PEG-40 Lanolin
AKA “Polyethylene Glycol 40 Lanolin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Lanolin”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Peg-40 lanolin
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol 40 Lanolin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Lanolin
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 2
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Barrier Lipid
Clean
Lanolin, ethoxylated (40 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
61790-81-6
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
Antioxidant Protection
Wound Healing
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A modern modification of lanolin, a traditional wool grease emollient used for centuries in cosmetics and medicine. Chemically altered with polyethylene glycol in the mid-20th century to improve water-solubility while preserving emollient benefits.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Lanolin (Wool)
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Final Report of the Safety Assessment for PEG-75 Lanolin, PEG-20 Lanolin, PEG-27 Lanolin, PEG-30 Lanolin, PEG-40 Lanolin, PEG-50 Lanolin, PEG-60 Lanolin, and PEG-85 Lanolin (Amended by report in IJT 1
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Lanolin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-40 Lanolin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
PEG-40 Lanolin
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR