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Quick answer: Both score equally on our risk model. Isopropyl Palmitate is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US; Lanolin is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Isopropyl Palmitate | Lanolin |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Allowed | Allowed |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | low | low |
| Banned in | — | — |
| Restricted in | — | — |
| Category | emollient | emollient |
| Where it hides | Various drugstore foundations, Neutrogena Sheer Zinc sunscreens, Some OGX Hair products | Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream, Carmex Original Lip Balm, Bag Balm |
Isopropyl palmitate is a synthetic ester of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid (a fatty acid from palm oil). It is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that spreads easily on skin and hair.
Lanolin is a waxy substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals (sheep). It is extracted from raw wool during washing and consists of complex mixtures of esters, diesters, and hydroxy esters of fatty acids and alcohols. It is highly occlusive and closely mimics human sebum.
Isopropyl Palmitate: Isopropyl palmitate is considered safe by the CIR. However, it is rated comedogenic (pore-clogging) on the comedogenicity scale — it has a comedogenicity rating of 4/5, meaning it is likely to trigger breakouts in acne-prone individuals. It is not a carcinogen, hormone disruptor, or systemic toxin. Adverse effects are limited to acne and folliculitis in susceptible users.
Lanolin: Lanolin is broadly safe for cosmetic use. It is FDA-approved as a skin protectant in OTC products. The primary concern is contact allergy: approximately 1–2% of the general population and up to 5–8% of eczema patients are sensitized to lanolin alcohols (the allergen fraction). Purified lanolin and lanolin alcohols in modern formulations have lower allergenicity than historical crude grades. Lanolin is not a carcinogen, hormone disruptor, or systemic toxin. It is not vegan.
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