PEG-85 Lanolin
AKA “PEGylated Lanolin, Polyethylene Glycol Lanolin”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Peg-85 lanolin
AKA: PEGylated Lanolin, Polyethylene Glycol Lanolin
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Barrier Lipid
Not Clean
Lanolin, ethoxylated (85 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
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A modern emulsifier combining polyethylene glycol with lanolin, a substance derived from sheep's wool that has been used as a skin moisturizer since ancient times. The PEG modification improves water solubility while preserving lanolin's traditional emollient properties.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Lanolin (Wool)
EWG
4
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-85 Lanolin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR