Laneth-20
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: PEG-20 Lanolin, Polyethylene glycol 20 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.
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.
Viscosity Controlling
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Controls Viscosity
Traditional Use
A widely-used synthetic surfactant derived from lanolin, created in the mid-20th century for cosmetic emulsification. The number indicates 20 ethylene oxide units, providing optimal balance between hydrophilic and lipophilic properties.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
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-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR