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Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

In Skincare: Is Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Comedogenicity (pore clogging)
2/5 — Low risk
Safety (overall safety)
2/5 — Low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
2/5 — Low risk

Safety Information

Generally considered safe as a solubilizer surfactant per CIR; may cause mild irritation or contact allergy in sensitive skin, especially around eyes or with compromised barrier. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates it as a moderate concern due to potential for skin irritation and limited data on long-term effects.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil functions as an emollient, emulsifier, and ingredient that enhances the solubility of other components in formulations.

  • 02

    This ingredient provides a soft skin feel and helps to reduce moisture loss by creating a protective layer on the skin’s surface.

  • 03

    Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil has a demonstrated history of being non-sensitizing and considered safe for use in cosmetic products.

  • 04

    Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a synthetic mixture composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and naturally derived castor oil.

  • 05

    Due to its molecular properties, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil effectively moisturizes the skin's surface.

Key Benefits

What Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil does for your skin

1 benefits
Hydration

Overview

Ingredient Profile

PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil is a synthetic emollient and emulsifier derived from polyethylene glycol (PEG) and castor oil. It helps blend water and oil-based ingredients in formulations, contributing to a smooth texture and improved product performance. This ingredient remains on the skin's surface where it helps to minimize moisture loss and provides a soft, smooth feel. Safety assessments indicate that PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil is non-sensitizing and safe for cosmetic use within typical concentrations.
Classifications
Plant Extracts
Emollient
Texture Enhancer

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is synthesized through the ethoxylation of hydrogenated castor oil. Castor oil originates from Ricinus communis seeds, processed by cold pressing and subsequent heat clarification.

Common Uses

Formulation in Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil functions as an emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic formulations. It reduces surface tension between ingredients, aiding in the formation of stable emulsions (mixtures of oil and water). It also assists in dissolving ingredients that would not readily dissolve in the typical solvent used within the product.

Role of Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Cleansing Surfactant

Removes dirt and oil through surfactant action

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Cleansing surfactants specifically formulated for removing sebum, dirt, and impurities. Primarily anionic (sodium laureth sulfate, sodium cocoyl isethionate) and amphoteric surfactants (betaines). Mechanism involves reducing surface tension enabling water to wet oily surfaces, solubilizing lipophilic materials in micelles, and emulsifying oils for rinse-off. Cleansing efficacy balanced with mildness by surfactant selection, concentration, and pH optimization. Must avoid excessive lipid removal that compromises barrier function.

SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Emulsifying Surfactant

Blends oil and water phases into stable mixtures

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Emulsifying surfactants enable creation of stable oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions by positioning at oil-water interface, reducing interfacial tension. HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) determines emulsion type: HLB 3-6 for W/O, HLB 8-18 for O/W emulsions. Examples include polysorbate 80, ceteareth-20, glyceryl stearate. Mechanism involves forming interfacial film preventing droplet coalescence. Often used in combinations with co-emulsifiers (fatty alcohols) creating lamellar structures for enhanced stability.

Products

containing Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

3428 formulations
Body Hero Daily Perfecting Cream
Body Hero Daily Perfecting Cream
Glossier · body-skincare
Acne Clearing Wash
Acne Clearing Wash
Peter Thomas Roth · cleanser
Purify Bio Aloe Vera Organic Rice Scrub
Purify Bio Aloe Vera Organic Rice Scrub
Nivea · exfoliators
HydraFresh Toner
HydraFresh Toner
L'Oreal · toning-essences
Bleu De Chanel After Shave Lotion
Bleu De Chanel After Shave Lotion
Chanel · body-skincare
Roses of Bulgaria and Hyaluron Cleansing Face Gel
Roses of Bulgaria and Hyaluron Cleansing Face Gel
Victoria Beauty · cleanser
Daily Essentials Refreshing Facial Wash Gel
Daily Essentials Refreshing Facial Wash Gel
Nivea · cleanser
Aventus Shower Gel
Aventus Shower Gel
Creed · body-skincare
Suncut UV Perfect Essence Super Waterproof SPF 50+ PA++++
Suncut UV Perfect Essence Super Waterproof SPF 50+ PA++++
Kose Cosmeport · sunscreen
Total Temptation Washable Mascara
Total Temptation Washable Mascara
Maybelline · makeup
See all products with Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

References

Scientific sources

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil — common questions

What is Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil in skincare?

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a polyethylene glycol derivative of hydrogenated castor oil. It’s produced by reacting hydrogenated castor oil with ethylene oxide, a process resulting in a polyethylene glycol chain attached to the castor oil molecule. Hydrogenated castor oil is derived from castor oil, obtained by cold-pressing seeds of the Ricinus communis plant and subsequently clarified through heat.

What does Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil do? / Functions of Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?

Common functions: SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING.

What is the comedogenic rating of Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil? / Is Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil comedogenic?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is unlikely to clog pores.

Does it clog pores?
Unlikely to Clog Pores

Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is unlikely to clog pores (rating 2/5).

Is Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil safe for skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Generally considered safe as a solubilizer surfactant per CIR; may cause mild irritation or contact allergy in sensitive skin, especially around eyes or with compromised barrier. The Environmental Wor

Is Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil good for sensitive skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil in skincare?

Known considerations: Generally considered safe as a solubilizer surfactant per CIR; may cause mild irritation or contact allergy in sensitive skin, especially around eyes or with compromised barrier. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates it as a moderate concern due to potential for skin irritation and limited data on long-term effects.

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