An ethoxylated lanolin alcohol used as an emulsifier, cleansing surfactant, skin-conditioning and viscosity-controlling ingredient.
What it is
Laneth-5 is a polyethylene glycol ether of lanolin alcohol, obtained by reacting lanolin alcohols (from sheep's wool grease) with ethylene oxide. CosIng lists it as an emulsifying and cleansing surfactant, skin-conditioning and viscosity-controlling ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in a small number of creams, lotions and other emulsions.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
The number 5 refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units; the actual material is a mixture.
Functions
- Surfactant – emulsifying
- Helping suspensions or dispersions of liquids in a second liquid by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.
- Skin conditioning
- Maintaining the skin in good condition.
- Surfactant – cleansing
- Wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils, and suspending soil (generally, such ingredients contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products).
- Viscosity controlling
- Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.