) based on available data.
  • Considered safe in cosmetics by reviews like CIR, with focus on purity.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-8 Ricinoleate

What does PEG-8 Ricinoleate do in products?

It acts as a surfactant to cleanse gently and an emulsifier to blend oil and water phases stably.

Is PEG-8 Ricinoleate comedogenic?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low risk of pore clogging.

How safe is PEG-8 Ricinoleate?

Rated low hazard by EWG (score 3); safe for use in cosmetics per expert reviews.