Hydrogenated Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether HEL-40 (CAS No.: 61788-85-0) is a nonionic surfactant derived from modified natural vegetable oils. The product appears as a light yellow paste to viscous liquid, refined by Guoli Chemical through ethoxylation. Its molecular structure combines hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chains and lipophilic hydrogenated castor oil groups, imparting exceptional interfacial activity and formulation compatibility.
The most prominent feature of this product is its high solubilization capacity — excellent solubilizing effect on flavors, essential oils, and oil-soluble active ingredients, enabling the preparation of transparent and stable aqueous systems. Meanwhile, as an O/W emulsifier, it forms fine and stable emulsions, enhancing formulation texture. Additionally, HEL-40 exhibits good compatibility with various anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants, maintaining stable performance across a wide pH range and under high hardness water conditions. Derived from natural raw materials, it offers excellent skin compatibility, being mild and low-irritation.
In terms of safety, HEL-40 is not classified as a hazardous substance or mixture. Its acute oral toxicity LD50 is >5000 mg/kg, and acute dermal toxicity LD50 is >2000 mg/kg, classifying it as practically non-toxic. Under normal conditions of use, it does not cause significant skin irritation, is biodegradable, meets OECD relevant standards, and is environmentally friendly.
With its multifunctional properties, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether HEL-40 is widely used in various industrial fields:
| Application Field | Functional Role | Typical Application Products |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | O/W Emulsifier, Solubilizer, Emollient | Makeup removers, skin lotions, shampoo & body wash, transparent aqueous systems |
| Textile Dyeing & Printing Auxiliaries | Leveling agent, Softener, Antistatic finishing agent | Dyeing & finishing of synthetic fibers and blended fabrics |
| Metalworking Fluids | Emulsifier, Lubricating component | Semi-synthetic & emulsion-type cutting fluids, grinding fluids |
| Industrial & Household Cleaning | Low-foaming nonionic surfactant | Kitchen heavy-duty degreasers, hard surface multi-purpose cleaners |
| Pesticide Formulations | Emulsifying dispersant | Emulsifiable concentrates, microemulsions, oil-in-water emulsions |
In cosmetic formulations, HEL-40 is particularly suitable for water-based systems requiring transparent solubilization of flavors, essential oils, or oil-soluble active ingredients. It is recommended to determine the optimal dosage through experiments based on the type and content of the target substance. In metalworking fluids, it combines both emulsifying and lubricating functions, helping to improve processing precision and surface quality. In textile applications, it effectively enhances fiber surface properties, imparting a soft and smooth hand feel to fabrics and eliminating static buildup.