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PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil

PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil suppliers and sourcing guide

PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil is a nonionic surfactant made by reacting hydrogenated castor oil with an average of 40 moles of ethylene oxide. It is a white to yellowish soft paste at room temperature that melts easily and dissolves in water. Brands use it to solubilize fragrance oils, essential oils and oil-soluble ingredients into clear water-based products such as toners, mists and body sprays, and it is also used as an emulsifier in drugs and supplements.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil · Polyoxyethylene 40 hydrogenated castor oil · Macrogolglycerol hydroxystearate · PEG-40 HCO
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Cosmetic grade

    General personal-care grade sold as paste or in drums.

  • NF / EP grade

    Polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil (NF) or macrogolglycerol hydroxystearate (EP), tested to the compendial monograph for drugs and natural health products.

  • Solubilizer blends

    Pre-blends with other solubilizers or co-solvents for easier use; each component is declared separately.

  • Other ethoxylation levels

    PEG-60 and other grades have more ethylene oxide, are more water-soluble and are separate ingredients.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Acid, saponification and hydroxyl values
Titration values that confirm the ester profile and degree of esterification and flag hydrolysis in older stock.
Water (Karl Fischer)
Water content by Karl Fischer titration against the supplier's limit.
Residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane
By headspace GC, against the compendial or buyer's limit.
pH
pH of a stated aqueous solution.
Color
APHA or Gardner color of the melt or a solution.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic and other elements by ICP-MS or ICP-OES against the supplier's specification or the applicable USP, NF or cosmetic-grade limit.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil sealed at room temperature; it absorbs moisture and should be kept closed. Warm gently and mix before sampling, since it can separate as it solidifies. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of water content and color for older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Physical form and color vary slightly between lots and producers, so record the COA values and the 1,4-dioxane result for each lot. Confirm clarity with your fragrance at the usual ratio when a new lot or supplier comes in.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil under the proper names polyoxyethylene 40 hydrogenated castor oil and polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil, with non-medicinal purposes emulsifying, solubilizing and wetting 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 25 mg/kg body weight daily as total for polyoxyethylene derivatives.

    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.

PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil can brands buy?

Common forms include cosmetic grade, nF / EP grade, solubilizer blends and other ethoxylation levels. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil include?

Expect acid, saponification and hydroxyl values, water (Karl Fischer), residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, pH, color and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil be stored?

Store PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil sealed at room temperature; it absorbs moisture and should be kept closed. Warm gently and mix before sampling, since it can separate as it solidifies. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of water content and color for older stock.

What is the regulatory status of PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil under the proper names polyoxyethylene 40 hydrogenated castor oil and polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil, with non-medicinal purposes emulsifying, solubilizing and wetting agent. The same database entry cites a JECFA acceptable daily intake of up to 25 mg/kg body weight daily as total for polyoxyethylene derivatives.

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