Question

How to use Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-12? What is the recommended dosage?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 蓖麻油聚氧乙烯醚EL-12

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-12 is a general-purpose nonionic surfactant with flexible usage. It can be directly added to the oil phase or water phase and stirred evenly. The recommended dosage is usually 1%~10% of the total formula, and the specific dosage varies depending on the application field.

Detailed Description

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-12 (PEG-12 Castor Oil) is a light yellow to yellow transparent oily liquid at room temperature, with good fluidity and dispersibility. In actual use, this product is soluble in most organic solvents and can be dispersed or dissolved in water. During general operation, it can be directly added to the oil phase of the formula system, mixed evenly with oil-soluble ingredients, and then emulsified with the water phase; or it can be directly added to the water phase according to process requirements. Since it is a nonionic surfactant, it has good tolerance to acids, bases, and hard water, and can be widely compatible with anionic, cationic, and nonionic additives.

In the emulsification process, it is recommended to use high-shear or homogenization equipment to assist emulsification to obtain finer and more stable emulsion particle sizes. Operating at room temperature or slightly heated (30~50°C) helps reduce product viscosity and improve mixing efficiency. This product is derived from natural castor oil, mild and low-irritation, and can be safely used in personal care formulations.

Application Recommendations

Depending on the application field, the recommended dosage is as follows:

Application FieldRecommended Dosage (Percentage of Total Formula)Usage Key Points
Cosmetic Creams/Lotions2%~6%Add to the oil phase, heat and mix at 75~80°C, then homogenize for emulsification
Makeup Remover Oil/Bath Products3%~8%Directly add to the oil phase and mix, shake well before use
Pesticide Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC)5%~10%Mix evenly with pesticide technical material and solvent, self-emulsifies upon dilution
Pesticide Emulsion in Water (EW)2%~5%Use high-shear emulsification to form a stable oil-in-water emulsion
Textile Spinning Oil3%~8%Compound with other smoothing agents and antistatic agents
Metalworking Fluid5%~12%Add to the oil phase as an emulsifying and lubricating component
Industrial Cleaner1%~5%Compound with surfactants to enhance degreasing and decontamination ability
Fragrance/Essential Oil SolubilizationFragrance:EL-12 = 1:2~1:5Premix the fragrance with EL-12 evenly, then dilute with water

Note: The above dosages are industry experience reference ranges. The actual amount should be determined through experimental optimization based on the specific formula system and process conditions.

Precautions

  • The product may become turbid or increase in viscosity at low temperatures, which is a normal physical phenomenon. Before use, it can be warmed at 25~40°C and stirred evenly without affecting product performance.
  • Storage temperature should be controlled at 5~40°C. Avoid freezing or long-term high-temperature storage. After opening, seal as soon as possible to prevent moisture absorption.
  • When used for solubilizing fragrances or essential oils, it is recommended to first fully mix EL-12 with oily components to form a transparent and uniform liquid, then slowly add water and stir to effectively prevent turbidity or precipitation.
  • When used in special fields such as pesticides, it is recommended to first conduct a small-scale test to verify emulsification stability and compatibility before large-scale formulation.
  • During operation, it is recommended to wear protective gloves and goggles, maintain good ventilation, and avoid prolonged skin contact.