PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil molecular structure

2-5 year old preschoolersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Safe for preschoolers to use Peg 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Peg 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is generally considered safe for 2-5 year old children when used in topical products. Consider preschooler activity levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For toddlers and preschoolers (2–5 years) this ingredient is usually low risk when used in small amounts or in rinse‑off products. It helps mix oils and water in creams and shampoos. The main worry is tiny amounts of contamination that can come from how it’s made.

What to Do

Choose products made for children or labeled to have been tested for impurities. For children aged 2–5, prefer rinse‑off products (shampoos, washes) or light lotions with short ingredient lists. Do a small patch test on the inside of the arm before broader use. Don’t use on cuts, scrapes, or irritated skin. If a product causes redness, itching, or swelling, stop use and wash the area.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin irritation or allergic reaction (redness, rash, itching). The ingredient safety information lists possible contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane from manufacturing — this is the main reason some products restrict its use. Avoid products that don’t disclose safety testing or that are intended for infants on very young babies; for infants under 2, be more cautious. If you’re concerned about impurities, choose brands that state they screen for these manufacturing contaminants.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: This ingredient can carry contamination by ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane. International health agencies list those contaminants as cancer hazards, so their presence raises a real cancer concern if they are in the final product.
Absorbed: PEG‑style, ethoxylated ingredients are applied to skin. If they contain small contamination molecules, those contaminants can move through skin and into the body when used topically.
Long-Term Risk: Independent safety reviewers note gaps and limits in how industry safety panels assess this ingredient and set safe concentration levels. That uncertainty about low-level contamination and repeated use means there is a possible long-term risk with ongoing exposure.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

This ingredient may also be listed as:

peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilpeg-40 hydrogenated castorPEG 40 Hydrogenated Castor OilPOLYOXYETHYLENE (40) HYDROGENATED CASTOR OILHYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, ETHOXYLATEDHYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL ETHOXYLATEARLATONE GCASTOR OIL, HYDROGENATED, ETHOXYLATEDCREMOPHOR RHNIKKOL HCOPEG HYDROGENATED CASTOR OILPOLYETHYLENE GLYCOL HYDROGENATED CASTOR OILPOLYOXYETHYLENE HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil or its alternative names.

Common Questions About PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Safe for preschoolers to use PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?

Yes, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is generally considered safe for 2-5 year old children based on current research.

What are the cancer risks of PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil for preschoolers?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the absorbed risks of PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil for preschoolers?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the long-term risk risks of PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil for preschoolers?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What products contain PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

Is this suitable for preschoolers to using products with PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 2-5 year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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