murphyPEG-16 Castor Oil
AKA: PEG-16 ricinus communis oil
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Not Clean
OriginNative to India. Derived from castor oil seeds of *Ricinus communis* (Euphorbiaceae family), primarily cultivated in India. Created by polyethylene glycol (PEG) ethoxylation of castor oil to form a surfactant emulsifier.
Castor oil, ethoxylated (16 mol EO average molar ratio)
Family
Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)
Plant Part
Seed
CAS #
61791-12-6
Form
Oil
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2014
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR