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Castor Oil, Sulfated, Sodium Salt

  • Anionic surfactants
  • CAS 68187-76-8
  • IUPAC: Castor oil, sulfated, sodium salt

Castor Oil, Sulfated, Sodium Salt (CAS 68187-76-8) appears in 2 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Carries H319 (eye irritation Cat 2) at ingredient level per SDS Section 3 in some formulations. Whether H319 propagates to product mixture level depends on concentration and mixture classification result — confirm from SDS §2 before applying the H319 health deduction. At 1-10% in formulation, mixture-level classification may be below the H319 threshold per CLP rules.

Castor oil, sulfated, sodium salt (CAS 68187-76-8) is an anionic surfactant produced by sulfation of castor oil, a plant-derived triglyceride rich in ricinoleic acid, followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide. The sulfation converts hydroxyl groups on the fatty acid chain to sulfate ester groups, creating an anionic surfactant with both emulsifying and dispersing properties.

In metal polishes and chrome polishes, it functions primarily as an emulsifier — helping keep fine abrasive particles (alumina, calcium carbonate) evenly suspended in the petroleum-distillate carrier. It also aids in spreading the product across the metal surface and improves the product's ability to be buffed cleanly without streaking.

At ingredient level, H319 (eye irritation Cat 2) is listed in some SDS documents. The health impact at mixture level depends on the final product concentration and GHS mixture classification rules — when below threshold concentrations, the product-level mixture may not inherit the H319 classification.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Anionic surfactant and emulsifier in metal polishes; helps suspend and disperse abrasive particles in the carrier; aids in even application and buffing

Common questions about Castor Oil, Sulfated, Sodium Salt

What is Castor Oil, Sulfated, Sodium Salt used for in car care?
Anionic surfactant and emulsifier in metal polishes; helps suspend and disperse abrasive particles in the carrier; aids in even application and buffing
Is Castor Oil, Sulfated, Sodium Salt a VOC?
No. Castor Oil, Sulfated, Sodium Salt is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Castor Oil, Sulfated, Sodium Salt on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Castor Oil, Sulfated, Sodium Salt is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Castor Oil, Sulfated, Sodium Salt biodegradable?
Yes. Castor Oil, Sulfated, Sodium Salt has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

2 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.