What is PEG 60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?

PEG 60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a non‑ionic surfactant made by ethoxylating hydrogenated castor oil with about 60 moles of ethylene oxide, used as an emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetics and personal care.

What are the main applications in cosmetics and personal care?

It is used in face washes, shampoos, body washes, micellar waters, makeup removers, toners, serums and sprays to solubilize oils and fragrances and stabilize clear or milky formulations.

Why do formulators choose PEG 60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?

It combines strong solubilizing power for essential oils and perfumes with good mildness, helping create clear, low‑irritation cleansers and toners that work across a wide pH range.

Is it suitable for sensitive‑skin or “gentle” products?

Yes, when properly formulated, PEG 60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is widely used in gentle facial cleansers, baby products and eye‑area products due to its non‑ionic, relatively mild profile.

What key specifications should buyers check on the COA?

Important parameters include active content, appearance (off‑white/yellowish paste), pH of aqueous solution, HLB value, water content, colour, and any impurity/residual EO/1,4‑dioxane limits in line with regulatory expectations.

In what dosage range is PEG 60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil typically used?

Usage levels are usually around 1–10% of the finished formula, depending on whether it is used mainly as a primary solubilizer, co‑surfactant or emulsifier.

Is PEG 60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil compatible with other surfactants?

Yes, as a non‑ionic surfactant it is generally compatible with anionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants, making it easy to incorporate into most shampoo, body wash and cleanser bases.

PEG‑60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil – Solubilizer for Cosmetic & Personal Care Formulations

Name: PEG‑60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil – Solubilizer for Cosmetic & Personal Care Formulations
Brand: CanCastor
SKU: 87f0679c-c2b5-4dbe-9f1e-7b2e5ac36175
Availability: InStock

Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO), commonly called Castor Wax, is produced by fully hydrogenating refined castor oil, saturating the ricinoleic double bonds and yielding a brittle, odorless, high‑melting triglyceride solid. It appears as white to off‑white flakes, beads, or powder, with a melting point typically in the 84–88 °C range and excellent resistance to oxidation, hydrolysis, and moisture. At CanCastor, HCO is manufactured from selected castor oil with tight control of iodine value, acid value, and color, ensuring consistent performance as a structuring wax, anti‑settling agent, internal lubricant, and water‑repellent modifier across industries.

Typical applications

Coatings, inks, and adhesives: Used as an anti‑settling and anti‑blocking agent, rheology modifier, and matting/structuring wax in solvent‑ and water‑based coatings, gravure/offset inks, hot‑melts, and sealants. HCO improves pigment suspension, scratch and mar resistance, water repellency, and surface slip.
Plastics and rubber: Functions as an internal lubricant, release agent, and nucleating/anti‑blocking aid in PVC, polyolefins, engineering plastics, and rubber compounds, improving processing, demoulding, and dimensional stability.
Lubricating greases and oils: Serves as a thickener and crystallizing agent in specialty greases and high‑temperature lubricants, where its high melting point and oxidative stability support consistent texture and performance.
Cosmetics, polishes, and candles: Used as a hard, glossy structuring wax in sticks, balms, pomades, polishes, and premium candles, contributing to hardness, gloss, and controlled melt profile.

Origin	Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Acid Value	≤5 mg KOH/g
Appearance	White flakes/beads/powder
Iodine Value	≤5 g I₂/100 g
Melting Point	84–88 °C
Hydroxyl Value	155–175 mg KOH/g
Saponification Value	175–190 mg KOH/g

Technical Specifications

PEG‑60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil – Solubilizer for Cosmetic & Personal Care Formulations

Description

Typical applications

Frequently Asked Questions

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