The Clean Sheet™
Ingredient Directory
Medium ConcernVegan

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Castor oil, hydrogenated, ethoxylated (40 EO units)

Safety Flags
Allergen: Rare hypersensitivity reactions to PEG components reported in pharmaceutical context; low incidence in cosmetics
Safety Notes

Polyethylene glycol ester of hydrogenated castor oil. Widely used solubilizer for fragrance and actives. Key concern: 1,4-dioxane contamination as a by-product of ethoxylation. 1,4-dioxane classified IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic). CIR determined safe as used. Manufacturers should apply vacuum stripping to minimize impurity.

Function & Common Use

Function

Emulsifier, Surfactant, Solubilizing Agent

Category

Emulsifier

Common In

Cleansers, shampoos, bath oils, fragrance solubilizers, makeup removers

Origin

Semi-synthetic

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No limit

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit

US FDA (21 CFR)

No limit; FDA recommends 1,4-dioxane below 10 ppm

Korea (MFDS)

1,4-dioxane impurity limit 100 ppm (MFDS)

Baby restriction: None specified; 1,4-dioxane concern warrants monitoring

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil safe to use in skincare?

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil has a Medium concern rating. Polyethylene glycol ester of hydrogenated castor oil. Widely used solubilizer for fragrance and actives. Key concern: 1,4-dioxane contamination as a by-product of ethoxylation. 1,4-dioxane classified IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic). CIR determined safe as used. Manufacturers should apply vacuum stripping to minimize impurity.

Is PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil allowed in India?

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is currently classified as "Permitted under India Cosmetics Rules 2020; no restriction listed" under Indian cosmetics regulations. No concentration limit is specified for India.

What is PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil used for in cosmetics?

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil functions as: Emulsifier, Surfactant, Solubilizing Agent. It is commonly found in: Cleansers, shampoos, bath oils, fragrance solubilizers, makeup removers.

Can PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil has an allergen flag (Rare hypersensitivity reactions to PEG components reported in pharmaceutical context; low incidence in cosmetics). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.

Is PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil safe for babies?

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil has baby/child restrictions: None specified; 1,4-dioxane concern warrants monitoring. Avoid using products containing this ingredient on infants unless specifically formulated and labelled for baby use.

TCS Assessment
Medium Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted under India Cosmetics Rules 2020; no restriction listed
EU
Permitted; listed in EU CosIng; no annex restriction; PEG derivative subject to impurity monitoring
US FDA
Permitted; used extensively in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals; CIR concluded safe; 1,4-dioxane impurity concern noted
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted cosmetic ingredient under MFDS Positive List; 1,4-dioxane impurity limit applies
Australia (TGA)
Permitted cosmetic ingredient
Canada (NHPID)
Permitted cosmetic ingredient

EU Annex: None

Identifiers

CAS61788-85-0
EC263-058-8

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