Abstract
The safety of selected polyethylene glycols (PEGS) Lanolin polymers was previously reviewed. This review completes the safety assessment of all the PEGs Lanolin polymers and related cosmetic ingredients. PEGs Lanolin are prepared by ethoxylating the hydroxy fatty acids, hydroxy esters, sterols, and alcohols present in whole lanolin. The number of moles of ethylene oxide reacted with each respective lanolin component corresponds to the average polyethylene glycol chain length. PEGs Lanolins, PEGs Hydrogenated Lanolins, PEG Lanolin Oil, and PEG Lanolin Wax are used as emulsifying, soluhilizing, and cleansing agents. PEGs Hydrogenated Lanolins are also hair-conditioning agents and skin-conditioning emollients. Few data on the PEGs Lanolin were available regarding systemic toxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and clinical safety. Related compounds including PEGs, Lanolin, and Lanolin Oil have been previously reviewed. Based on clinical data in burn patients, PEGs were mild irritants/sensitizers and there was evidence of nephrotoxicity. No such effects were seen in animal studies on intact skin. Cosmetic manufacturers should continue to adjust product formulations to minimize any untoward effects when products are used on damaged skin. No evidence of phototoxic effects was found in clinical studies. Comedogenic effects have resulted from the use of cosmetic products containing lanolin compounds. No evidence of mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, or reproductive and developmental toxicity was found with these related compounds. Although metabolites of ethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers are reproductive and developmental toxins, it was considered unlikely that the relevant metabolites would be found in or produced from the use of PEGs Cocamine in cosmetic formulations. Based primarily on data from ingredients with related structures, it was concluded that PEG-S, -10, -24, -25, -35, -55, -100, and -150 Lanolin; PEG-S, -10, -20, -24, -30, and -70 Hydrogenated Lanolin; PEG-75 Lanolin Oil; and PEG-75 Lanolin Wax are safe for use in cosmetic formulations under the present practices of use.