What Is Peg-24 Hydrogenated Lanolin?
Peg-24 Hydrogenated Lanolin is a modified form of lanolin, the natural waxy substance that sheep produce to protect their wool. To create this ingredient, raw lanolin is first hydrogenated, a process that adds hydrogen to make it more stable and less likely to go rancid. It is then treated with about 24 units of ethylene oxide, giving the finished material a water-loving (hydrophilic) side. The mix of oil-like lanolin and water-friendly PEG units turns it into an effective bridge between oil and water.
Lanolin itself has been used for skin care since the 1800s, valued for its rich, protective feel. Chemists began modifying it in the mid-20th century to improve texture, stability and ease of use in modern formulas. Peg-24 Hydrogenated Lanolin was one of the results. Because it can pull oil and water together, brands add it to moisturizers, night creams, cleansing milks, masks, hair conditioners, hand lotions and many specialty treatments where a smooth, even blend is key.
Peg-24 Hydrogenated Lanolin’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Peg-24 Hydrogenated Lanolin serves one main purpose in a cosmetic formula: it acts as an emulsifier, helping oil and water mix into a uniform, stable product. By doing so it keeps a cream from separating, makes textures feel silkier and ensures each application delivers the same balance of ingredients to the skin or hair.
Who Can Use Peg-24 Hydrogenated Lanolin
Thanks to its soft, cushiony feel Peg-24 Hydrogenated Lanolin can suit most skin types, including normal, dry and mature skin. Its rich nature might feel too heavy for very oily or acne-prone complexions that prefer weightless textures, so those users may want to choose lighter emulsifiers. People with a known lanolin allergy should avoid it because the source material is still lanolin at its core.
This ingredient comes from sheep wool fat which means it is not vegan friendly and many vegetarians also prefer to skip it. Formulators who want a plant-based option must look for a synthetic or botanical emulsifier instead.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are generally considered able to use products containing Peg-24 Hydrogenated Lanolin, but this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the ingredient list to their doctor just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so no extra sun precautions are needed beyond the usual daily sunscreen. It is also fragrance-free and does not contain known endocrine disruptors.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Peg-24 Hydrogenated Lanolin vary from person to person. The points below describe possible reactions, but most people will not run into these issues when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Allergic contact dermatitis – redness, itching or rash in those sensitive to lanolin
- Clogged pores – a heavy feel that may contribute to comedones in very oily or acne-prone skin
- Mild irritation – stinging or warmth in rare cases, usually on compromised or broken skin
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 out of 5. Peg-24 Hydrogenated Lanolin is lighter and more water friendly than raw lanolin because the PEG units reduce its tendency to sit on skin as a thick film. Even so its lanolin backbone still carries some weight and waxy characteristics that can trap debris in very oily or congestion-prone skin. Most normal, dry or mature skin types will not notice pore blockages, but those who break out easily might prefer leaner emulsifiers.
This ingredient is also often used at modest percentages, which further limits clogging risk. The overall formula, application amount and how thoroughly the product is rinsed or layered with other products will influence final comedogenic potential.
Summary
Peg-24 Hydrogenated Lanolin is an emulsifier that keeps oil and water phases blended, stabilises textures and lends a smooth, cushioned feel. It achieves this by pairing the oil-like lanolin segment with water-loving PEG chains, allowing it to sit at the interface of oil and water droplets and hold them together.
While not as trendy as plant-based or silicone emulsifiers, it still appears in a steady number of classic moisturisers, cleansing creams and hair conditioners because it delivers dependable performance and a rich skin feel.
Topically it is considered safe for the vast majority of users. Allergic reactions are rare but possible for those sensitive to lanolin and its comedogenic rating is moderate. As with any new cosmetic product a small patch test is wise before full-face or large-area use.