Turning Fragrance Oils Into Clear Water-Based Sprays
PEG 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a mild nonionic solubilizer that answers one of the most common formulation challenges: blending oil-soluble ingredients into water without creating a cloudy emulsion or separation over time. This ingredient belongs to the broader category of Surfactants, though unlike classic foaming agents its purpose is not to generate lather but to act as a bridge between fragrance oils and aqueous phases, keeping the final product visually clear. The 50 g pack size is ideal for home formulators, small trial batches, and hobbyist studios testing a recipe before committing to larger production runs.
The largest and most searched application worldwide for this solubilizer is fragrance manufacturing and water-based aromatic sprays. It allows perfume and essential oils to disperse evenly throughout water without floating droplets or later separation on the shelf. The same mechanism drives its heavy use in room sprays, air fresheners, linen and fabric mists, and household chemical products where fragrance oils need to be incorporated into cleaning solutions. Within personal care manufacturing, the solubilizer is a staple in facial toners, micellar waters, body mists, shower gels containing botanical oil extracts, and lightweight oil serums built on a water base.
The molecule works by anchoring to water on one end while holding oily material on the other, forming micelles small enough that the solution stays optically clear rather than milky. Dosage is usually determined through testing, but a common starting ratio is one to three parts solubilizer per one part oil by weight, with denser or heavier oils requiring a higher ratio. It is best introduced while blending the oil phase, gently warmed to around 40-50 degrees Celsius to aid dissolution, before slowly pouring the mixture into the water phase under continuous stirring.
This solubilizer pairs well with a variety of other surfactants and conditioning agents. In gentle cleansing formulas it is frequently combined with PLANTAPON 100 g to build a richer foam structure while keeping the product transparent. For added conditioning benefits in hair and skin products, it works well alongside Ercamid 100 g, and for a silky glide and softer skin feel formulators often add Dimethicone Copolyol 25 g to round out the sensory profile.
Store the material in a tightly sealed container, away from direct sunlight, at room temperature, avoiding sharp temperature swings and excess humidity that can cause the mass to clump. Under proper storage conditions the shelf life is typically several years from opening, provided the container is resealed tightly after each use.
Citrus Refreshing Room Mist
Distilled water 88 ml
PEG 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil 4 g
Sweet orange essential oil 3 ml
Grain alcohol 5 ml
Warm
the essential oil gently with the solubilizer over a water bath until around 40
degrees Celsius and the mixture turns uniform. Stir in the alcohol, then slowly
add the water in small increments while stirring continuously. The finished
solution should remain clear with no oily droplets floating on top. Transfer
into a spray bottle and let it rest for 24 hours before first use.
INCI name for label declarations: PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil.
Frequently asked questions
What documentation is available for this material?
Current documents for this product are listed in the «Documents» block of the product card.
How is lot consistency ensured?
Details confirming consistency across lots appear in the specification or COA for each batch. Parameters such as melting temperature and pH remain within the stated ranges as verified by these documents.
What input levels apply in formulations?
The input percentage in formulations ranges from 2 to 90 percent. Before addition the material requires slight heating to become fluid. Levels for lotions and tonics fall between 4 and 6 percent.
How is the product packaged and stored?
Packaging consists of 50 grams.