Polyoxyl 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil – Safe and superior surfactant and solubilizing excipient

1. General introduction to Polyoxyl 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Polyoxyl 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (widely known as PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil) is a highly effective nonionic surfactant and solubilizer. This material is synthesized through the reaction of hydrogenated castor oil with ethylene oxide.

Compared to regular castor oil derivatives, Polyoxyl 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil stands out for its extreme mildness, very low irritation potential, and almost complete lack of odor and taste. These advantages make it a top choice for solubilizing hydrophobic active ingredients, essential oils, and fragrances, helping to create transparent, uniform, and stable products in both the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

2. Information on Polyoxyl 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

• Raw material name: Polyoxyl 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil)
• Material category: Pharmaceutical excipients / Surfactants, emulsifiers, solubilizers.
• Function: Increases solubility for poorly soluble drugs, solubilizes essential oils/fragrances, oil-in-water (O/W) emulsification, formula stabilization.
• Chemical composition: A mixture of macrogol glycerol hydroxystearates (formed from hydrogenated castor oil and ethylene oxide molecules).
• Material form: Usually a soft white to slightly yellowish paste at room temperature, which melts into a viscous liquid when warmed. It has a very mild odor or is almost odorless.
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water, ethanol, isopropanol, and other polar solvents. Insoluble in some mineral oils.

3. Advantages of Polyoxyl 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

• Excellent solubilization: Easily dissolves essential oils, fragrances, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and hydrophobic active ingredients into aqueous systems to form completely transparent solutions.
• High safety, low irritation: The hydrogenation property makes this material extremely gentle and safe when applied in topical products, on sensitive mucous membranes, or for oral administration.
• Outstanding chemical stability: Thanks to its saturated (hydrogenated) double bonds, this material resists oxidation exceptionally well. It maintains stability across a wide pH range and is largely unaffected by water hardness or temperature changes.
• Preserves product sensory properties: Almost colorless, odorless, and tasteless, helping to keep the color, fragrance, and flavor of the final product intact.

4. Applications of Polyoxyl 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

In pharmaceuticals and health supplements (Core applications)

• Oral solutions and syrups: Acts as a solubilizer for fat-soluble vitamins and poorly soluble active ingredients, helping to create uniform liquid dosage forms with high bioavailability and easy absorption.
• Topical and mucosal medications: Commonly used in formulations for nasal sprays and medical mouthwashes due to its high safety and non-irritating nature on delicate mucous membranes.
• Self-emulsifying systems (SEDDS/SMEDDS): Applied in soft capsules to improve the dissolution and absorption of BCS class II and IV drugs in the gastrointestinal tract.

In cosmetics and personal care

• Skin and hair care products: An indispensable excipient to dissolve fragrances and essential oils into water-based products such as toners, facial mists, micellar water, and clear hair gels without causing cloudiness or stickiness.
• Oral care products: Used to solubilize peppermint essential oils and antibacterial active ingredients in daily toothpastes and mouthwashes.

5. Commercial products using Polyoxyl 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

6. Product contact information

For more information on the supply chain, technical specifications of Polyoxyl 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, or to place an order, please contact us:

• Consulting Hotline: +84 (0) 834 560 500
• Email: director@biorichgroup.com
• Website: www.biorichgroup.com
• Sample/COA Request: Please contact us via email to request a sample and the latest Certificate of Analysis (COA) of the material.