Lanolin

Lanolin (CAS 8006-54-0), also known as wool wax or wool grease, is a purified waxy substance recovered from raw sheep's wool.

Where is Lanolin used?

• Cosmetics and skincare: base of lip balms, barrier creams, moisturizing ointments
• Pharmaceuticals: absorption base in topical preparations, enabling water-in-oil emulsification without synthetic emulsifiers
• Metalworking and corrosion protection: compounds coat metal surfaces and tooling to prevent rust during storage and transit
• Textile and leather processing: fiber lubricant and conditioning agent that reduces friction during spinning
• Approved as E913, it functions as an emollient, emulsifier, and lubricant for surface treatment.

Good to know: Its affinity for skin keratin supports deep emolliency without occlusion. Anhydrous lanolin is the most commercially prevalent form.

Commercial specifications

• Anhydrous and hydrous forms
• Grades: USP, BP, Ph. Eur.
• Packaged in drums or pails for bulk distribution