Rate My SPF

Peg-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

What Peg-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is & what it does

PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a PEG (polyethylene glycol) derivative of hydrogenated castor oil, made by reacting the oil with about seven units of ethylene oxide. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it works as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer, helping to disperse oils, fragrances, and oil-soluble UV filters into water-based bases. One notable property is its ability to keep otherwise hard-to-mix ingredients evenly suspended, which supports clear or lightweight textures.

What does PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil do in skincare?

PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil works as a surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer. It helps mix oil-based ingredients, fragrances, and oil-soluble UV filters into water-based formulas, which supports stable, even, and often lightweight textures. In short, it is a helper ingredient that keeps a product blended rather than separating.

Is PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil safe?

PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a widely used cosmetic emulsifier and solubilizer that appears in many leave-on and rinse-off products. It is generally considered well tolerated at the levels used in cosmetics, though, as with any ingredient, individual sensitivity is possible. If you have known sensitivities, it is reasonable to patch test or check with a professional.

Is PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil natural or synthetic?

PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is best described as semi-synthetic. It starts from hydrogenated castor oil, a plant-derived material, which is then chemically modified with ethylene oxide to create the PEG portion. So it has a natural base but is processed into a synthetic derivative.

Sunscreens with Peg-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

We rate 9 sunscreens that contain it:

← All ingredients