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.
Published Research
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Related Ingredients
PEG-25 Castor Oil
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients in formulations
PEG-8 Castor Oil
A solubilising agent that helps oils blend smoothly into water-based formulations
PEG-40 Castor Oil
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend water and oil-based ingredients
PEG-35 Castor Oil
A synthetic emulsifier derived from castor oil, used to blend oil and water in formulations
PEG-50 Shea Butter
A plant-derived emulsifier that stabilises water and oil in skincare formulations
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
A solubilising agent that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients in formulations
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