What it is
PEG-20 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is made by hydrogenating castor oil and then reacting it with about twenty units of ethylene oxide. The result is a mild nonionic surfactant widely used to emulsify oils and to solubilize fragrances and lipophilic actives into water-based systems. It is common in sun care and other emulsions.
Safety & warnings
PEG hydrogenated castor oil derivatives are widely used and generally well tolerated, though as with many surfactants individual sensitivity is possible. They are not considered notable comedogens at typical use levels.
Origin & sourcing
It is derived from castor oil (from the castor bean), which is hydrogenated and then ethoxylated; the oil portion is plant-derived and the PEG portion is synthetic.
Questions everyone asks
What is PEG-20 Hydrogenated Castor Oil derived from?
It is made from castor oil that has been hydrogenated and then ethoxylated with about twenty ethylene oxide units.
What is its role in a formula?
It acts as a mild emulsifier and solubilizer that helps blend oils and lipophilic ingredients into water-based products.