What it is
PEG-30 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is made by hydrogenating castor oil and then reacting it with ethylene oxide, where 30 is the average number of ethoxylation units. It functions as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer, allowing oils, UV filters, and fragrance to be dispersed into water-based systems. It is widely used in sunscreens, mists, and serums to help create smooth, stable emulsions.
Safety & warnings
Ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oils are widely used and generally well tolerated, with a low irritation profile and non-comedogenic behavior at typical use levels. As with other ethoxylated materials, suppliers control for residual 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. It is not classified as a fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Semi-synthetic. The base is castor oil from the seeds of Ricinus communis, which is hydrogenated and then ethoxylated with ethylene oxide.
Questions everyone asks
Is PEG-30 Hydrogenated Castor Oil natural?
It is semi-synthetic: it starts from plant-derived castor oil that is then hydrogenated and chemically ethoxylated.
Why is it used in sunscreens?
It acts as an emulsifier and solubilizer, helping disperse oily UV filters and other oils into the water phase for a stable, even product.