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PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Well toleratedEmulsifieremulsifiersolubilisersurfactant

No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.

Also written as: Macrogolglycerol hydroxystearate 60 · Cremophor RH60

What it is

This is hydrogenated castor oil reacted with about 60 ethylene oxide units, making it even more water-loving than the PEG-40 grade. It is used at low levels to keep oils, fragrance and oil-soluble actives dissolved in clear, watery formulas such as toners, mists and sheet-mask essences.

What it does well

  • Keeps oily ingredients dissolved in watery formulas

    A standard non-ionic solubiliser used across cosmetics and pharmaceuticals for clear aqueous systems.

    Strong evidence

Worth knowing

  • Ethoxylated, so the trace 1,4-dioxane question applies

    As with all PEG-type ingredients, 1,4-dioxane residues from manufacture are stripped and controlled in the EU by prohibiting the substance itself and permitting only technically unavoidable traces.

    Matters most toConsumers who prefer to avoid ethoxylated ingredients on principle.

Where the EU stands

No specific restriction

No EU concentration limit. Residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane are covered by Article 17 of the Cosmetics Regulation.

Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Article 17 (traces of prohibited substances) · source ↗

Sources (1)

Every link goes to the original: a journal, a PubMed record or an EU document.

  1. [1]
    Role of Polyethylene Glycol in Dermatology

    Indian Dermatology Online Journal · 2025 · doi:10.4103/idoj.idoj_648_24

    PEG-based ingredients are widely used on skin with a good tolerance record, alongside rare documented hypersensitivity.

Masks that contain PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil