murphyPEG-40 Sorbitan Lanolate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: PEG sorbitan lanolate, Polysorbate lanolate
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from lanolin (wool grease) and sorbitan, a derivative of sorbitol obtained from glucose. Synthesized through ethoxylation, adding approximately 40 moles of ethylene oxide to sorbitan-lanolin esters.
Sorbitan, ethoxylated, esters with lanolin fatty acids (40 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
-
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Skin Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 296)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing / plus 1 case report (CIR 296)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
1 study / 1 mixed (CIR 296)
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2014 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR