PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 61788-85-0
- Category
- emulsifier
- Risk Level
- low
- Common Allergen
- No
- Found In
- cleanser, serum
Is PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil safe in cosmetics?
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is rated low risk in cosmetic products. It is not classified as a common allergen and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Commonly found in cleanser, serum.
What is PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a emulsifier commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
Allergy & Safety Information
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is considered safe for cosmetic use. No significant safety concerns have been identified at typical use concentrations. As with any cosmetic ingredient, discontinue use if irritation occurs.
This ingredient is considered low risk from an allergenicity perspective. Reactions are uncommon at typical cosmetic use concentrations. However, no ingredient is universally safe — if you notice redness, itching, or irritation after using a product containing this ingredient, discontinue use and monitor whether symptoms resolve.
About Emulsifier Ingredients
Emulsifiers allow oil and water to mix stably in a formulation, creating creams and lotions. They work by surrounding oil droplets with molecules that are compatible with both water and oil. Most emulsifiers have low sensitisation rates, but some — particularly PEG-derived emulsifiers — can be problematic for barrier-compromised skin.
Relevance for PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil: Emulsifiers can disrupt the skin's own lipid barrier through a process called emulsification of skin lipids. For very sensitive or eczema-prone skin, emulsifier-free moisturisers (ointments, oils) are sometimes better tolerated than emulsion-based creams.
How to Identify PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Cleanser, Serum. These product categories are the most common sources of PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil and other allergens automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil safe for sensitive skin?
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is generally well-tolerated, even by sensitive skin types.
What products contain PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is commonly found in cleanser, serum.
What does PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil do in cosmetics?
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil functions as a emulsifier in formulations.
Related Guides
Is PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil causing YOUR skin reactions?
SkinDetekt tracks your products and reactions to find your personal triggers. Download the app to find out.
Download on App Store