Laneth-5
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: PEG-5 Lanolin, Polyethylene glycol 5 lanolin ether
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Lanolin (Wool)
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Barrier Lipid
Not Clean
Alcohols, lanolin, ethoxylated
Effective at 5.04%
CAS #
61791-20-6
Form
Liquid
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
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
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
One of the lower ethoxylated synthetic lanolin derivatives developed in the mid-20th century. Used as an emulsifier in cosmetics with more lipophilic character than higher-numbered Laneth variants.
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