PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

PEG-40 HCO is a non-ionic solubilizer and emulsifier widely used in cosmetics, personal care, and fragrances.

INCI Name: PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Other Name: PEG-40 HCO
Solubility: Water-dispersible, non-ionic
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow, viscous liquid

✨ Main Functions

• Solubilizer → dissolves oils & essential oils in water

• Emulsifier (O/W) → suitable for low-oil systems

• Surfactant (mild) → helps maintain clarity in cleansers

• Fragrance dispersant

🧴 Applications

• Facial mists & toners

• Hair sprays & leave-in conditioners

• Micellar waters

• Shampoos & body washes

• Perfumes & room sprays

• Serums with essential oils

Typical Usage Rates

• Solubilizing essential oils — 1:2–4 (EO : PEG-40 HCO)

• Leave-in products — 0.2–2%

• Cleansers/shampoos — 1–5%

• Fragrance solubilization — 0.5–3%

✅ Key Advantages

• Produces clear, stable solutions

• Compatible with most surfactants

• Works over wide pH range (4–9)

• Easy cold-process ingredient

• Less sticky than polysorbates in some formulas

Formulation Tips

• Premix PEG-40 HCO with essential oils or fragrance first, then add to water phase

• Add slowly with gentle stirring to avoid foaming

Example: Clear Herbal Hair Spray

• Distilled water — 94.5%

• PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil — 2%

• Amla oil — 0.5%

• Panthenol — 1%

• Preservative (Liquid Germall Plus) — 0.5%

• Adjust pH to 5.0–5.5