Among the many ethylene glycol derivatives, an ethoxylated lanolin derivative named PEG-75 Lanolin according to INCI standards has become very popular. It is used as a conditioning agent and emollient in cleansing and skin care cosmetics. It has a moisturising as well as softening and smoothening effect. These and other advantages resulted in the broad use of this ingredient in shampoos, body washes or industrial applications such as industrial cleaning products.
PEG-75 Lanolin is the INCI name for one of polyethylene glycol derivatives. Its common chemical name is lanolin ethoxylated with 75 moles of ethylene oxide or Lanolin + 75 EO. The number of moles of ethylene oxide in an ethylene glycol derivative is indicated in the INCI name of the substance (as with other ethylene glycol derivatives). The CAS number to search for and identify this substance is 61790-81-6.
PEG-75 Lanolin is a surfactant. It is an ethoxylated derivative of lanolin. It comes in the form of yellow to light brown wax. It is very well soluble in water. PEG-75 Lanolin is predominantly hydrophobic. Although it was recognised as safe for personal care and cosmetic products, it should not be used as an ingredient in formulations intended for children and pregnant women.
PEG-75 Lanolin in cosmetics serves both as a base (a kind of foundation on which a cosmetic formulation is built) and an active ingredient (ensuring specific properties).
PEG-75 Lanolin is primarily an emulsifier used in O/W emulsions (oil-in-water emulsions). It enables to form an emulsion by mixing the oil phase with the water phase.
As a surfactant, it enables the formation of foam. Foam is where air (or another gas) is dispersed in a liquid. Adequate foaming properties of cosmetics are responsible for effective removal of impurities.
PEG-75 Lanolin contributes to the rheology modification. One of the factors determining sensory quality and usability of e.g. cosmetic creams is their rheological characteristics, namely viscosity of the product, which often influences consumer decisions on the purchase of a specific formulation. PEG-75 Lanolin as one of the product ingredients, increases or decreases the viscosity of the finished product.
Another effect of PEG_75 Lanolin is solubilisation. As a solubiliser, in a process called micellar solubilisation, it introduces substances that are hydrophobic (i.e. not soluble in water) into the aqueous solution in which it is found. The result is an isotropic, transparent composition whose viscosity is similar to that of water. Examples of substances that can be introduced into aqueous solution thanks to the use of PEG-75 Lanolin include plant extracts, oily substances and fragrance compositions.
PEG-75 Lanolin also works well in skin care formulations as an emollient. It forms a thin occlusive layer on the surface of the skin that prevents excessive evaporation of water and keeps an adequate level of moisture (indirect moisturising effect). The visible effect is smoothening and softening of the epidermis.
Key advantages of PEG-75 Lanolin:
The compound is safe to use, non-toxic. It does not cause skin or eye irritation. In very rare cases, PEG-75 Lanolin or excessive use of products containing it may lead to allergic reactions. Allergic reactions occur mainly in those allergic to lanolin.
Thanks to its various properties,PEG-75 Lanolin is an ingredient in many products such as shampoos, facial gels, body washes, liquid soaps, lotions and toners. Among industrial applications, PEG-75 Lanolin is mainly used as an industrial cleaning detergent.
