Question

What is the usage method of Hydrogenated Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether HEL-40?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 氢化蓖麻油聚氧乙烯醚HEL-40

The usage method of Hydrogenated Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether HEL-40 varies depending on the application scenario, typically involving direct addition to the aqueous phase or pre-mixing with the oil phase followed by phase inversion with water addition. The typical dosage is 0.5% to 5.0% of the total formula weight.

Detailed Explanation

HEL-40 is a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value between 13 and 15, offering excellent solubilization, emulsification, and dispersion capabilities. Due to its cloud point above 100°C, it can be stably used in both room temperature water systems and high-temperature processes. This product appears as a light yellow paste or viscous liquid, with a viscosity of approximately 500-1000 mPa·s at 25°C. It is recommended to slightly preheat it (e.g., 30-40°C) before use to reduce viscosity for easy pouring and precise weighing.

When used as a high-efficiency solubilizer, the "oil phase addition method" is recommended: pre-mix HEL-40 with the fragrance, essential oil, or fat-soluble active ingredient to be solubilized in a certain ratio (typically solubilizer:oil phase = 1:1 to 5:1) until uniform, then slowly add water under stirring to spontaneously form a transparent or translucent microemulsion. This is suitable for preparing toners, micellar waters, transparent body washes, and similar products. When used as an O/W emulsifier, it can be added to the aqueous phase and heated to 75-80°C, then homogenized with the oil phase heated to the same temperature to form a fine and stable emulsion, widely used in creams, lotions, and other formulations.

In industrial applications, HEL-40 can be directly added to the aqueous phase and stirred to dissolve, preparing a working solution for use. For example, as an emulsifying lubricant component in metalworking fluids, as a leveling agent or softener in textile auxiliaries, and as a low-foaming detergency enhancer in hard surface cleaners. Its excellent acid and alkali resistance and hard water tolerance enable stable performance under complex water quality and working conditions.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemTechnical Index (Source: Guoli Chemical Database)
Ionic TypeNonionic
HLB Value13~15
Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution)>100°C
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0~7.0
Active Content≥99.0%
Melting Point23~25°C
Viscosity (25°C)500~1000 mPa·s
AppearanceLight yellow to yellow transparent liquid or paste

Application Recommendations

Based on the Guoli Chemical product database information and general formulation experience, the recommended dosages for various application fields are as follows:

  • Cosmetic Solubilization: When used for solubilizing fragrances or essential oils, the recommended dosage is 3 to 5 times the amount of the oil phase to be solubilized, to prepare a transparent aqueous system.
  • Cosmetic Emulsification (Creams/Lotions): As an O/W emulsifier, the recommended dosage is 2.0% to 5.0% of the total formula weight, often used in combination with co-emulsifiers such as cetyl alcohol and glyceryl stearate.
  • Makeup Remover Products: As the primary emulsifier, the recommended dosage is 3.0% to 8.0% of the total formula weight, providing excellent makeup removal power and rinsability.
  • Textile Auxiliaries: As a leveling agent or softener, the recommended working solution concentration is 0.5% to 2.0% (based on fabric weight).
  • Metalworking Fluids: As an emulsifier and lubricating component, the recommended addition in the concentrate is 5.0% to 15.0%, to be diluted before use.
  • Hard Surface Cleaners: As a low-foaming detergency enhancer, the recommended addition is 1.0% to 5.0% of the total formula weight.
  • Pesticide Formulations: As an emulsifying dispersant, the recommended dosage is 3.0% to 10.0% of the total formulation weight, specifically adjusted based on the nature of the active ingredient and formulation type.

Precautions

Before operation, please carefully read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Although this product is practically non-toxic and harmless, it is still recommended to wear chemical safety gloves and goggles during handling to avoid direct eye contact. If the product solidifies or becomes cloudy due to low temperature, this is a normal physical phenomenon. Gently heat it in a 30-40°C water bath until transparent to restore usability without affecting quality. Do not expose the product to high temperatures above 60°C for prolonged periods to avoid compromising its solubilization efficiency.