Sulfated Castor Oil

Benefits
CleansingAntiseptic

What is Sulfated Castor Oil?

Sulfated Castor Oil, commonly called Turkey-red oil, originates from castor oil extracted from Ricinus communis seeds. It undergoes sulfation with sulfuric acid, attaching sulfate groups to its fatty acid chains, which transforms the water-insoluble oil into a soluble anionic surfactant. Primarily featured in rinse-off cleansers such as shampoos, body washes, and soaps, it functions by decreasing surface tension between water and oils, enabling effective dirt and sebum removal. Its emulsifying properties stabilize oil-water mixtures in formulations, while residual fatty components contribute humectant-like moisture retention on skin and hair post-rinse.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 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.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.
Humectant
Attracts and holds water in the stratum corneum, boosting hydration and plumpness; commonly used in moisturizers, cleansers, and hair conditioners.

Benefits

Delivers thorough cleansing by lifting away dirt, excess oil, and impurities.

Provides mild antiseptic action to support skin cleanliness.

Supports hydration as a humectant, helping retain moisture after washing.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals with dry or normal skin seeking gentle, foaming cleansers.
People with oily skin, as it may feel less ideal despite low comedogenicity.
Those preferring natural-derived surfactants in shampoos and body washes.
Those sensitive to anionic surfactants, even mild ones.
Users wanting emulsified products with balanced cleansing and moisturizing.
Users avoiding oil-derived ingredients in lightweight formulas.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by EWG with scores of 1-1, indicating minimal concerns.
  • Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use in rinse-off products.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sulfated Castor Oil

What is Sulfated Castor Oil used for in cosmetics?

It acts as a surfactant, cleansing agent, and emulsifier mainly in shampoos, body washes, and soaps to remove dirt and stabilize formulas.

Is Sulfated Castor Oil safe for sensitive skin?

It has low irritation potential and EWG low hazard rating, making it suitable for many, though patch testing is advised.

Does it hydrate skin?

Yes, its humectant properties help attract and hold moisture, beneficial in cleansers for post-wash softness.