Ingredient list › PEG-16 Lanolin
Is PEG-16 Lanolin comedogenic?
PEG-16 Lanolin is an emulsifier that keeps oil and water mixed in a formula. Its comedogenicity rating is 4/5 — high pore-clogging risk.
PEG-16 Lanolin sits high on the comedogenic scale. For acne-prone or breakout-prone skin it is one of the ingredients most likely to block pores and contribute to blackheads, whiteheads and pimples, especially when it appears near the top of an ingredient list (higher concentration).
What is PEG-16 Lanolin?
PEG-16 Lanolin is an emulsifier that keeps oil and water mixed in a formula. On a product label it may also appear under names such as: peg 16 lanolin, peg-16 lanolin.
Fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe? Yes — it is not on common Malassezia trigger lists. Check a whole product for fungal-acne triggers →
Acne-safe alternatives to PEG-16 Lanolin
If PEG-16 Lanolin breaks you out, these lower-rated emulsifier options are far less likely to clog pores:
- Cetearyl Glucoside — Acne safe · 0/5
- Polysorbate 20 — Acne safe · 0/5
- Hydrogenated Lecithin — Low risk · 1/5
- PEG-100 Stearate — Low risk · 1/5
- PEG-150 Distearate — Low risk · 1/5
How to read this rating
A comedogenicity rating is general guidance, not a lab result for a specific formula. An ingredient near the end of an ingredient list is present in a small amount, so its rating matters less than one near the top. Read our full sources & methodology.