Products
Pure lanolin is available in pharmacies and drugstores as open goods. Numerous personal care products, cosmetics and semi-solid medicines contain lanolin. The best known product containing lanolin is probably Bepanthen ointment.
Structure and properties
The European Pharmacopoeia defines lanolin as a purified, waxy, anhydrous substance obtained from the wool of sheep. Lanolin is water repellent and protects sheep from getting wet. In English, lanolin is equated with wool wax. The US Pharmacopeia (USP) and the INCI define lanolin as wool wax. In pharmacy, however, lanolin can also be a product that contains other ingredients besides lanolin, such as water, hydrocarbons and oils (!) For example, the Swiss Pharmacopoeia defines lanolin as a mixture of lanolin, olive oil and water. Lanolin exists as a yellow substance of ointment-like consistency with a typical odor. It is practically insoluble in water, but it has a high capacity for absorbing water, with which it forms water-in-oil emulsions. When melted, lanolin is a clear to almost clear, yellow liquid. The melting point is between 38 to 44°C. Lanolin is not a fat, but a wax with a complex composition consisting of over 95% waxes. So, for example, from the esters of various alcohols ( lanolin alcohols) and fatty acids.
Effects
Wool wax has skin-caring, emollient, emulsifying, refatting, water-repellent and skin-protecting properties.
Use
- As a skin care product.
- As a pharmaceutical excipient for the manufacture of semi-solid dosage forms and cosmetics, as an ointment base.
- As an emulsifier.
- For nipple care during breastfeeding.
- As a baby ointment for the diaper area for infants and young children.
- For numerous technical applications.
Contraindications
Wool wax is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity. Full precautions can be found in the drug information leaflet.
Adverse effects
Inadequately purified lanolin in particular may cause allergic reactions.