Lanolin

Toxicity

Studies have shown a positive association between atopic dermatitis and lanolin contact allergy . The prevalence of lanolin allergy is low (1.8%-2.5%) . Patch testing with lanolin is helpful in patients with dermatitis and suspected cosmetic allergy .
The acute dermal LD50 of lanolin oil was > 10 mL/kg for rabbits .

Chemical properties

yellow wax

Chemical properties

Lanolin is a pale yellow-colored, unctuous, waxy substance with a faint, characteristic odor. Melted lanolin is a clear or almost clear, yellow liquid.

Characteristics

Lanolin is a waxy substance that sheep naturally produce to protect their wool. Because lanolin's properties are similar to those of the sebum (oil) secreted by human skin, it is a popular ingredient in moisturizers, hair care products, and soaps.

The Uses of Lanolin

lanolin (hydrogenated) is a lanolin derivative.

The Uses of Lanolin

lanolin is an emollient with moisturizing properties and an emulsifier with high water–absorption capabilities. It forms a network on the skin’s surface rather than a film, as is the case with petrolatum (Vaseline.). While long-term studies associate a low incidence of allergic reactions to lanolin, it remains a controversial ingredient based on a potential pesticide content and potential comedogenicity. There is a move among high-quality lanolin manufacturers to produce low-pesticide lanolin and among high-quality cosmetic formulators and manufacturers to use the purist form available. Lanolin’s comedogenicity potential is increasingly debated as some researchers believe it to be inaccurate, especially when lanolin is used in an emulsion. Lanolin is a sheep’s wool derivative formed by a fat-like viscous secretion of the sheep’s sebaceous glands. Some consider it a natural wax.

The Uses of Lanolin

lanolin wax is a lanolin derivative. This is the semisolid fraction of lanolin obtained by physical means from whole lanolin.

Background

Lanolin is a yellow fat obtained from sheep's wool. It is used as an emollient, cosmetic, and pharmaceutic aid . The US federal code of regulations states that lanolin in the concentration range of 12-50% may be included in over the counter skin ointments .
Lanolin is the purified, secreted product of the sheep sebaceous glands . Lanolin primarily consists of long-chain waxy esters, or sterol esters, that lack glycerides. For this reason, it is also called wool wax or wool grease. Lanolin is used in the protection, treatment, and cosmetic enhancement of human skin. Its hydrophobic properties can help protect skin against infections or skin irritation, as it helps seal in moisture that is already present in the skin .
Lanolin is used as an active ingredient in over the counter topical products such as ointments, lubricants, lotions and facial cosmetics. Lanolin is also frequently used in protective baby skin treatment and for sore nipples in breastfeeding mothers , .

Indications

Used as a skin protectant, and to relieve dryness and irritation of the skin , . Helps prevent and treat diaper dermatitis .

What are the applications of Application

Lanolin is a waxy fatty substance secreted by sebaceous glands of wooly land animals

Production Methods

Lanolin is a naturally occurring wax-like material obtained from the wool of sheep, Ovis aries Linne′ (Fam. Bovidae).
Crude lanolin is saponified with a weak alkali and the resultant saponified fat emulsion is centrifuged to remove the aqueous phase. The aqueous phase contains a soap solution from which, on standing, a layer of partially purified lanolin separates. This material is then further refined by treatment with calcium chloride, followed by fusion with unslaked lime to dehydrate the lanolin. The lanolin is finally extracted with acetone and the solvent is removed by distillation.

Definition

A yellowish viscous substance obtained from wool fat. It contains cholesterol and terpene compounds, and is used in cosmetics, in ointments, and in treating leather.

Definition

lanolin: An emulsion of purified wool fat in water, containing cholesteroland certain terpene alcoholsand esters. It is used in cosmetics.

Pharmaceutical Applications

Lanolin is widely used in topical pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetics.
Lanolin may be used as a hydrophobic vehicle and in the preparation of water-in-oil creams and ointments. When mixed with suitable vegetable oils or with soft paraffin, it produces emollient creams that penetrate the skin and hence facilitate the absorption of drugs. Lanolin mixes with about twice its own weight of water, without separation, to produce stable emulsions that do not readily become rancid on storage.

Pharmacokinetics

Lanolin treats cracked, dry, irritated skin and minor burns. It prevents and treats sore nipples during breastfeeding , . Protects chafed skin or minor skin irritations due to various causes , .

Side Effects

Most emollients can be used safely and effectively without side effects. However, burning, stinging, redness or irritation may occur. Rare and very serious allergic reactions are abnormal changes in the skin (e.g., whitening/softening/wetness from over-moisturisation), rashes, itching/swelling (especially on the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing. If any discomfort occurs, contact your doctor immediately.

Safety

Lanolin is widely used in cosmetics and a variety of topical pharmaceutical formulations.
Although generally regarded as a nontoxic and nonirritant material, lanolin and lanolin derivatives are associated with skin hypersensitivity reactions, and the use of lanolin in subjects with known sensitivity should be avoided. Other reports suggest that ‘sensitivity’ arises from false positives in patch testing.However, skin hypersensitivity is relatively uncommon; the incidence of hypersensitivity to lanolin in the general population is estimated to be around 5 per million.
Sensitivity is thought to be associated with the content of free fatty alcohols present in lanolin products rather than the total alcohol content.The safety of pesticide residues in lanolin products has also been of concern. However, highly refined ‘hypoallergenic’ grades of lanolin and grades with low pesticide residues are commercially available.

Metabolism

Not Available

storage

Lanolin may gradually undergo autoxidation during storage. To inhibit this process, the inclusion of butylated hydroxytoluene is permitted as an antioxidant. Exposure to excessive or prolonged heating may cause anhydrous lanolin to darken in color and develop a strong rancidlike odor. However, lanolin may be sterilized by dry heat at 150°C. Ophthalmic ointments containing lanolin may be sterilized by filtration or by exposure to gamma irradiation.

Incompatibilities

Lanolin may contain prooxidants, which may affect the stability of certain active drugs.

Regulatory Status

Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (ophthalmic, otic, topical, and vaginal preparations). Included in nonparenteral medicines licensed in the UK. Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients.