murphyPEG-54 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
AKA: Polyethylene glycol hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-54 HCO
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
OriginNative to India. Derived from castor oil seeds of *Ricinus communis*, a plant native to India and the Euphorbiaceae family. Produced through hydrogenation of castor oil, then polyethylene glycol chains are added via ethoxylation.
Castor oil (Ricinus communis), hydrogenated, ethoxylated (54 mol EO average molar ratio)
Family
Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)
Plant Part
Seed
CAS #
61788-85-0
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
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️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