Ingredient guide · P

PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a mild, water-soluble emulsifier and surfactant commonly used in UK cleansers, micellar waters, serums and creams. It helps blend oil and water ingredients so products feel light, rinse cleanly and stay stable on the shelf. Shoppers often see it in gentle facial oils and makeup removers.

PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil — It is produced by reacting hydrogenated castor oil, derived from the seeds of the Ricin… | UK Lips ingredient guide

How it works in skincare

In skincare and cosmetic formulations PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil acts as a non-ionic emulsifier and solubiliser, allowing oils to disperse evenly in water-based products without separation. It reduces surface tension, improves spreadability and gives a silky, non-greasy after-feel. Because it is derived from hydrogenated castor oil, it is particularly useful in cleansing oils, bath products and lightweight moisturisers where a soft, conditioning touch is desired.

Key benefits

  • Helps create stable oil-in-water emulsions
  • Improves the rinse-off properties of cleansing oils
  • Enhances the solubility of fragrance and essential oils
  • Provides a smooth, non-greasy skin feel
  • Works as a mild surfactant in micellar solutions
  • Contributes to product clarity and stability

Best for

normal skin, combination skin, oily skin, sensitive skin

Where it comes from

It is produced by reacting hydrogenated castor oil, derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, with polyethylene glycol. The castor beans are sourced mainly from India and Brazil before being hydrogenated and ethoxylated to create this cosmetic-grade ingredient.

Products with PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.

All ingredients