Hydrogenated castor oil
Hydrogenated castor oil is castor oil, pressed from the seeds of Ricinus communis, that has been hydrogenated over a nickel catalyst. Hydrogenation saturates the ricinoleic acid to 12-hydroxystearic acid and turns the liquid oil into a hard, brittle, white wax that melts at roughly 85 to 88 °C. It is sold as flakes, beads or powder. Brands use it to harden sticks such as lip balms and deodorants, to thicken anhydrous products, and as a lubricant or coating in tablets.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
The usual form for melting into cosmetic oil phases.
Fine powder used for oil thickening without full melting, and in tablets.
Hydrogenated castor oil tested to the compendial monograph.
PEG-40 and PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil are water-dispersible surfactants made from this wax; they are separate ingredients.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store hydrogenated castor oil sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat. It is a saturated wax and resists oxidation, so it keeps well. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of melting point and acid value for older stock.
Melting point and color are consistent between lots of a single grade, but record both along with nickel results. Check stick hardness on a test batch when changing suppliers, since crystal form and particle size affect texture.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 178.3280 permits hydrogenated castor oil in the manufacture of articles that contact food, including as a lubricant for vinyl chloride polymers at not more than 4 percent by weight.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists hydrogenated castor oil (CAS 8001-78-3) with non-medicinal purposes coating agent, occlusive skin-conditioning agent and nonaqueous viscosity increasing agent.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)The same database entry cites a JECFA acceptable daily intake of up to 0.7 mg/kg body weight daily.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Distributor · Blue Bell, PA
Pennsylvania distributor of oleochemicals and personal care ingredients, including castor products, fatty alcohols, esters, glycerin and natural oils and butters.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include flakes and beads, micronized powder, nF / pharmaceutical grade and ethoxylated derivatives. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect melting point, iodine value, hydroxyl value, acid and saponification values, nickel and heavy metals and color, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store hydrogenated castor oil sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat. It is a saturated wax and resists oxidation, so it keeps well. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of melting point and acid value for older stock.
21 CFR 178.3280 permits hydrogenated castor oil in the manufacture of articles that contact food, including as a lubricant for vinyl chloride polymers at not more than 4 percent by weight. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists hydrogenated castor oil (CAS 8001-78-3) with non-medicinal purposes coating agent, occlusive skin-conditioning agent and nonaqueous viscosity increasing agent. The same database entry cites a JECFA acceptable daily intake of up to 0.7 mg/kg body weight daily.
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