Quick answer
Acts as an emollient, emulsifying agent, and solubility-enhancing ingredient; Imparts a soft feel on skin and minimizes 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 moisturize skin’s surface Key benefits: Hydration.
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Updated
Castor oil (Ricinus communis), hydrogenated, ethoxylated (40 mol EO average molar ratio)
Purpose
Acts as an emollient, emulsifying agent, and solubility-enhancing ingredient to improve the aesthetics and performance of a formula. Imparts a soft feel on skin and minimizes moisture loss.
Rating
GOOD
Category
Plant Extracts, Emollient, Texture Enhancer
INCI Purpose
SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Benefits
Alternative Names
Hair Profile
Functions
At a Glance
Acts as an emollient, emulsifying agent, and solubility-enhancing ingredient
Imparts a soft feel on skin and minimizes 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 moisturize skin’s surface
Article
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 minimize 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.
See: Castor Oil
References