PEG-75 Sorbitan Lanolate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 75 Sorbitan Lanolate
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Barrier Lipid
Not Clean
Sorbitan, ethoxylated, esters with lanolin fatty acids (75 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
Locks In Moisture
Antioxidant Protection
Anti-Aging Benefits
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic emulsifier combining lanolin (a wool-derived ingredient used since ancient times as a skin moisturizer) with sorbitan esters. Created to improve the mixing of oil and water-based ingredients in cosmetics.
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-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