What a 3/5 rating means
On the comedogenic scale, a 3 is the moderate midpoint: tolerated by many, a possible trigger for congestion-prone skin. That puts PEG-75 Lanolin squarely in the judgement-call zone, where your skin type and the product's formula decide the outcome.
One thing the number cannot tell you is concentration. Ingredients are listed in descending order, so PEG-75 Lanolin near the end of a label is present in tiny amounts and matters far less than the same ingredient near the top.
About PEG-75 Lanolin
It is a lanolin derivative, sourced from sheep's wool and known for deep, occlusive moisture. A water-soluble lanolin derivative used as an emollient and conditioner, rated 3/5.
On a label it can read as Peg-75 Lanolin, Peg 75 Lanolin — worth knowing when you scan an ingredient deck.
PEG-75 Lanolin in makeup and skincare
It is a classic in lipsticks, tinted balms, and heavy moisturisers. Its irritancy is rated separately at 2/5, which is low.
If you deal with fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis) rather than ordinary clogged pores, note that PEG-75 Lanolin is among the fatty-acid or ester-type ingredients that community sources commonly avoid — a separate concern from its comedogenic score, and one with weaker evidence behind it.
Lower-rated alternatives to PEG-75 Lanolin
If you want a similar role with a friendlier comedogenic score, consider:
- Squalane — comedogenic rating 1/5 (Low risk).
- Petrolatum — comedogenic rating 0/5 (Low risk).