हाइड्रोजनेटेड अरंडी तेल (Hydrogenated castor oil)

Hydrogenated castor oil is castor oil (arandi ka tel) that has been reacted with hydrogen, usually with a nickel catalyst. This saturates the oil, turning it from a thick liquid into an opaque, hard, brittle wax, often sold as flakes or beads. Its main fatty acid is 12-hydroxystearic acid.

• CAS number: 8001-78-3
• Appearance: white to off-white flakes, nearly odourless
• Melting point: about 80 to 88 °C, depending on grade
• Solubility: insoluble in water; dissolves in many hot oils and melts into other waxes

Unlike ordinary castor oil, it is not sticky at all. At low levels it also helps thicken oils, which is how it keeps pigments and powders from settling in sticks and greases.

Azlok lists Hydrogenated Castor Oil Flakes (NSA) in its cosmetic raw ingredients range. Flakes melt evenly and are easy to weigh. The pack size is on the product page; if you need the exact meaning of the NSA code or a spec sheet, ask before buying. See today's price per kg.

• Cosmetics: raising the melting point and firmness of lip balms, lipsticks, solid perfumes and deodorant sticks
• Candles and crayons: hardening softer waxes
• Industry: lubricating greases, polishes, coatings, paints and carbon paper, where resistance to moisture and oils matters
• Coatings: polyurethane varnishes for leather, wood and rubber, where its hydroxyl groups take part in the reaction

In sticks and balms, it is typically used at a few percent of the formula, often as part of the wax phase alongside beeswax or candelilla. Start low, around 2 to 5%, and test hardness.

1. Melt it with the other waxes on a double boiler or controlled heater to about 85 to 90 °C until fully clear.
2. Add oils and stir; then add heat-sensitive ingredients as it cools.
3. Pour while still fluid, as it sets quickly.

Test a small batch first: too much makes sticks brittle and draggy. Patch test finished cosmetics for 24 hours.

Finished cosmetics sold in India need to meet BIS and CDSCO requirements, so if you sell what you make, keep batch records and check the rules that apply to your product.

• Low hazard as flakes. The main risk is burns from molten wax at 80 °C and above; use heat-resistant gloves.
• Never heat it over an open flame unattended. Molten wax can catch fire if overheated.
• Store in a closed container in a cool, dry place.
• Keep away from children.
• Let waste wax solidify and dispose of it with solid waste, not down the sink.

Since it is used at a few percent, home lip balm makers need only a small pack. Stick and grease manufacturers who use it in every batch can move to larger packs. For 25 kg and above, use the bulk inquiry form.