What it is
PEG-50 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is produced by hydrogenating castor oil and reacting it with ethylene oxide, with 50 indicating a higher average degree of ethoxylation than lower-numbered grades. The greater ethoxylation makes it more water-soluble, and it serves as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer for oils, UV filters, and fragrance. It is used in sunscreen mists, essences, and other leave-on formulas to support clear or uniform, stable systems.
Safety & warnings
This class of ethoxylated castor oils is generally well tolerated on skin and is non-comedogenic at cosmetic use levels. Manufacturers control for trace 1,4-dioxane and residual ethylene oxide from the ethoxylation step. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Semi-synthetic. It is based on castor oil from Ricinus communis seeds, which is hydrogenated and then ethoxylated with ethylene oxide.
Questions everyone asks
How does PEG-50 differ from PEG-30 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?
The higher number means more ethylene oxide units, which generally increases water solubility and changes the solubilizing and emulsifying balance.
What is its role in a formula?
It emulsifies and solubilizes oily ingredients into water, helping create a smooth and stable sunscreen or essence.