PEG-100 Lanolin

PEG-100 Lanolin molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 100 Lanolin, PEG-100 Wool Grease
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Lanolin (Wool)
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Barrier Lipid
Not Clean
Lanolin, ethoxylated (100 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
61790-81-6
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 created by polyethylene glycol modification of lanolin, a traditional wool-derived ingredient used since ancient times for skin and hair conditioning. Developed to make lanolin's occlusive properties more compatible with modern water-based cosmetic formulations.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
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