PEG-40 Castor Oil
Pharcos CE 40
Also known as: Polyoxyl 40 Castor Oil | Polyoxyethylene 40 Castor Oil | Castor Oil Ethoxylate 40
Pharcos CE 40 operates similarly to CE 35 but with slightly higher hydrophilicity (HLB ~13.0). It is a standard ingredient in the creation of clear liquid soaps and shampoos, ensuring volatile fragrance oils do not cause the formula to become cloudy or separate under cold storage. Industrially, its strong wetting properties make it an excellent dispersant for dry pigment dyes in paints and as a lubricant in water-based metalworking fluids.
Quick Information
- Product Line:
- Personal Care
- Category:
- Solubilizers
- Grade:
- Liquid / Paste
- CAS Number:
- 61791-12-6
Key Applications
- Fragrance Solubilizer
- Liquid Soaps
- Dye Dispersant
- Metal Working Fluids
How It Works
By extending the ethylene oxide chain to 40 moles, the molecule forms significantly 'softer', more heavily hydrated micelles compared to lower ethoxylates.
When utilized as a fragrance solubilizer in a surfactant system (like a body wash), the PEG-40 Castor Oil acts as a sacrificial host mechanism. Complex fragrance oils often contain lipophilic terpenes that refuse to mix with water, causing rapid clouding. The dense, sticky PEG-40 molecular network effortlessly entraps these terpenes inside its micellar core, completely masking their hydrophobicity from the bulk water phase and maintaining absolute optical clarity.
Technical Information
Common questions about PEG-40 Castor Oil
At 40 moles of EO, the massive hydrophilic chain raises the structural melting point. In cold warehouses (below 20°C), it may begin to turn hazy or form a soft paste. Simply warming the drum gently to 30°C will return it to a clear, pourable liquid.
Yes, it is extremely mild and frequently used as the primary solubilizer in alcohol-free water-based perfumes and body mists.
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