PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Good

Plant extracts

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil at a glance

  • Acts as an emollient, emulsifying agent, and solubility-enhancing ingredient
  • Imparts a soft feel on skin and minimises moisture loss
  • Proven track record as non-sensitizing and safe for use in cosmetics
  • Created from a mixture of synthetic polyethylene glycol (PEG) + natural castor oil
  • Molecular properties allow it to effectively moisturised skin’s surface

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil description

PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil is an emollient and emulsifying agent created from a mixture of synthetic polyethylene glycol (PEG) + natural castor oil. It also helps other ingredients solubilize in a formula which improves both aesthetics and performance. Essentially, it meshes water and oil substances, as well as allows other ingredients to dissolve cohesively for a pleasing result. You can find PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil in all kinds of personal care formulas including facial cleansers, serums, toners or hair care products. The weight and size of this ingredient is too large to penetrate beyond skin’s surface, but that’s fine—this type of emollient is needed on the surface to minimise moisture loss and impart a soft feel. PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil is considered non-sensitizing and safe for use in cosmetics with identified concentrations ranging from 0.00007% to 22% (according to a 2015 report). Safety assessments have shown that even higher concentrations are non-irritating.

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil references

  • CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed July 2021, ePublication
  • https://cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/peg-40-hydrogenated-castor-oil
  • Toxicological Research, June 2015, pages 105-136
  • https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/pubmed-central/safety-evaluation-of-polyethylene-glycol-peg-compounds-for-cosmetic-dV2e45HAp7?articleList=%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3DPEG-40%2Bhydrogenated%2Bcastor%2Boil

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.