What Is Peg-60 Lanolin?
Peg-60 Lanolin is a modified form of lanolin, the natural waxy substance sheared from sheep wool and cleaned of impurities. Chemists attach about 60 units of ethylene oxide to each lanolin molecule, turning the heavy wax into a water-friendly liquid or soft paste. This transformation makes the ingredient easier to blend into modern skincare formulas.
Lanolin itself has been used for centuries as a skin protectant. The ethoxylated version appeared in the mid-20th century when formulators looked for gentler alternatives to harsh soaps and needed ingredients that could mix oil and water without leaving a greasy feel. By adding ethylene oxide, they created Peg-60 Lanolin, which slips seamlessly into lotions, creams and washes.
Today you will spot Peg-60 Lanolin in facial moisturizers, body lotions, creamy cleansers, rinse-off masks, hair conditioners and many eye or lip treatments where a smooth stable texture is key.
Peg-60 Lanolin’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skincare and hair care formulas Peg-60 Lanolin is valued mainly for one job.
As an emulsifying ingredient it holds oil and water together so a product stays uniform from the first pump to the last. This gives creams a silky texture, prevents separation during storage and helps active ingredients spread evenly across the skin or hair.
Who Can Use Peg-60 Lanolin
Because the ethoxylated form is lighter than raw lanolin, Peg-60 Lanolin usually works well for normal, dry or combination skin that needs extra softness. It can still feel a little too rich for very oily or highly acne prone skin, so those groups may prefer lighter emulsifiers. Sensitive skin can tolerate it when the finished formula is balanced and fragrance free, though anyone with a known wool or lanolin allergy should avoid it entirely.
Peg-60 Lanolin is sourced from sheep wool so it is not suitable for vegans and may be unacceptable to strict vegetarians who avoid animal derived ingredients. The sheep are not harmed by the shearing process yet the material is still of animal origin.
No specific warnings exist for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Current cosmetic safety assessments list Peg-60 Lanolin as safe for topical use at the levels found in skincare. This is not medical advice, and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should clear all personal care products with a qualified healthcare professional first.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so no additional sun precautions are needed beyond everyday SPF habits.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Peg-60 Lanolin are individual. The issues below are possible yet uncommon when products are well formulated and used as directed.
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Redness or mild stinging on very sensitive or broken skin
- Clogged pores or breakouts in users already prone to acne
- Eye irritation if a product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any of these effects appear stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 / 5
Peg-60 Lanolin is a lighter, more water friendly version of raw lanolin, which lowers its tendency to clog pores. The ethoxylation process reduces the heavy wax content that can trap oil in follicles, yet a small amount of the original fatty components remains. This places it in the low-to-moderate range rather than completely non-comedogenic.
Most people with balanced or slightly dry skin will not notice issues, but those who are very acne prone or already battling frequent breakouts might want to choose a leaner emulsifier.
Formulation level makes a difference: products that use only a tiny percentage of Peg-60 Lanolin, such as cleansers that rinse off, pose less risk than rich leave-on creams where it is higher on the ingredient list.
Summary
Peg-60 Lanolin’s main role in cosmetics is as an emulsifier that keeps oil and water blended so lotions stay smooth and stable. Its partial water solubility also helps active ingredients spread evenly across skin and hair, improving product feel and performance.
While not as trendy as newer plant based or synthetic emulsifiers, it still pops up in classic moisturizers, creamy cleansers and conditioning hair products because it delivers reliable texture and slip at a reasonable cost.
Regulatory reviews consider Peg-60 Lanolin safe for topical use at normal cosmetic concentrations. Allergies are uncommon and serious reactions are rare, but because skin sensitivities vary it is smart to patch test any new product that lists this ingredient.