Ethoxylated castor oil

Ethoxylated castor oil (CAS 61791-12-6), also known as Polyoxyethylene castor oil and commercially as Surfactol 318, is a nonionic surfactant produced by reacting castor oil with ethylene oxide.

Where is Ethoxylated castor oil used?

• Textile and leather processing: emulsifier of oils and lubricants
• Dyeing: leveling agent during fiber preparation
• Personal care: solubilizer of fragrance oils, essential oils and active ingredients in water-based systems
• Bath oils, shampoos and skin lotions
• Agricultural formulations: emulsifier and carrier for pesticide concentrates
• Industrial and household cleaning: stabilizer of oil-in-water emulsions
• It also boosts detergent performance on greasy substrates in commercial cleaning.

Commercial specifications

• Viscosity and HLB value vary with degree of ethoxylation, commonly expressed as EO units
• Specifications typically defined by ethoxylation degree, HLB value and hydroxyl value of the batch
• Cosmetic-grade material meeting relevant purity requirements is available