PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a nonionic surfactant/solubilizer commonly used around ~0.1–5% (sometimes higher in cleansing/micellar systems) to disperse oils and fragrance. Human patch-test and real-world use data generally show low irritation, but as a solubilizing surfactant it can contribute to barrier disruption and stinging in compromised or eczematous skin, especially in leave-on products or when combined with other surfactants/preservatives. Given sensitive-skin populations and cumulative routine exposure, it is best classified as mild rather than truly gentle. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is often used at very low levels (~0.05–0.5%) as a solubilizer for fragrance/essential oils and small amounts of lipophilic actives in toners, micellar waters, and lightweight leave-on serums. Typical emulsions and cleansers more commonly sit around ~0.5–5% for emulsification/clarity and foam modulation, while high-strength consumer-available oil cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers, and self-emulsifying cleansing concentrates can reach ~10–15% where it serves as a primary surfactant/solubilizer system (higher levels can increase irritation potential, so they’re more common in rinse-off or short-contact products).