Hydrogenated Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether HEL-40 is a nonionic surfactant prepared by ethoxylation of natural hydrogenated castor oil with ethylene oxide under the action of a catalyst. Its chemical nature is a modified oil derivative formed by the ring-opening polymerization of hydroxyl groups (-OH) in hydrogenated castor oil molecules with about 40 ethylene oxide units, resulting in grafted polyoxyethylene chain segments.
Hydrogenated castor oil itself is a product obtained by hydrogenation of castor oil, with the main component being glyceryl tri-12-hydroxystearate. After ethoxylation modification, the hydrophilic polyoxyethylene (PEO) chain segments combine with the hydrophobic fatty acid glyceride backbone, imparting excellent emulsifying, solubilizing, and dispersing properties to the product. The CAS number is 61788-85-0, and it is also commonly labeled as PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil in the INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) system.
The product appears as a light yellow paste to viscous liquid and belongs to the high molecular weight nonionic surfactant category. It does not ionize, thus remaining stable in acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments. Its core functionality arises from the balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic group design in the molecular structure, with a moderate HLB value, making it particularly suitable for use as an O/W emulsifier and solubilizer.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Hydrogenated Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene (40) Ether |
| INCI Name | PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil |
| CAS Number | 61788-85-0 |
| Raw Material Source | Natural hydrogenated castor oil (glyceryl tri-12-hydroxystearate) |
| EO Addition Number | Approximately 40 moles |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic surfactant |
| Appearance | Light yellow paste to viscous liquid |
| Molecular Structure Features | Hydrophobic group: hydrogenated castor oil glyceride backbone; Hydrophilic group: polyoxyethylene chain (PEO) |
Due to the structural combination of hydrogenated castor oil (hydrophobic group) and polyoxyethylene chains (hydrophilic group), HEL-40 performs prominently in the following areas: as a fragrance and essential oil solubilizer in cosmetics to prepare transparent aqueous systems; as an O/W emulsifier in skin care lotions and makeup removers; as a leveling agent and antistatic agent in the textile industry; and with both emulsifying and lubricating functions in metalworking fluids. Its natural origin also makes it highly favored in the personal care sector for mild formulations.
This product is non-hazardous and practically non-toxic, with no significant skin irritation under normal use conditions. However, the polyoxyethylene chain segments may undergo oxidation at high temperatures or during long-term storage. It is recommended to store at controlled temperatures between 5°C and 35°C, protected from light and sealed, and kept away from strong oxidants.