PPG-5 Lanolin Wax

What Is It?

PPG-5 Lanolin Wax is the polypropylene glycol ether of lanolin wax. PPG-5 Lanolin Wax Glyceride is the polypropylene glycol ether of the reaction product of lanolin wax and glycerin. In cosmetics and personal care products, PPG-5 Lanolin Wax and PPG-5 Lanolin Wax Glyceride are used in the formulation of lipsticks, blushers and depilatories.

Why Is It Used?

PPG-5 Lanolin Wax and PPG-5 Lanolin Wax Glyceride act as lubricants on the skin’s surface, which gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance.

Scientific Facts

Polypropylene Glycol-5 (PPG-5) Lanolin Wax and Lanolin Wax Glyceride are prepared from lanolin. Whole (crude) lanolin, obtained from sheered wool, is a secretory product of the sheep sebaceous gland. Lanolin can then be separated into lanolin wax and lanolin oil.

Safety Information

The safety of PPG-5 Lanolin Wax and PPG-5 Lanolin Wax Glyceride has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that PPG-5 Lanolin Wax and PPG-5 Lanolin Wax Glyceride were safe as used in cosmetics and personal care products.

CIR Safety Review: The basic components of these PPG derivatives were previously reviewed by the CIR Expert Panel. PPG was found safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products at concentrations of up to 50%. Lanolin Wax was found safe for topical application in the present practices of use and concentration (which ranged from 0.1% to 50%).

Subchronic oral studies on the two PPG derivatives discussed in the CIR report indicated no systemic toxicity. Ocular irritation was reported to be minimal, as was dermal irritation. Clinical testing found no irritation upon treatment with 7.5% PPG-5 Lanolin Wax (as contained in an eye shadow formulation), and no sensitization in a repeated insult patch test using 3.9% PPG-5 Lanolin Wax (as contained in a lipstick). In addition to the data on PPG-5 Lanolin Wax and PPG-5 Lanolin Wax Glyceride, the previous reports were reviewed and synopses of relevant sections included in this report. When conforming to European Union animal by-products legislation, PPG-5 Lanolin Wax and PPG-5 Lanolin Wax Glyceride may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union.

Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation:
http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_p…

More Scientific Information

Both PPG-5 Lanolin Wax and PPG-5 Lanolin Wax Glyceride have an average of 5 propylene glycol units. In cosmetics and personal care products, PPG-5 Lanolin Wax and PPG-5 Lanolin Wax Glyceride are used as skin conditioning agents – emollients.