To make it fully water-soluble. Lanolin is an excellent emollient and conditioning agent but is greasy and insoluble, so adding it to a shampoo or clear gel produces cloudiness, separation and a heavy feel. Attaching a long polyethylene glycol chain of around 75 units makes the molecule hydrophilic enough to dissolve completely while the lanolin portion keeps its affinity for skin and hair keratin.
2
What does PEG-75 lanolin do in a shampoo?
It deposits a light conditioning film on hair from a rinse-off product without building greasiness and without clouding the formulation. It also acts as a mild solubiliser for other oil-soluble components and helps stabilise foam. Typical use is 0.5 to 3 percent, added to the water phase.
3
Will it cloud a clear formulation?
No, that is precisely what the ethoxylation prevents. Unmodified lanolin is insoluble and will haze or separate in an aqueous system; PEG-75 lanolin dissolves completely and is used specifically where clarity has to be maintained, as in clear gels, clear shampoos and liquid soaps.
4
Is it suitable for products claiming to be free of animal derivatives?
No. Lanolin is recovered from sheep wool, so PEG-75 lanolin is animal-derived regardless of the chemical modification. It is generally acceptable in vegetarian positioning, since the sheep are not harmed, but not for vegan claims. Where a vegan alternative is required, ethoxylated plant oils or polyglycerol esters are the usual route.
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