In our reference data, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil can feed Malassezia (fungal acne).
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a nonionic surfactant derived from hydrogenated castor oil reacted with ethylene oxide, widely used to solubilize fragrances, oils, and lipophilic actives into water-based cosmetic formulations. It functions as a base/formulation aid rather than a treatment active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild irritation possible, generally in sensitive skin or at higher concentrations. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Reported sensitization in isolated case reports; PEG-castor oil derivatives are occasional allergens. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause stinging or irritation on direct ocular contact in some products. |
| Contamination with ethylene oxide/1,4-dioxane residues | Rare | Theoretical concern from ethoxylation process; controlled by purification and good manufacturing practice. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.