PEG-16 Cetyl/Oleyl/Stearyl/Lanolin Alcohol Ether
AKA “Polyethylene Glycol 16 Mixed Alcohol Ether”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Peg-16 cetyl/oleyl/stearyl/lanolin alcohol ether
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 16 Mixed Alcohol Ether
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Barrier Lipid
Not Clean
Lanolin alcohols, compounds with hexadecanol, 9-(Z)-octadecenol and octadecanol, ethoxylated (16 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
9002-92-0; 68439-50-9; 5274-68-0; 9004-95-9; 9005-00-9; 4536-30-5; 3055-93-4; 3055-94-5; 3055-95-6
Form
Liquid
See origin →
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 complex synthetic emulsifier combining polyethylene glycol with multiple traditional emollient alcohols and lanolin. Created in the late 20th century to provide multifunctional conditioning and emulsification in cosmetics.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Lanolin (Wool)
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR