Ingredient guide ›

Peg 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

The oil mixer.

What it does

Helps oils and scents mix into water-based products like shampoo and wipes, so they don't separate.

Good to know

Made from castor oil. Dermatologists have reported a few cases of skin allergy to related castor oil ingredients.

Often found in: Shampoos, Shower gels, Baby wipes, Hair gels

Around the world

• United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
• EU and UK: No special limit in the EU or UK. Source
• Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

• Allergic axillary dermatitis due to hydrogenated castor oil in a deodorant (Contact Dermatitis, 2008) (Medical)
• Allergic contact dermatitis to PEG-7 hydrogenated castor oil (Contact Dermatitis, 2007) (Medical)
• CIR: Safety Assessment of PEGylated oils as used in cosmetics (2014) (Industry-funded)