PEG-40 Sorbitan Lanolate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: PEG sorbitan lanolate, Polysorbate lanolate
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Barrier Lipid
Not Clean
Sorbitan, ethoxylated, esters with lanolin fatty acids (40 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
-
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
Antioxidant Protection
Wound Healing
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic emulsifier combining sorbitan and lanolin (a traditional wool grease emollient used for centuries). Developed to merge lanolin's moisturizing benefits with improved water-solubility and emulsification.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️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