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Ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil is a versatile non-ionic surfactant derived from castor beans. It undergoes hydrogenation (for stability) and ethoxylation (adding ethylene oxide chains) to enhance its water-solubility. Primarily used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, it acts as an emulsifier, solubilizer (for fragrances and oils), and conditioner. It helps blend oil and water into stable mixtures, found in creams, shampoos, and lotions, providing a smooth, non-greasy feel. Its properties vary based on the degree of ethoxylation (e.g., PEG-40, PEG-60).
Specifications | Results | |
Appearance | Milky white paste to pale yellow liquid | Milky white paste |
Acid Value(KOH mg/g) | ≤2.0 | 0.39 |
Saponification Value(KOH mg/g) | 45~69 | 53.6 |
Hydroxyl Value(KOH mg/g) | 57~80 | 64.4 |
Water(%) | ≤3.0 | 1.13 |
Ash content (%) | ≤0.3 | Pass. |
Heavy metal(ppm) | ≤10 | Pass. |
Conclusion | The product conforms to the Enterprise Standard. |
Ethoxylated Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from castor bean oil through a two-step chemical process. It is a versatile ingredient known for its excellent solubilizing, emulsifying, and conditioning properties.
Its name breaks down its production process:
Hydrogenated Castor Oil: First, castor oil undergoes hydrogenation. This process saturates the double bonds in the fatty acid chains, converting the liquid oil into a hard, waxy solid. This step improves its oxidative stability (reduces rancidity) and changes its melting point.
Ethoxylated: The hydrogenated castor oil then undergoes ethoxylation. It is reacted with ethylene oxide, which adds polyoxyethylene (PEG) chains to the molecule. The number of ethylene oxide units (e.g., PEG-40, PEG-60) determines the compound's water-solubility and specific properties.
Appearance: Typically a white to off-white, soft paste, wax, or solid flake.
Solubility: Soluble in water, alcohol, and various organic solvents. Its water solubility increases with a higher degree of ethoxylation.
Function: Primarily acts as a surfactant (lowers surface tension), emulsifier (stabilizes oil and water mixtures), solubilizer (helps dissolve oils in water), and emollient (conditions skin and hair).
HLB Value: Its Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance (HLB) value can be modified by changing the ethoxylation degree, making it suitable for formulating both water-in-oil (W/O) and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.
This ingredient is a workhorse in industries where combining oil and water is essential.
It is a extremely common and multifunctional ingredient in a vast array of products:
Solubilizer: Its primary role is to solubilize fragrances, essential oils, and silicone oils into clear water-based products like:
Clear shampoos and conditioners
Facial toners and micellar waters
Leave-in conditioners and serums
Emulsifier: Helps create stable, creamy emulsions in:
Lotions and creams
Sunscreen formulations
Makeup (foundations, lipsticks)
Conditioning Agent: Adds slip, lubricity, and softness to hair and skin without a greasy feel.
Used in topical formulations as an emulsifier and solubilizer for ointments, creams, and lotions.
Acts as an emulsifier, lubricant, and anti-static agent in:
Textile manufacturing
Metalworking fluids
Agrochemicals (pesticide formulations)
Multifunctional: One ingredient can perform several roles (emulsifier, solubilizer, conditioner), simplifying formulations.
Efficient: Excellent at solubilizing tricky ingredients like fragrances and silicones into clear solutions.
Skin Feel: Imparts a rich, lubricious, and non-greasy feel to products.
Flexible: By varying the degree of ethoxylation, chemists can "customize" it for a specific application (e.g., PEG-40 for solubilizing, PEG-60 for a thicker emulsion).
In summary, ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil is a highly versatile, modified natural derivative that is crucial for creating stable, elegant, and effective formulations in cosmetics and beyond. You will often see it on ingredient lists (INCI) as PEG-[Number] Hydrogenated Castor Oil (e.g., PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil).
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