PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil molecular structure

adultsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults 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 adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults: usually safe when used on normal skin. Overall risk is low, but it may irritate some people with sensitive skin and there is a manufacturing-related contamination concern to be aware of.

What to Do

If you have normal skin, products that list this ingredient are generally fine. If your skin is sensitive, do a small patch test on the inside of your forearm and wait 24–48 hours before using more widely. Avoid using on broken or inflamed skin. Choose products from brands that test or report purification steps when possible. If you notice redness, itching, burning, or a rash, stop use and rinse; see a doctor if it’s severe.

⚠️Warnings

Reviews of this ingredient point to contamination risks from manufacturing chemicals (specifically ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane) and note it is considered acceptable only with certain use limits (source: industry safety reviews and regulatory assessments such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, Environment Canada, and FDA summaries). Also be aware that some product verification programs restrict its use unless the maker provides safety data. Watch for any skin reaction and avoid use on broken skin.

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

Is this safe for adults to use PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?

Yes, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

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

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.

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

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.

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

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

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.

When can adults using products with PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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