Description

Lanolin is a natural wax produced by the sebaceous glands of some mammals, especially sheep, and is prepared for a range of industrial, pharmaceutical and household uses. As a wax, lanolin is a mixture of cholesterol and fatty acid esters, chemically closely related to beeswax. In commercial grade, if it is good, it contains no more than 0.25% water and may contain up to 0.02% of a suitable antioxidant. It is anhydrous, water-repellent, does not go rancid and is also easily absorbed by human skin, which it softens.
Applied to the skin, it protects it from dry air and helps maintain body hydration. Its toxicity is virtually nil; around 15 g per kg is considered a probable lethal dose for humans. Because of the properties described above, it is considered a powerful moisturiser and emollient. As raw lanolin contains alcohols that are allergens for some people, medical-grade lanolin has been developed, for which no side effects are known with topical use. It is pure, hypoallergenic and bacteriostatic. As it can be applied to dry, rough and cracked skin, it is used as a base or excipient for creams, ointments, cosmetics, lubricants and ingredients in “superfat” soaps.