murphyPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-40 HCO, Cremophor RH 40
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Clean
OriginNative to India. Derived from castor oil seeds of Ricinus communis, a plant in the Euphorbiaceae family native to India. Produced through polyethylene glycol (PEG) ethoxylation and hydrogenation of castor oil.
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
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
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing (CIR 4)
Eye Irritant in Testing
2 studies / 2 irritating / reactions slight to mild (CIR 4)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
8 studies / 5 irritating / 3 not irritating / reactions minimal to mild (CIR 4 and 622)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0007–22%
Rinse-off0.00007–14%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2012 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR