Cleanser / Surfactant

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Often labeled as: Solubilizer
๐Ÿค Log in to Bookmark

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
โšก
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˜… 8.8
๐Ÿงด
Aiken
Tea Tree Oil Clarifying Toner
Toner

A highly targeted, minimalist antibacterial toner. It focuses entirely on delivering Salicylic Acid (BHA) and pure Australian Tea Tree Oil deep into the pores to clear out oxidized sebum and neutralize acne-causing bacteria. By remaining completely water-light and avoiding heavy humectants, it serves as the perfect clarifying step for hyper-oily profiles that easily congest.

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˜… 9.2
Vita-C Bright Exfoliating Water
Aiken
Vita-C Bright Exfoliating Water
Toner

A highly functional hybrid acid toner. It merges the gentle chemical exfoliation of Lactic Acid and Mandelic Acid with the pore-clearing power of Salicylic Acid. By buffering these acids with Betaine and Panthenol, it successfully refines skin texture without destroying the moisture barrier. The inclusion of Ascorbyl Glucoside and Niacinamide provides a rapid brightening effect for dull 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.

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.