PEG-30 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 30 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-30 HCO
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Castor oil (Ricinus communis), hydrogenated, ethoxylated (30 mol EO average molar ratio)
Family
Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)
Plant Part
Seed
CAS #
61788-85-0
Form
Oil
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.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Antioxidant Protection
Locks In Moisture
Reduces Inflammation
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Hydrogenated castor oil (castor oil with added hydrogen for stability) combined with polyethylene glycol, developed in the 20th century. Created to improve the solubility and texture of castor oil in water-based cosmetic formulations.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR