PEG-5 Castor Oil
AKA “Polyethylene Glycol 5 Castor Oil”
Essential Oil
Ingredient Facts
Peg-5 castor oil
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 5 Castor Oil
Essential Oil · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Essential Oil
Clean
Plant-based cleanser derived from castor seeds that gently removes impurities and helps blend oil and water-based ingredients for smooth, unified formulas.
CAS #
61791-12-6
Form
Oil
See origin →
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
Fights Bacteria
Locks In Moisture
Wound Healing
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A low-molecular-weight PEG derivative of castor oil (used in Ayurvedic and Egyptian medicine for millennia as a skin moisturizer). The PEG modification was developed in the mid-20th century to improve water solubility and emulsifying power.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR