What is PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil and how does it compare to PEG-25?
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (CAS 61788-85-0, molecular formula C63H122O15) is a nonionic surfactant made by ethoxylating hydrogenated castor oil with an average of 40 ethylene oxide units. Its high HLB makes it a solubilizer for fragrances, essential oils and lipophilic actives at low dose. Compared with the lower-EO PEG-25 grade, it is more water-soluble. The grade ladder below compares both grades by EO number.
PEG-80 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL- ▸ Solubilizer: Clarifies fragrance and oils into water-based products.
- ▸ Emulsifier: Stabilizes oil-in-water systems.
- ▸ Surfactant: Wetting and surface activity in cleansing and care formulas.
| Grade | Avg. EO units | CAS No. | Mol. formula | Mol. wt (g/mol) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil | 25 | 61788-85-0 | — | — |
| PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil you are here | 40 | 61788-85-0 | C63H122O15 | 1119.6 |
How to choose: Both grades are nonionic surfactants made by ethoxylating hydrogenated castor oil and differ only in average EO. More EO raises HLB and water-solubilizing power: PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (higher EO) is the higher-HLB solubilizer for fragrances, essential oils and lipophilic actives at low dose, while PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (lower EO) is a lower-HLB emulsifier and co-emulsifier.
HLB system: how to choose an emulsifier · Browse all products
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (CAS 61788-85-0) is a nonionic surfactant produced by ethoxylating hydrogenated castor oil (40 EO). It is used as a solubilizer and emulsifier for fragrances, essential oils and lipophilic actives in aqueous personal-care and household formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil?
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (CAS 61788-85-0) is a nonionic surfactant produced by ethoxylating hydrogenated castor oil with about 40 moles of ethylene oxide. It is used as a solubilizer and emulsifier for fragrances, essential oils and lipophilic actives in aqueous formulations.
Is PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil the same as castor oil?
No. It is derived from castor oil but the oil is first hydrogenated and then ethoxylated with about 40 EO, which converts it into a water-compatible nonionic surfactant rather than a plant oil. This is why it can clarify oils into water-based products.
What is PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil used for in formulations like mouthwash?
It is used as a solubilizer to clarify fragrances and essential oils into water-based products, as an oil-in-water emulsifier, and as a wetting/surfactant agent in cleansing and care formulas — including water-based rinses where it keeps flavor/fragrance oils dispersed. RawSource supplies it for these industrial and personal-care applications.
What is the difference between PEG-25 and PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil?
Both share CAS 61788-85-0 and the same hydrogenated-castor-oil base; the number denotes the moles of ethylene oxide (about 25 vs about 40 EO). Higher ethoxylation (PEG-40) increases hydrophilicity and solubilizing power for oils in water.
What is the cost of bulk PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil?
Bulk pricing depends on volume, packaging and destination. Request a quote from RawSource with your target quantity and ship-to location for current landed pricing.