Common Name(s): Peg-5 lanolin,polyoxyethylene-5 lanolin,low-eo ethoxylated lanolin

CAS Number: 61791-20-6

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Conditions and moisturizes skin deeply with natural lanolin benefits.

Why It's Used: Low-eo ethoxylated lanolin provides w/o emulsification with the characteristic skin conditioning of natural lanolin.

How It Works: 5 eo units give low hlb (~5–7); lanolin wax esters and alcohols provide exceptional skin conditioning; suitable for w/o emulsion systems.

Typically Found In: Rich creams,w/o emulsions,lip products,hand creams,conditioning formulas

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,emollient

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: No - animal-derived

Halal Status: Conditional - wool-derived from live shorn sheep; no slaughter involved, but certifier stance varies; sheep-origin documentation required

Source Notes: Lanolin from sheep wool; eo from petrochemical. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: wool-derived; certifier stance varies and is not recorded. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low

Sensitivity Concerns: Rare lanolin sensitization in atopic individuals; generally well tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Conditional – rare lanolin allergy

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–3.

Works Well With: Natural oils,fatty alcohols,high-hlb emulsifiers,humectants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Low-eo lanolin ethoxylates (peg-5 to peg-10) retain more lanolin-like character (high oil affinity, w/o tendency) than high-eo versions; cas 61791-20-6 covers the ethoxylated lanolin series.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,cas 61791-20-6