PEG-55 Lanolin
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 55 Lanolin, PEG-55 Wool Wax
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Lanolin (Wool)
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Barrier Lipid
Not Clean
Lanolin, ethoxylated (55 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
61790-81-6
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.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Locks In Moisture
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Combines polyethylene glycol with lanolin, a traditional moisturizing ingredient derived from sheep's wool and used in skincare for centuries. The PEG modification was developed to improve lanolin's water solubility and incorporation into modern formulations.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
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