Safety of PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil: Precautions for use and risk of impurities

PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, found in many cosmetics

PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil is found in many cosmetics. It is often used in natural cosmetics as it is naturally derived and is gentle on the skin.

However, there is no cosmetic ingredient that everyone can use safely. Even if an ingredient is commonly and widely used, it is important to consider its safety when using it.

This article introduces the points you should be careful about when applying PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil to your skin.
We will also explain in detail the risks of impurities, which are not often discussed in Japan.

I want these people to read this:

☑ People with sensitive skin ☑ People looking for safe skin care ☑ People who use the same skin care products for a long period of time

Article about castor oil: Is the castor oil in cosmetics good or bad for your skin?

What is PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil?

The main purpose of PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil being added to cosmetics is as an emulsifier and moisturizer. The main effects expected are as follows:

emulsifier

PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil mixes oil-based and water-based ingredients that would not normally mix together, making the texture smoother and improving the feel when used.

Moisturizing effect

Hydrogenated castor oil has the effect of moisturizing the skin and preventing dryness. PEG-60 plays a role in stabilizing and sustaining this effect.

Emollient effect

It has an emollient effect that makes the skin soft and smooth. Improves the texture of the skin after use.

Less irritating

PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil is generally considered to be gentle on the skin, which is why it is often included in skin care products for sensitive skin.

Prevents water from evaporating

It forms an artificial protective film on the skin, which prevents moisture from evaporating from the skin and keeps the skin moisturized for a long time.

Precautions for PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

As mentioned above, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil is a functional ingredient that is gentle on the skin. Its safety has been confirmed for general use, so it is often used in products for sensitive skin.

However, there are some things you should actually be careful about.

From here on, we will introduce some points to pay attention to, based on a report by the US CIR , which reviews the safety of ingredients.

Possible allergic reaction

PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil itself is generally considered a safe ingredient.

However, depending on your skin type and constitution, it may cause an allergic reaction.

If you are prone to allergic reactions to cosmetics or have sensitive skin, it is a good idea to perform a patch test before use to make sure that you do not experience any symptoms such as itching, redness, or swelling.

Use with caution on wounds or sensitive skin

It may irritate damaged or very sensitive skin, especially if you have dry skin or atopic dermatitis .

Be careful when using high concentrations

PEG-based ingredients are generally considered safe when used in low concentrations, but when used in high concentrations, they have been shown to potentially weaken the skin's barrier function.

Make sure PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil is listed at the beginning of the ingredients list (ingredients are listed in order of most abundant).

Related article: Polyethylene glycol (PEG): Why you should avoid it in cosmetics

Interactions with other ingredients

PEG-based ingredients are often used in combination with other ingredients.

Be especially careful when using it with ingredients that are more irritating, such as ethanol or AHA . It is recommended to check the ingredients being used to avoid excessive irritation.

Absorption through the skin

PEG-based ingredients are known to be highly absorbed by the skin.

Also, continued use over a long period of time may dry out the skin, so if you are going to use it for a long period of time, be sure to use it together with cosmetics that have a high moisturizing effect to prevent dry skin.

Risk of impurities in PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil

PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil is manufactured using ethylene oxide, which also releases a substance called 1,4-dioxane during its manufacture.

Both of these are harmful substances that have been shown to pose risks such as carcinogenicity. There is a non-zero possibility that these harmful substances remain in ingredients and cosmetics.

Of course, most cosmetics sold in the general market are controlled to keep the residual concentrations of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane below the permitted levels. However, depending on the product or country of manufacture, the controls may not be sufficient.

The number of "1,4-dioxane-free" PEG-based ingredients is also increasing, so if you have any concerns, be sure to contact the manufacturer.

Related article: 1,4-Dioxane: A potential carcinogen in cosmetics

Risk of remaining on the skin

It is said that PEG-based ingredients may remain on the skin, so it may be a good idea to limit their use to cosmetics that can be washed off, such as cleansing products and shampoos.

By the way, the CIR report states that impurities contained in PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil are usually found in low concentrations and pose a low risk if properly managed.

However, it is advisable to exercise caution if you have sensitive skin where the skin's barrier function is weakened or if you are using the product for a long period of time.

There are 130 combinations of PEG + oil (fatty acid)

Castor oil is not the only vegetable oil that can be combined with PEG. It can be combined with a variety of oils, as shown in the examples below.

• Almond Oil PEG-6 Esters
• Apricot Oil PEG-6 (Apricot Oil)
• Corn Oil PEG-6
• Olive Oil PEG-10
• Macadamia Nut Oil PEG-8 Esters
• Jojoba Oil PEG-8 Esters
• Sunflower Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters

The CIR report lists over 130 different combinations.

You may feel more at ease if you pay a little attention to these ingredients, known as "PEGylated oils," when selecting cosmetics.