PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Also known as: Castor Oil
Acts as an emollient, emulsifying agent, and solubility-enhancing ingredient | Imparts a soft feel on skin and minimizes moisture loss
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?
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.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed July 2021, ePublication [https://cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/peg-40-hydrogenated-castor-oil]
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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]
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