PEG-75 Lanolin

About This Product

PEG-75 lanolin is produced by reacting lanolin with ethylene oxide to an average of 75 units, which converts a water-insoluble grease into a fully water-soluble derivative. It carries CAS number 61790-81-6 and the INCI name PEG-75 Lanolin, and is supplied as yellow to amber waxy flakes with a maximum acid value of 5.0 mg KOH per gram. Ethoxylation solves the central problem with lanolin in aqueous products. Lanolin is an excellent emollient and substantive conditioning agent, but it is greasy and insoluble, so adding it to a shampoo or a clear gel produces cloudiness, separation and an unpleasant heavy feel. Attaching a long polyethylene glycol chain makes the molecule hydrophilic enough to dissolve completely in water while the lanolin portion retains its affinity for skin and hair keratin. The result is a material that deposits a light conditioning film from a rinse-off product without building greasiness and without clouding the formulation, and that also acts as a mild solubiliser and foam stabiliser. Typical use is 0.5 to 3 percent. It is used in shampoos and conditioners, body washes and liquid soaps, clear gels, hair styling products, baby products and pharmaceutical solutions. Bio Green Wax supplies PEG-75 lanolin to specification on acid value, hydroxyl value, water content, pH, colour and pesticide residues.