PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil 1
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil 2
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-40 HCO, Cremophor RH 40
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Clean
Castor oil (Ricinus communis), hydrogenated, ethoxylated (40 mol EO average molar ratio)
Family
Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)
Plant Part
Seed
CAS #
61788-85-0
Form
Oil
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
Traditional Use
Synthetic derivative of castor oil (historically used in traditional medicine and beauty practices) combined with polyethylene glycol, developed mid-20th century. Created as a solubilizer and conditioning agent for cosmetics.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
CANADA✔ permitted
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR