At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil is a solubilizer. It lets small amounts of oils, essential oils, and fragrance mix clearly into water-based products such as toners, mists, and scalp tonics. |
Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil safe in 1997 and, in a 2014 review of PEGylated oils, concluded it is safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1997). Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-30, -33, -35, -36, and -40 castor oil and PEG-30 and -40 hydrogenated castor oil. International Journal of Toxicology, 16(3), 269–306. https://doi.org/10.1080/109158197227189
- What it shows: CIR 1997 safety assessment.
- Burnett, C. L., Heldreth, B., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of PEGylated oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(4 Suppl), 13S–39S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814546337
- What it shows: CIR 2014 safety assessment of PEGylated oils.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1997). Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-30, -33, -35, -36, and -40 castor oil and PEG-30 and -40 hydrogenated castor oil. International Journal of Toxicology, 16(3), 269–306. https://doi.org/10.1080/109158197227189
2. Composition and Production
Claim: It is made by hydrogenating castor oil and then reacting it with about 40 units of ethylene oxide. It is a non-ionic, pale yellow paste or liquid. |
Verification: Supported. Ethoxylated ingredients can contain trace 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide from manufacturing. New York limits 1,4-dioxane to 10 ppm in cosmetics and 1 ppm in personal care cleansing products, so ORY® buys low-residue grades.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., Heldreth, B., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of PEGylated oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(4 Suppl), 13S–39S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814546337
- What it shows: Describes manufacture and impurities.
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 1,4-Dioxane limits for household cleansing, personal care, and cosmetic products (Environmental Conservation Law §35-0105): 10 ppm in cosmetics; 1 ppm in personal care cleansing products. https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/help-for-businesses/household-personal-cosmetic-dioxane-limits
- What it shows: New York 1,4-dioxane limits.
- Burnett, C. L., Heldreth, B., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of PEGylated oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(4 Suppl), 13S–39S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814546337
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil is a formulation ingredient suitable for all skin types at use levels. |
Verification: Supported. CIR asks that products be formulated to be non-irritating. As a precaution, ORY® does not use it in products meant for broken or damaged skin.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., Heldreth, B., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of PEGylated oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(4 Suppl), 13S–39S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814546337
- What it shows: Safety conclusion and irritation data.
- Burnett, C. L., Heldreth, B., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of PEGylated oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(4 Suppl), 13S–39S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814546337
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, it helps oils and fragrance mix clearly into water-based scalp tonics, sprays, and shampoos. |
Verification: Supported. This is a formulation role; ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., Heldreth, B., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of PEGylated oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(4 Suppl), 13S–39S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814546337
- What it shows: Reported uses.
- Burnett, C. L., Heldreth, B., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of PEGylated oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(4 Suppl), 13S–39S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814546337
5. Benefits
Claim: PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil gives clear, stable water-based products that carry oils and fragrance. |
Verification: Supported. These are formulation benefits, not skin-treatment benefits.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1997). Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-30, -33, -35, -36, and -40 castor oil and PEG-30 and -40 hydrogenated castor oil. International Journal of Toxicology, 16(3), 269–306. https://doi.org/10.1080/109158197227189
- What it shows: Describes function.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1997). Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-30, -33, -35, -36, and -40 castor oil and PEG-30 and -40 hydrogenated castor oil. International Journal of Toxicology, 16(3), 269–306. https://doi.org/10.1080/109158197227189
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil is used in water-based ORY® Skincare, Haircare, and Cosmetics, and in liquid soap and bath products. |
Verification: Supported. It is not used in cold-process bars. Reported use levels fall within the ranges CIR reviewed.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 0.5–5% | Toners, mists, micellar waters, and gel serums. |
| Haircare | 0.5–3% | Scalp tonics and mists, leave-in sprays, and shampoos. |
| Handmade Soap | 1–5% | Liquid soap, bath salts, and bubble bath (not cold-process bars). |
| Cosmetics | 0.5–3% | Setting sprays, micellar makeup removers, and clear gels. |
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., Heldreth, B., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of PEGylated oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(4 Suppl), 13S–39S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814546337
- What it shows: Reported use concentrations.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
- What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.
- Burnett, C. L., Heldreth, B., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of PEGylated oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(4 Suppl), 13S–39S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814546337
7. Pros
Claim: An effective, well-studied solubilizer with a CIR safety conclusion. |
Verification: Supported. Supported by CIR review.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., Heldreth, B., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of PEGylated oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(4 Suppl), 13S–39S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814546337
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Burnett, C. L., Heldreth, B., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of PEGylated oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(4 Suppl), 13S–39S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814546337
8. Cons
Claim: It is ethoxylated, which requires impurity control and excludes it from some natural standards. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Ethoxylated (PEG). Not accepted by COSMOS/Ecocert.
- Impurities. Requires low 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide grades.
- Tacky at high levels. Balance with other ingredients.
- Not for broken skin. Avoid on damaged skin.
Citations:
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 1,4-Dioxane limits for household cleansing, personal care, and cosmetic products (Environmental Conservation Law §35-0105): 10 ppm in cosmetics; 1 ppm in personal care cleansing products. https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/help-for-businesses/household-personal-cosmetic-dioxane-limits
- What it shows: 1,4-dioxane limits.
- Burnett, C. L., Heldreth, B., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of PEGylated oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(4 Suppl), 13S–39S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814546337
- What it shows: Safety data.
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 1,4-Dioxane limits for household cleansing, personal care, and cosmetic products (Environmental Conservation Law §35-0105): 10 ppm in cosmetics; 1 ppm in personal care cleansing products. https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/help-for-businesses/household-personal-cosmetic-dioxane-limits
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Do not apply to broken or damaged skin.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., Heldreth, B., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of PEGylated oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(4 Suppl), 13S–39S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814546337
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Burnett, C. L., Heldreth, B., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of PEGylated oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(4 Suppl), 13S–39S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814546337
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
- ORY® Handmade Soap line: This ingredient is used only in liquid soap and bath products, not in cold-process bars. Products that are not true soap are cosmetics under FDA rules and list all of their ingredients.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Burnett, C. L., Heldreth, B., et al. (2014). Safety assessment of PEGylated oils as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 33(4 Suppl), 13S–39S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581814546337
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (1997). Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-30, -33, -35, -36, and -40 castor oil and PEG-30 and -40 hydrogenated castor oil. International Journal of Toxicology, 16(3), 269–306. https://doi.org/10.1080/109158197227189
Government and regulatory sources
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 1,4-Dioxane limits for household cleansing, personal care, and cosmetic products (Environmental Conservation Law §35-0105): 10 ppm in cosmetics; 1 ppm in personal care cleansing products. https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/help-for-businesses/household-personal-cosmetic-dioxane-limits
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
