PEG-40 Castor Oil
AKA “Polyethylene Glycol 40 Castor Oil, PEG-40 CO”
Carrier Oil
Ingredient Facts
Peg-40 castor oil
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 40 Castor Oil, PEG-40 CO
Carrier Oil · Cleansing · EWG: 3
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Castor oil, ethoxylated (40 mol EO average molar ratio)
Family
Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)
Plant Part
Seed
CAS #
61791-12-6
Form
Oil
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Antioxidant Protection
Wound Healing
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Synthetic derivative combining polyethylene glycol with castor oil (traditionally used in folk medicine and as a laxative since ancient times). Developed in the 20th century as a solubilizer and emulsifier.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR