What Is Peg-85 Lanolin?
Peg-85 Lanolin is a form of lanolin that has been reacted with about 85 units of ethylene oxide, which makes it water soluble. Lanolin itself is the waxy substance naturally produced by sheep to protect their wool. By linking it with ethylene oxide, chemists turn the heavy wax into a gentle liquid that blends easily with water and oils.
Lanolin has been prized for skin care since the late 1800s because of its rich fatty acids. As cosmetic science advanced, makers discovered that turning raw lanolin into various PEG (polyethylene glycol) versions gave formulators more options. Peg-85 Lanolin entered use in the mid-20th century when manufacturers needed mild cleansers that left skin soft rather than stripped.
The process starts by cleaning and refining raw lanolin from freshly shorn wool. After removing impurities, the wax is heated and reacted with controlled amounts of ethylene oxide. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that mixes with water without separation.
You will most often find Peg-85 Lanolin in facial cleansers, creamy body washes, micellar waters, conditioning shampoos, makeup removers, moisturizing masks and baby care products where a mild cleansing boost is needed.
Peg-85 Lanolin’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient supports formulas in two main ways
- Cleansing – Helps lift away dirt oil and makeup while its lanolin base keeps the formula gentle so skin feels comfortable after rinsing
- Emulsifying – Binds water and oil together which lets brands create smooth stable creams and washes without greasy separation
Who Can Use Peg-85 Lanolin
Peg-85 Lanolin is generally well tolerated by normal, dry and combination skin since its lanolin base helps maintain softness while the PEG portion keeps the texture light. Sensitive skin usually does fine as the ingredient is highly purified although anyone with a known lanolin allergy should avoid it. Very oily or acne prone skin might find it a bit rich because even in its water-soluble form lanolin still delivers fatty substances that can feel heavy on already oily complexions.
The ingredient comes from sheep wool so it is not suitable for vegans. Some vegetarians may accept it because harvesting wool does not harm the animal while others prefer to avoid any animal-derived material so personal ethics decide.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Peg-85 Lanolin is used topically and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has found it safe in typical concentrations. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run all skin care products by their doctor just to be on the safe side.
Peg-85 Lanolin does not make skin more sensitive to the sun so there is no extra need for sun protection beyond everyday SPF habits.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any skin care ingredient can vary from person to person. The issues below are possible but unlikely for most users when the product is formulated and used correctly.
- Allergic contact dermatitis – Redness itching or rash in those sensitive to lanolin
- Mild stinging or irritation – Usually occurs if skin is already compromised or the product is left on too long
- Clogged pores or breakouts – More likely in very oily or acne prone skin because of the fatty nature of lanolin
- Eye irritation – Watery or burning sensation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
If you notice any of these reactions stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Comedogenic rating: 2/5. While Peg-85 Lanolin is water soluble its lanolin core still contains heavier lipids that can settle into pores on very oily skin. The polyethylene glycol chain keeps most buildup at bay yet a mild clogging potential remains so it sits in the low-to-moderate range.
Those prone to breakouts may prefer lighter ingredients whereas normal and dry skin usually tolerate it well.
Risk also depends on the formula; quick-rinse cleansers pose less concern than leave-on creams or balms.
Summary
Peg-85 Lanolin acts as a mild cleanser that dissolves oil and makeup while leaving a soft finish and as an emulsifier that locks water and oil together for stable lotions and washes. The lanolin portion provides conditioning lipids and the PEG chain lends water solubility so everything rinses clean.
It is not the most talked-about ingredient today but still shows up in select gentle cleansers and moisturizing washes when formulators want a traditional lanolin feel without heaviness.
Safety studies show low irritation risk and the industry panel considers it safe at common use levels. Even so play it safe and patch test any new product that contains Peg-85 Lanolin to be sure your skin agrees.