PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Evidence by route

About this ingredient

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a nonionic solubilizer produced by ethoxylating hydrogenated castor oil with about 40 ethylene oxide units. INCI: PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil. Its main function in cosmetics is to dissolve fragrance, essential oils, and lipophilic actives in clear aqueous formulas: toners, micellar waters, shampoos, and foaming cleansers. Typical use concentration is 0.5% to 5%. Yields a transparent finished product without emulsion. Pregnancy safety. PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is considered safe during pregnancy. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal, the molecule is large and hydrophilic. CIR reviewed safety with a positive verdict. Skin side effects. Low irritation and low allergen risk. People with highly sensitive or compromised skin can show mild reactivity due to residual ethylene oxide traces, but modern manufacturing limits these strictly. Non-comedogenic in finished products. On 1,4-dioxane. All PEG derivatives can carry trace 1,4-dioxane as an ethoxylation by-product. Current regulators (FDA, EU, Health Canada) cap residual levels, and reputable manufacturers perform additional purification. Not a reason to avoid the ingredient at finished-product level. Pharmaceutical use. Found in injectable drug formulations (e.g., paclitaxel) as a solubilizer for hydrophobic molecules. Topical exposure delivers far smaller amounts than systemic dosing. Bottom line. PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a reliable solubilizer for clear cosmetics. Pregnancy-safe, low-irritation, effective from 1%.

Tolerability and safety

Skin types

Frequently asked questions