PEG-40 Castor Oil

PEG-40 Castor Oil 1
photograph
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 40 Castor Oil, PEG-40 CO
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
OriginNative to India. Derived from castor oil extracted from seeds of Ricinus communis, a plant native to tropical regions including India. Produced through polyethylene glycol (PEG) ethoxylation of castor oil to create a polysorbate-type emulsifier.
Castor oil, ethoxylated (40 mol EO average molar ratio)
Family
Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)
Plant Part
Seed
CAS #
61791-12-6
Form
Oil
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Antioxidant Protection
Wound Healing
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Eye Irritant (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 622)
Not a Skin Irritant (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 622)
Not a Sensitizer (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually / plus 1 case report (CIR 622)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2014
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
CANADA✔ permitted
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR