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Cleanser / Surfactant

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Often labeled as: Solubilizer

The ingredient that forces oil and water to mix.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ
Overall Safety Safe
๐Ÿ‘ถ
Pregnancy Safety Safe
๐Ÿ•ณ๏ธ
Comedogenic (0-5) 0 / 5
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Irritancy (0-5) 1 / 5

๐Ÿ”ฌ How It Actually Works

A polyethylene glycol derivative of castor oil. It is used to dissolve fragrance oils or essential oils into water-based toners and serums without them separating.

๐Ÿ’– Why your skin loves it

Ensures clear, stable toners and helps wash away dirt.

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip

If a water-based toner contains oil but isn't cloudy, this is likely why.

โš–๏ธ Myth vs. Fact

The Myth

PEGs are highly toxic.

The Science

Cosmetic grade PEGs are strictly purified to remove any toxic byproducts (like 1,4-dioxane) and are perfectly safe.

๐Ÿงด Formulations featuring PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

โ˜… 9.2
Advanced Skin Repair Serum
Dr Anne
Advanced Skin Repair Serum
Serum

An exceptionally comprehensive daily repair serum. It successfully bridges barrier repair and anti-aging by blending Ceramide NP with Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12. The inclusion of Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide effectively halts melanin transport, addressing hyperpigmentation safely. While highly advanced, the inclusion of synthetic fragrance contradicts modern sensitive skin formulation standards.

โ˜… 8.6
๐Ÿงด
Aiken
Prebiotic Hydra Plus Moisturiser
Moisturizer

An incredibly accessible, highly popular drugstore water-gel. Bypassing heavy pore-clogging butters entirely, it utilizes a volatile silicone matrix (Cyclopentasiloxane) combined with Niacinamide and a specialized prebiotic complex (Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide). It provides a burst of cooling hydration that evaporates into a weightless matte finish, making it a staple for oily skin in tropical humidity. However, the strong synthetic fragrance limits its appeal for hyper-reactive barriers.

โ˜… 9.4
Vita-C Bright Serum
Aiken
Vita-C Bright Serum
Serum

A wildly sophisticated, multi-acid brightening and exfoliating serum. While marketed heavily as a Vitamin C serum, its primary engine is actually a powerful chemical peeling blend of Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Salicylic Acid. It rapidly digests the intracellular glue binding dead skin flakes while diving deep into the pore to dissolve oxidized sebum plugs. Buffered with Ascorbyl Glucoside to tackle hyperpigmentation safely.

โ˜… 6.8
๐Ÿงด
Aiken
Tea Tree Oil Toner
Toner

A highly traditional, astringent acne toner designed for extremely oily, robust skin. It leverages a potent combination of Ethanol (Alcohol) and Salicylic Acid (BHA) to rapidly cut through surface grease and penetrate sebum-clogged pores. While Tea Tree Oil and Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate provide excellent antibacterial defense, the high alcohol and menthol content guarantees severe dehydration and barrier stripping if applied to dry, sensitive, or compromised skin profiles.

โ˜… 8.7
Vita-C Bright Moisturizer
Aiken
Vita-C Bright Moisturizer
Moisturizer

A multifaceted brightening gel-cream that targets dullness and mild breakouts simultaneously. It combines stable Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Glucoside), Mandelic Acid, and Niacinamide to gently lift hyperpigmentation without massive irritation. The inclusion of Tea Tree Oil and trace Salicylic Acid keeps the pores clear, while the silicone matrix (Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone) provides a smooth, breathable finish. It is highly versatile but does contain synthetic fragrance.