Ricinoleth-40

Ricinoleth-40 is a water-soluble, nonionic surfactant made by ethoxylating castor oil-derived fatty acids. It's used to solubilize fragrances and oils in cleansers and mists, improve rinse-off, and support stable emulsions.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A castor-derived cleanser that lifts oil and makeup without harshness.
Category
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Type
Surfactant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Helps lift oils, sunscreen, and makeup for a cleaner feel without harshness, promoting a clear, uniform look in water-based products and leaving a light, non-heavy finish.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in micellar waters, toners, and gel cleansers to disperse oily components, and also used in facial mists and makeup removers to evenly blend fragrance or essential oils.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Typically low-irritating and well tolerated; a small number of sensitive users may experience mild stinging or redness, especially around the eyes. Patch testing is prudent for very reactive skin.

Is Ricinoleth-40 a Good Ingredient?

Good, because it's an effective nonionic solubilizer and surfactant that reliably disperses oils and fragrance in water with a generally mild skin profile, and that solid, dependable performance is what supports the rating. It's not rated Great since PEG derivatives and castor-based surfactants like this can occasionally bother very sensitive skin, and it offers limited direct skin benefit beyond its functional role.

Products with Ricinoleth-40

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