PEG-75 Lanolin — Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.