Castor oil, hydrogenated, ethoxylated (CAS 61788-85-0) — Citrus N/A Note Fragrance Ingredient
Castor oil, hydrogenated, ethoxylated
CAS 61788-85-0
What Is Castor oil, hydrogenated, ethoxylated?
Hydrogenated ethoxylated castor oil is a modified vegetable oil used in cosmetics and personal care products. You’ll find it in creams, lotions, and hair products where it helps blend ingredients together smoothly. This ingredient matters because it’s a versatile emulsifier that improves product texture while being derived from renewable castor plants.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Castor oil, hydrogenated, ethoxylated Smell Like?
This material is nearly odorless, with faint waxy undertones reminiscent of clean candle wax. In formulations, it contributes no significant scent character but provides excellent functional properties. The molecular modifications eliminate the natural castor oil aroma, leaving a neutral base that won’t interfere with fragrance compositions.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Hydrogenated ethoxylated castor oil is produced through two sequential modifications of natural castor oil. First, hydrogenation saturates the fatty acid chains, then ethylene oxide is added to create polyethoxylated chains. The result is a nonionic surfactant with improved solubility and stability compared to raw castor oil. The degree of ethoxylation determines its hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Clear viscous liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emulsions | 1-5% | 0.5-10% | Primary emulsifier |
| Hair Care | 2-8% | 1-15% | Conditioning agent |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use as a co-emulsifier with other surfactants to improve stability in oil-in-water systems.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Higher ethoxylation version with increased water solubility for clearer formulations.
Synthetic alternative with similar emulsifying properties but different solubility profile.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe for use in cosmetics based on existing data.
Sustainability
While derived from renewable castor plants, the ethoxylation process uses petrochemical-derived ethylene oxide. Some manufacturers offer bio-based ethylene oxide options. The hydrogenation step improves stability, reducing rancidity and extending product shelf life.
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References
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. (2007). Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-5, -10, -16, -25, -30, and -40 hydrogenated castor oil. PMID 18080873
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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