PEG-6 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
AKA “Polyethylene glycol hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-6 HCO
Carrier Oil
Ingredient Facts
Peg-6 hydrogenated castor oil
AKA: Polyethylene glycol hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-6 HCO
Carrier Oil · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Castor oil (Ricinus communis), hydrogenated, ethoxylated (6 mol EO average molar ratio)
Family
Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)
Plant Part
Seed
CAS #
61788-85-0
Form
Oil
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Moisturizing
Strengthens Barrier
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
Castor oil has been used in traditional medicine and skincare for thousands of years across African, Indian, and Middle Eastern cultures. The PEG-modified hydrogenated version was developed in the 20th century to improve solubility and stability in 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 Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR