What Is Peg-70 Lanolin?
PEG-70 Lanolin is a form of lanolin that has been chemically linked with an average of seventy units of ethylene oxide. Lanolin itself is a waxy substance naturally produced by sheep to protect their wool. By attaching polyethylene glycol to lanolin chemists make it water dispersible and much easier to blend into modern skin-care formulas. This modification first gained traction in the mid-20th century when formulators sought gentler ways to combine oil-based ingredients with water-based lotions.
To create PEG-70 Lanolin, purified lanolin is reacted with ethylene oxide under carefully controlled heat and pressure. The result is a soft, semi-solid material that mixes readily with both oils and water. Because of this versatility you will notice PEG-70 Lanolin in a range of rinse-off and leave-on products such as facial cleansers, creamy body washes, makeup-removing balms, hydrating masks and shampoo bars. Its ability to dissolve oily debris while still leaving skin comfortable makes it a favorite for gentle cleansing formulas.
Peg-70 Lanolin’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators rely on PEG-70 Lanolin mainly for its cleansing ability which offers several visible perks in finished products.
Cleansing: The ingredient acts as a mild surfactant, helping water blend with oils and dirt so they can be rinsed away. This leaves skin or hair feeling fresh without the tight, stripped sensation harsher detergents can cause.
Who Can Use Peg-70 Lanolin
Peg-70 Lanolin tends to suit most skin types including normal, dry and combination skin because it cleanses without stripping away too much natural oil. Oily or acne-prone skin can usually tolerate it as well, although people who already struggle with clogged pores may prefer lighter surfactants just in case the waxy nature of lanolin leaves a residue their skin does not love.
Since Peg-70 Lanolin originates from sheep wool it is an animal-derived ingredient, making it unsuitable for vegans or strict vegetarians who avoid all animal by-products. Those comfortable with ethically sourced wool may still choose to use it.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are not generally advised to avoid Peg-70 Lanolin, and it is commonly found in nipple creams and gentle cleansers. That said this is not medical advice, and anyone expecting or nursing should run new skincare products past a healthcare professional to be safe.
The ingredient is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more vulnerable to sunburn. It also plays well with most other skincare actives, so formulators can pair it with exfoliating acids, retinoids or antioxidants without concern.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Peg-70 Lanolin vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues, although they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Allergic contact dermatitis – individuals sensitive to lanolin may experience redness, itching or rash
- Mild irritation – stinging or tingling can occur on very compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Eye discomfort – if a cleanser containing Peg-70 Lanolin gets into the eyes it may cause temporary burning or watering
- Breakouts – very acne-prone users might notice clogged pores if residue is not rinsed thoroughly
If any discomfort, rash or breakout appears after use stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 out of 5. The polyethylene glycol side of PEG-70 Lanolin makes the molecule far more water friendly than raw lanolin, so it rinses away more easily and is less likely to linger in pores. Even so the base is still a waxy sheep-derived lipid, which can leave a light film. Most people will have no issue but those who break out easily might want to monitor their skin, especially when using leave-on products. Overall it is considered low to moderate on the pore-clogging scale and generally acceptable for acne-prone skin when used in rinse-off cleansers.
Summary
PEG-70 Lanolin’s main job is gentle cleansing. Its surfactant nature lets water mix with oils and grime so they can be washed away while its lanolin backbone helps skin stay comfortable instead of feeling tight. This balance of cleansing and conditioning explains why you see it in creamy face washes, makeup removers and hydrating body cleansers, though it is not the flashiest ingredient on the market and tends to stay behind the scenes rather than starring on product labels.
Safety data show it is well tolerated for most skin types with only rare allergy or irritation reports. As with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to patch test a product that contains PEG-70 Lanolin before full use just to be safe.