PEG-5 Lanolin
AKA “Polyethylene Glycol Lanolin, PEG-5 Wool Wax”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Peg-5 lanolin
AKA: Polyethylene Glycol Lanolin, PEG-5 Wool Wax
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Barrier Lipid
Synthetic
Clean
A natural emollient derived from lanolin that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients together, keeping your product smooth and effective.
Effective at 2.6%
CAS #
61790-81-6
See origin →
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Emulsifier
Fights Bacteria
Locks In Moisture
Wound Healing
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Lanolin itself has been used for centuries as a traditional emollient derived from sheep's wool. The PEG-5 version was developed in the 20th century to improve water solubility and create lighter formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Lanolin (Wool)
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.2%
5.0%
0%7%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 2-4 | 1-5 | 0.2-0.3
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR