Laneth-16
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: PEG-16 Lanolin, Polyethylene glycol 16 lanolin ether
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Lanolin (Wool)
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Barrier Lipid
Not Clean
Alcohols, lanolin, ethoxylated
Effective at 5.04%
CAS #
61791-20-6
Form
Liquid
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic emulsifier derived from lanolin, developed in the mid-20th century. Used in cosmetics to improve product texture and stability, with the specific ethoxylation level chosen for particular formulation requirements.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.08%
10.0%
0%14%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 3-8 | 0.3-4 | 0.1-10 | 0.08-2
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR