PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Functions
Emulsifier
Surfactant
Solubilizer
Detergent
CAS Number(s)
61788-85-0
FDA UNII
7YC686GQ8F

Rich in ricinoleic acid, an Omega-9 fatty acid, Castor (Ricinus communis) Oil exhibits unique properties useful in skincare formulas while providing unusual solubility for various organic lipophilic (oil-soluble) compounds. However, raw castor oil is insoluble in water, which limits its uses.

Thanks to the ethoxylating process - the esterification of the raw oil with polyethylene glycol, the final product PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is soluble in water, allowing it to be used in a wide range of skincare formulations. It is a viscous, slightly cloudy liquid at room temperature with a very faint characteristic odor and taste in aqueous solution.

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a multifunctional vegetable-derived ingredient that can serve as a nonionic emulsifier, surfactant, and/or solubilizer. It forms clear solutions in water, ethanol, and isopropanol, with ethereal oils, fragrance oils, and other hydrophobic compounds, such as vitamins and alpha-bisabolol.

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an excellent oil-in-water emulsifier compatible with all surfactants, improving foaming properties. It emulsifies various hydrophobic substances, e.g., fatty acids, fatty alcohols, vitamins, and active compounds. In addition, it is an excellent oil solubilizer and dispersant with good wetting and detergent action.

Finally, thanks to its microemulsion-forming property, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is helpful in water-soluble lubricants and emulsions of all types. In addition to skincare formulas, it is useful in fragrance solubilization, pigment wetting in decorative cosmetics, and textile dyeing. PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is used as a solubilizer for essential oils and fragrance oils in water and water-alcohol mixtures.

Synonyms
Polyoxyl 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Cremophor® CO 410

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is produced by reacting ethylene oxide with hydrogenated castor oil. It is made with 40 – 45 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of glyceride. The main components of PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil are polyethylene glycol triglycerides of fatty acids and polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids. These represent the hydrophobic part of the ingredient. The hydrophilic part consists of polyethylene glycol and glycerol ethoxylate.

Properties

  • Physical form: Viscous liquid to soft paste
  • Color: Pale yellow
  • Odor: a slight characteristic.
  • pH value of the 10 % aqueous solution: 6 – 7
  • HLB value: lies between 14 and 16.

Solubility

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil dissolves in water, ethanol, and isopropanol to form clear solutions in the concentrations in which it is commonly used.

Stability

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is chemically very stable. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause separation into liquid and solid phases on cooling, though these can readily be homogenized. Aqueous PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil solutions can be sterilized by heating to 120 °C. This may result in a slight decrease in pH value, which must be taken into account.

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