Cremophor RH 40 (PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil) is a non-ionic solubilizer and emulsifying agent obtained by reacting hydrogenated castor oil with ethylene oxide. It conforms to the current Ph. Eur./USP requirements. This product is used to solubilize ethereal oils, perfume compositions, vitamins, and hydrophobic active substances in aqueous-alcoholic and purely aqueous solutions. The finished preparations are particularly stable. This product shows little tendency to foaming, which is particularly important for solutions in aqueous ethanol. Further foam suppression can be obtained by adding a small amount of defoamer.

The undiluted Cremophor® RH 40 is white to yellowish soft or flowing pastes at 23 °C and has the outstanding feature that its aqueous solutions have a very faint odor. It forms nearly clear solutions in water, ethanol, and isopropanol, and in essential oils and other hydrophobic compounds, e.g. vitamins and alpha-bisabolol. Cremophor RH 40 can be mixed with other Cremophor grades. With gentle heating, forms clear mixtures with fatty acids and fatty alcohols.

Cremophor grades in the formulation can be stabilized by heating to 120°C. Allowance must be made for the fact that this can cause a slight decrease in pH value. The aqueous solution can be stabilized by common cosmetic preservatives. These grades are stable in aqueous-alcoholic solutions. They are also largely stable in purely aqueous solutions within a pH range of 4 – 8. The use of strong bases or acids should be avoided due to saponification of the esters. These grades are largely insensitive to water hardness.

Non-diluted Cremophor grades are chemically very stable. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause phase separation once the product cools down. However, the product can be restored to its original formation by homogenization.

BASF Personal Care offers a wide range of products in various personal care market segments such as Antiperspirant/Deodorants, Body Care, Oral Care, Sun Care, and more. These high-performing products enable the development of formulations that fulfill consumer’s needs.

Solubilizing Capacity of Cremophor RH 40

Grades Available

• Cremophor® RH 410 – PEG-30 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
  • Colorless to yellowish, slightly cloudy, viscous liquid at 23°C
• Cremophor® RH 60  – PEG-30 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
  • White to yellowish soft or flowing pastes at 23 °C

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Cremophor RH 40: PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil