murphyPEG-35 Castor Oil
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 35 Castor Oil
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
OriginNative to India. Derived from castor oil obtained by pressing seeds of Ricinus communis, a plant native to India and the Euphorbiaceae family. Produced through ethoxylation of castor oil, adding polyethylene glycol chains to improve solubility and surfactant properties.
Castor oil, ethoxylated (35 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
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
Boosts Collagen
Wound Healing
Strengthens Barrier
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
4 studies / 4 not sensitizing (CIR 4 and 622)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
3 studies / 1 mixed / 2 not irritating / reactions mild (CIR 4 and 622)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
4 studies / 2 irritating / 2 not irritating / reactions slight (CIR 4 and 622)
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