PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil
- Role
- A solubiliser and emulsifier that helps dissolve fragrance and oils in a water-based formula.
- Catalog formulas
- 3
- Type
- Texture
- Verified
- 09.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
Hydrogenated castor oil ethoxylated with 40 ethylene oxide units on average. INCI functions: emulsifying and cleansing surfactant; COSMILE also lists it as a functional excipient of perfume compositions.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
In roll-ons and sprays, including foot sprays, it helps incorporate fragrance and oily ingredients into a water-based formula without separation. It does not reduce sweating.
In 2014 the CIR reviewed 130 PEGylated oils, which act mainly as surfactants in cosmetics, and concluded that they are safe in the present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-irritating.
The CIR conclusion carries a non-irritating formulation condition; tolerance is determined by the finished product.
Not the same as Hydrogenated Castor Oil: plain hydrogenated castor oil works as a viscosity controlling agent and emollient, whereas the PEG-40 derivative is a surfactant with its own INCI name.
Products containing PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- EU CosIng: PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Supports: INCI functions, substance identity
- COSMILE Europe (Cosmetics Europe): PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Supports: substance description
- CIR: Safety Assessment of PEGylated Oils as Used in Cosmetics (2014) Supports: safety assessment, non-irritating formulation condition