Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

PEG-45 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL.

Valuable CAS 61788-85-0 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-45 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a versatile polyethylene glycol derivative that stabilizes cosmetic formulations and enhances skin hydration. It excels at combining oil and water phases, improving product texture and feel. This ingredient delivers significant emollient and occlusive benefits to the skin, promoting softness and moisture retention.

Summary

Emulsifier Solubilizer Surfactant Emollient Occlusive Lubricant Humectant Binding Agent Film Former Solvent

Science

Mechanism of Action

On the skin, PEG-45 Hydrogenated Castor Oil primarily functions as an emollient, imparting smoothness and softness, and as an occlusive agent, forming a protective layer on the surface to prevent moisture loss. Its lubricating properties improve the spreadability of products. Within formulations, it acts as an emulsifier to ensure an even consistency and prevent ingredient separation. It also serves as a solubilizer, enabling the incorporation of oil-soluble components like fragrances into water-based products, and as a surfactant, aiding in cleansing by suspending dirt and grease. Preliminary data suggests it may also support stratum corneum repair and offer mild anti-inflammatory and itch-relieving properties.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 5.5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient exhibits high chemical stability, resisting oxidation and chemical degradation effectively. It remains active across a broad pH range, from acidic to alkaline conditions, ensuring consistent emulsifying performance. While prolonged heat exposure can lead to phase separation upon cooling, these phases are readily re-homogenized. Aqueous solutions can be safely sterilized by heating to 120°C, which may result in a slight decrease in pH.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
100%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated PEGylated castor oils, including similar derivatives, and found them safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 100% when formulated to be non-irritating. While some studies noted irritation from PEG-35 Castor Oil at 50% and its potential to increase the sensitization of other ingredients, formulations containing 20-20.66% of PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil were non-irritating in dermal tests. Trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a by-product of the ethoxylation process, can be controlled through purification steps.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-45 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a valuable, multifunctional ingredient that enhances formulation stability and offers significant skin conditioning benefits, with a well-established safety profile when properly formulated.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…