Hydrogenated castor oil (HCO) is used as a hard wax, a thickener and a feedstock. Its biggest outlets are lubricating greases, rheology additives for paints and coatings, cosmetics, polishes and the production of 12-hydroxystearic acid.
HCO is made by reacting refined castor oil with hydrogen over a nickel catalyst. This saturates the double bond in ricinoleic acid but keeps the hydroxyl group. The result is a brittle, white to off-white wax that melts in the mid-80s °C and is often called castor wax.
Main uses
The hydroxyl group is what makes HCO useful. It lets the wax form networks, bond with other materials and react further. Common uses include:
- Feedstock for 12-HSA, which is then turned into lithium and calcium soaps for grease.
- Thixotropic and anti-settling agents for solvent-borne paints, sealants and adhesives, usually after further modification.
- Lipsticks, balms and other cosmetics, where it adds hardness and gloss.
- Shoe, floor and car polishes, crayons and candles.
- Lubricant and release agent in PVC and other plastics processing.
- Hot-melt adhesives and coatings that need a hard, high-melting wax.
- Base for derivatives such as ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil, used as a solubiliser.
Why the grade matters
Each use stresses a different property. Grease makers care about the hydroxyl value and iodine value, because these decide how well the 12-HSA performs. Cosmetic users care about colour, odour and nickel residue. Paint additive makers care about melting point and particle size.
So do not buy a generic HCO. State the use, then set limits for melting point, hydroxyl value, iodine value, acid value and colour. Our guide on HCO melting point and hydroxyl value explains what each figure tells you.
Form matters too. HCO is sold as flakes, powder or beads, and some uses need a fine, micronised powder. See what forms HCO and 12-HSA come in.
Industrial and cosmetic grades
Most plants offer at least two grades. Industrial grades suit grease, coatings and plastics processing. Cosmetic grades are refined further to lower the colour and odour, and carry tighter limits on nickel and other metals.
Some plants also sell modified HCO for paint rheology, often reacted with amines to make a stronger thickener. That is a different product with its own specification, so do not compare its quote with plain HCO.
HCO is stable in storage if kept dry and cool. It softens in heat, so flakes and powders can cake in hot warehouses or containers. Ask for lined bags and a shelf life statement on the certificate. Bags should show the lot number so you can trace any complaint back to a batch.
Next step
We can shortlist HCO producers that suit your use, have samples tested against your limits and check each lot before it ships. To start, book a free sourcing review.