murphyPEG-4 Castor Oil
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 4 Castor Oil
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
OriginNative to India. Derived from castor oil, which is cold-pressed from seeds of Ricinus communis plants native to India. Created by polyethylene glycol (PEG) esterification of castor oil to enhance water solubility and emulsifying properties.
Castor oil, ethoxylated (4 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.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Locks In Moisture
Wound Healing
Antioxidant Protection
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
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