Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Whatsapp Order

Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO), also known as castor wax, is a solid, waxy derivative obtained by the hydrogenation of castor oil. It appears as a white to off-white, brittle, wax-like solid with a mild odor. The hydrogenation process saturates the unsaturated bonds in castor oil’s fatty acids, resulting in a product with enhanced melting point, oxidative stability, and hardness. HCO retains excellent emollient and lubricating properties while exhibiting improved resistance to oxidation and rancidity. It is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, plastics, coatings, and industrial applications for its functional versatility and compatibility.

Description

Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Primary Uses 

  1. Cosmetics and Personal Care
  • Used as a thickening agent, emollient, and texture enhancer in lipsticks, lip balms, creams, lotions, and hair care formulations.
  • Provides gloss, film-forming, and stability benefits in makeup products, such as foundations and eyeliners.
  • Acts as a skin conditioning agent, imparting softness and moisture retention.
  • Functions as a natural wax base in solid deodorants and wax-based cosmetics.
  1. Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Serves as a controlled-release matrix in topical and oral drug formulations.
  • Used in suppository bases due to its melting behavior and biocompatibility.
  • Acts as an excipient in ointments and creams, providing emolliency and viscosity enhancement.
  1. Plastic and Polymer Industry
  • Employed as a lubricant and processing aid in thermoplastics, PVC, and other polymer formulations.
  • Improves flow properties and mold release in plastic processing.
  • Used as a component in wax blends and masterbatches for enhanced stability and performance.
  1. Coatings and Printing Inks
  • Used as a gloss and slip agent in printing inks and coatings to improve surface finish and durability.
  • Acts as a dispersing agent and stabilizer in wax emulsions for paints and varnishes.
  1. Candles and Polishes
  • Incorporated in candle formulations to increase hardness and improve burning properties.
  • Used in furniture and shoe polishes to provide shine and protective wax layers.

 

Secondary Uses

  1. Textile Industry
  • Used as a lubricant and softening agent in textile finishing and fabric treatment.
  1. Food Industry
  • Sometimes used as an anti-caking agent and stabilizer in food packaging materials (not as a direct food additive).
  1. Rubber Industry
  • Acts as a processing aid and lubricant in rubber compounding and manufacturing.
  1. Agriculture
  • Incorporated into pesticide formulations as a coating or carrier to improve dispersion and adhesion.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
  1. Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Hydrogenated triglycerides of ricinoleic acid
  • Common/Trade Name: Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Castor Wax, HCO
  • CAS Number: 8016-70-4
  • HS Code: 1515.90.90
  • Molecular Formula: C57H110O6 (approximate)
  • Synonyms: Castor wax, Hydrogenated ricinoleic acid triglyceride
  1. Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: Solid waxy flakes or pastilles
  • Color & Odor: White to off-white; mild characteristic odor
  • Melting Point: 82–88 °C
  • Density: ~0.95 g/cm³
  • Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, chloroform, and oils
  • Stability: Excellent oxidative stability and shelf life under normal storage
  1. Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • Hazard Class (GHS): Generally regarded as safe; non-toxic and non-irritant at typical use levels
  • Toxicity: Low acute toxicity; non-sensitizing
  • Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits
  1. Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight
  • Container Type: Polyethylene bags, drums, or sealed containers
  • Shelf Life: Typically 2 years if stored properly
  • Handling Precautions: Avoid dust inhalation during handling of powdered forms
  1. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • Approved for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food contact materials by FDA, EU, and other regulatory bodies
  • Listed in cosmetic ingredient databases (e.g., INCI)
  1. Environmental & Health Impact

  • Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
  • Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact; non-toxic to aquatic organisms at typical environmental levels
  • Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
  • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
  1. Safety Handling Precautions
  • PPE Required: Gloves and dust mask if handling powdered forms
  • Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid dust generation; wash hands after use
  • Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed to avoid contamination and moisture uptake

 

  1. First Aid Measures
  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs
  • Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
  • Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth; unlikely to cause harm in small amounts; seek medical advice if large amounts ingested

 

  1. Firefighting Measures
  • Fire Hazards: Combustible solid; burns with yellow flame producing carbon oxides
  • Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) extinguishers
  • Special Precautions: Avoid inhalation of combustion products; wear protective equipment
  • Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and smoke