PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a popular surfactant used in care products and so-called coloured cosmetics. It acts as a solubilizer, emulsifier and emollient. The use of products containing PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil provides a feeling of softness to the skin thanks to nourishment and minimizing moisture loss. It is a component of sunscreen preparations, face care cosmetics,medicinal products for animals etc.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a combination of synthetic polyethylene glycol with castor oil of natural origin. It is produced in a process called ethoxylation. This is a chemical reaction involving the addition of ethylene oxide to a substrate – in this case, hydrogenated castor oil. Castor oil reacts with 40 ethylene oxide molecules. The common name of PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, which is hydrogenated castor oil, is also used in the industry and in professional literature. The CAS number of this compound is 61788-85-0.
Basic physico-chemical properties of PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil:
Solubiliser
From a chemical point of view, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil it is a surfactant, also called surface-active agent. The structure of the molecule determines its other properties, such as the ability to solubilize. Surfactants such as PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil reduce the surface tension between two phases, e.g. between the aqueous phase and the oil phase. This is possible due to the fact that the so-called “tail” of the surfactant’s molecule (non-polar in nature) is attracted by the oil, and the “head” connects to the water phase as the polar one. As a solubilizer, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is most commonly used to allow the incorporation of ingredients that are insoluble or sparingly soluble in water. This property is widely used in cosmetics and perfumes. The solubilizing properties of PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil are also used in oral preparations. It is a tasteless solubilizer of vitamins, medicated mouthwashes, essential oils, some medications and propellants in aerosol carriers.
Emulsifier
Emulsifiers such as PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil enable the formation of an emulsion, i.e. the combination of the water phase and the oil phase. As emulsifiers, they stabilize the resulting emulsion, i.e. prevent delamination. By combining watery and oily substances, it also allows the other ingredients to dissolve consistently to achieve the desired result. In addition, the ability to strengthen the foam formed makes it readily used in many liquid detergents. As an emulsifier, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil helps to effectively remove fatty contaminants from the surface of the skin and hair. It is easy to rinse off any contaminants that are emulsified. This feature determines its use in face and body cleansing products.
Emollient
The main task of emollients is to protect against moisture loss. PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an ingredient of many popular moisturizing preparations and hair care cosmetics. It has a soothing and softening effect. It supports the absorption of moisture supplied with skin care cosmetics. As a result, a permanent moisturising effect is provided for the epidermis. Emollients also protect the deeper layers of the skin against moisture loss and against the adverse effects of external factors.
This compound has been widely used in the cosmetics industry, especially in liquid soaps, shower gels, hair shampoos and decorative cosmetics. In addition, it can be found in aftershaves, sunscreens and lip care preparations. Its solubilizing properties are used in many mouthwashes (including those with therapeutic properties), as well as in perfumes and fragrance mists. In addition to the cosmetic use of PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castro Oil, it is also used in medicinal products dedicated to animals.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil has been recognized as a safe ingredient for use in cosmetics. It shows only minimal allergic reactions in the case of high concentrations and in the case of allergies and irritations. The suggested content of this surfactant in cosmetics to ensure safe use, is from 1 to 10%.
