Lanolin EP
CAS # 8006-54-0
Derived from sheep’s wool, lanolin is a type of natural wax composed of esters and hydroxy esters of lanolin acids and lanolin alcohols (lanolin alcohols are part of the unsaponifiables in lanolin). It also contains sterol esters and squalane, a bio-identical ingredient found in our skin’s sebum and stratum corneum. Unlike vegetable, nut, or seed oils, it contains no triglycerides. Instead, it contains cholesterol, a very effective emollient found in our skin.
In all products, lanolin in a very effective moisturizer, and can be incorporated into a product hot or cold. It’s used as a barrier protectant and occlusive ingredient in lotions, creams, and anhydrous products to reduce transepidermal water loss by acting as an emollient to offer moisturizing and repel water. Lanolin may penetrate the upper layers of the stratum corneum and provide more long lasting moisturizing when compared to other natural oils.
Key Benefits
- Very emollient, excellent for dry skin as an occlusive and moisturizer
- Occlusive, preventing transepidermal water loss and speeding up skin’s barrier repair mechanisms
- Can hold up to 50% of its weight in water, so small amounts of water can be incorporated into anhydrous products
- Decreases transepidermal water loss
- Softens and moisturizes skin and hair
- Repels water well, creating a barrier for the skin
- Plasticizes anhydrous bars and balms
Applications
- Anhydrous products, such as balms, salves, lotion bars, and pomades
- Emulsions as a barrier protectant ingredient and emollient
- Color cosmetics, such as lipsticks and mascara as a plasticizer and emollient
- Powdered color cosmetics as a binder or pressing agent
- Lip balms and lotion bars as a plasticizer and emollient
- Manicure products, such as cuticle and nail balms
- Any products intended for dry to very dry or weather chapped skin
INCI: Lanolin
Recommended Usage Rate: 2-10%, up to 20% in emulsions, up to 100% in anhydrous products
Appearance: Viscous yellow oil
Solubility: Soluble in oil, insoluble in water
Melting Point: 40°C (104°F)
HLB Value: 10
