Polyoxyethylene lanolin alcohol

Polyoxyethylene lanolin alcohol (CAS 61791-20-6), also sold as alcohols lanolin ethoxylated, is an ethoxylated derivative of lanolin alcohols used primarily as a nonionic emulsifier and wetting agent.

Its ethylene oxide content can be varied to produce grades with differing HLB values, allowing formulators to target specific emulsion types and application requirements across various industries.

In personal care, it functions as an emulsifier and moisturizing co-emulsifier in creams, lotions, and hair conditioners, helping stabilize oil-in-water systems while contributing skin-feel benefits.

Textile processors use it as a wetting and softening agent during fiber finishing, scouring, and dyeing operations to improve bath penetration and substrate uniformity during the manufacturing process.

In leather treatment, it aids fat-liquoring and surface conditioning formulations where controlled emulsification of oils is required. Coatings and adhesive formulators incorporate it to improve substrate wetting.

This material also helps with pigment dispersion stability in industrial coatings. Polyoxyethylene lanolin alcohol is typically supplied as a paste, waxy solid, or viscous liquid depending on the degree of ethoxylation.

Cosmetic-grade material conforming to standard industry purity requirements is the most commonly traded form. Technical grades are available for textile and industrial applications where compliance is not required.