Ingredient glossary / Emulsifier
PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil
On the label: PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil · Emulsifier
What it is
A solubiliser that lets fragrance and essential oils disperse in water-based products such as toners and sprays.
Emulsifiers: Emulsifiers hold oil and water together so a cream stays a cream.
In the research
7 PubMed papers mention it with skin, cosmetics or hair; the three most recent:
- Bandage-Type Autocatalytic PdCl(2)‑Containing Film as Visual Hydrogen Sensor for Noninvasive Monitoring of Mg-Alloy Biodegradation · ACS applied optical materials, 2026
- Capacitive sensor-based artificial stratum corneum for skin irritating assessment of botanical insect repellent products and a de-irritation formulation · Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the Britis, 2026
- Penetration Enhancer-Free Mixed Micelles for Improving Eprinomectin Transdermal c Efficiency in Animal Parasitic Infections Therapy · International journal of nanomedicine, 2024
A paper is a paper, not a verdict: titles are listed so you can read them, and a study on cells or mice says little about a cream on a face.
Other emulsifiers
Dew & Balm describes ingredients from the public record and makes no claim about what a product will do for you. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. If a product causes a reaction, stop using it; a reaction that spreads or affects breathing is a call to a doctor or 911.