PEG-16 Castor Oil
AKA “PEG-16 ricinus communis oil”
Carrier Oil
Ingredient Facts
Peg-16 castor oil
AKA: PEG-16 ricinus communis oil
Carrier Oil · Emollient · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Castor oil, ethoxylated (16 mol EO average molar ratio)
Family
Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)
Plant Part
Seed
CAS #
61791-12-6
Form
Oil
See origin →
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic blend combining polyethylene glycol with castor oil, which has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for skin conditioning. Developed in the 20th century to create a water-soluble form for modern cosmetic formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR