PEG-75 Lanolin

PEG / Ethoxylated
Benefits
CleansingSoftening

What is PEG-75 Lanolin?

PEG-75 Lanolin arises from lanolin, a wax secreted by sheep wool glands, chemically modified by reacting with 75 moles of ethylene oxide to form a polyethoxylated ether. This process enhances its solubility in water, distinguishing it from greasy native lanolin. Primarily categorized as a surfactant-emulsifier, it appears in shampoos, body washes, and cream cleansers. By lowering interfacial tension, it enables oil and water to blend, stabilizing emulsions and facilitating the formation of cleansing micelles. These structures encapsulate soils and sebum, allowing them to be rinsed away effectively. Its emollient base imparts a softening effect, leaving skin and hair feeling smooth without residue, ideal for water-based formulations.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-3 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.

Benefits

Gentle cleansing action removes dirt and oils without stripping.

Softens skin and hair for a smoother texture.

Supports stable emulsions in creams and washes.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users of daily shampoos and body cleansers needing mild lather.
People with lanolin sensitivity or wool wax allergies.
Individuals with normal to dry skin seeking softening surfactants.
Those avoiding ethoxylated ingredients due to potential impurities.
Those preferring water-soluble emollients in rinse-off products.
Individuals preferring non-PEG surfactants in formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard overall by EWG with scores of 1-3.
  • Non-comedogenic with a rating of 0, minimizing pore-clogging risk.

Frequently Asked Questions about PEG-75 Lanolin

What makes PEG-75 Lanolin water-soluble?

Ethoxylation with 75 ethylene oxide units transforms lanolin's lipophilic nature into hydrophilic properties.

Is PEG-75 Lanolin suitable for acne-prone skin?

Its comedogenic rating of 0 indicates low risk of clogging pores.

What roles does it play in cosmetics?

Acts as surfactant for cleansing and emulsifying agent for stable formulations.