Emulsifier

PEG-60 Castor Oil

INCI: PEG-60 CASTOR OIL

Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 14 Aug 2026

Also known as: Peg-60 Castor Oil

A gentle emulsifier that helps blend oils and water-based ingredients in skincare formulas

Best For Skin Types

All

Usage Frequency

As part of daily skincare routine

What Is PEG-60 Castor Oil?

PEG-60 Castor Oil is a modified form of castor oil created by combining castor oil with polyethylene glycol (PEG), a synthetic polymer. This process makes the oil soluble in water, creating an ingredient that can bridge the gap between oil and water-based components in formulations.

In skincare products, it functions primarily as an emulsifier and surfactant, helping to stabilise mixed textures and improve how products feel on the skin. It's a nonionic ingredient, meaning it carries no electrical charge, which generally makes it gentler and less likely to irritate.

How It Works

PEG-60 Castor Oil has a molecular structure with one end attracted to oil and the other to water. This dual affinity allows it to position itself at the boundary between immiscible liquids, preventing them from separating and creating a stable, homogeneous product.

It also reduces the surface tension of water, which helps it penetrate and lift away oil-based debris from the skin surface. This makes it particularly useful in cleansing products where thorough removal of sebum and makeup is desired.

Clinical Evidence & References

PEG compounds, including PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil (a closely related derivative), have been evaluated for safety in cosmetic use and are generally recognised as safe at concentrations up to 100%. Research indicates that PEGylated oils are well-tolerated in topical formulations.

However, specific clinical studies examining skin benefits or efficacy of PEG-60 Castor Oil in isolation are limited. Its primary role is functional—to improve formula stability and texture—rather than to deliver standalone therapeutic benefits to the skin.

How to Use

PEG-60 Castor Oil is not typically an active ingredient you would look for specifically; rather, it appears in formulations where oils and water-based actives need to coexist. Look for it in emulsified serums, cleansing oils, and lightweight creams. There is no need to adjust usage based on this ingredient's presence—use the product according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Safety & Precautions

PEG-60 Castor Oil is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for cosmetic use. It is suitable for most skin types, though those with sensitivities to castor oil or PEG compounds should patch test first.

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Part of a family

PEG-60 Castor Oil is a variant of PEG-25 Castor Oil, the form you will most often see on an ingredients list.

A plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients in formulations

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