PEG-2 RICINOLEATE

What Is PEG-2 RICINOLEATE?

A low-ethoxylated (2 PEG units) ester of ricinoleic acid from castor oil. With only 2 PEG units, this ingredient retains much of the lipophilic character of ricinoleic acid, functioning primarily as a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier and emollient. It provides skin-conditioning from the ricinoleic acid while having just enough PEG to offer some water dispersibility.

Key Skin Benefits

• + W/O emulsifier — helps stabilize water droplets in oil-based formulations
• + Emollient — ricinoleic acid softens and conditions skin
• + Low-ethoxylation — minimizes PEG-related concerns while maintaining functionality

Pros

• + CIR-reviewed — PEG ricinoleates considered safe
• + Castor oil derived — renewable plant source
• + Low PEG content — reduced ethoxylation impurity risk compared to high-PEG variants
• + Good skin feel — emollient without heavy greasiness

Cons

• − Limited water solubility — primarily useful in oil-phase or W/O systems
• − PEG content present, albeit minimal — still ethoxylated
• − Limited standalone safety studies

Specifications

Safety Ratings

Regional Regulatory Limits

Typical Usage % by Product Type

References

1. CIR (2018) — Safety Assessment of Castor Oil-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics.
2. Patel VR et al. (2016) — Castor oil: properties, uses, and optimization of processing parameters. Lipids in Health and Disease. PMID: 27592170.
3. CosIng (2025) — European Commission Cosmetic Ingredient Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
4. EWG Skin Deep — Cosmetic Ingredient Database. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/