What Is Lanolin?
Definition
Lanolin is a secreted oil attached to wool. After refining, it becomes a light yellow or brownish yellow ointment, which is sticky and greasy. Its main components are esters of sterols, fatty alcohols, and triterpene alcohols with approximately equal amounts of fatty acids, and a small amount of free fatty acids and hydrocarbons.
Natural Source
Lanolin originates from the sebaceous glands located at the base of each wool fiber on a sheep. These glands continuously produce this protective substance throughout the sheep’s life, coating each wool strand as it grows.
Every sheep naturally produces approximately 5-25% of its fleece weight in lanolin, depending on the breed, diet, and environmental conditions. This production is completely natural and causes no harm to the animal.
Properties
White or light yellow to dark brown paste, translucent, with a foul smell
CAS:8006-54-0
Relative density of anhydrous substance 0.946
Softening point 38～44℃
Acid value <1.0mgKOH/g
Saponification value 92～106mgKOH/g
Iodine value about 18～36mgKOH/g
It is easily soluble in ether, toluene, chloroform, acetone, and petroleum ether, slightly soluble in ethanol, and insoluble in water, but can absorb water equivalent to twice its own weight. Lanolin has stable chemical properties and has good adhesion to metal surfaces.
What does lanolin do
Skin care field
Moisturizing and nourishing: Lanolin is rich in natural fatty acids and glycerin, which can penetrate deep into the skin to provide long-lasting moisture. It can also form a protective film on the skin surface, effectively preventing moisture loss. It is particularly suitable for dry skin and can significantly improve dryness and roughness problems.
Repair skin: It helps to accelerate the skin’s self-healing process, promote the production of intercellular lipids, and repair damaged skin, such as damaged stratum corneum, dryness, and peeling. It can also help repair damaged skin barriers, promote cell regeneration, and restore skin to smoothness and delicacy.
Anti-aging: It is rich in antioxidant ingredients such as vitamin E, which can effectively combat the damage of free radicals and slow down the aging rate of the skin. Long-term use can improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles, spots, and other skin problems.
Soothing and anti-inflammatory: When the skin is damaged by external environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation and pollutants. Lanolin can quickly penetrate the skin, form a moisturizing protective film, slow down the skin’s inflammatory response, and promote the repair of damaged tissues. For minor skin irritation or friction damage, it can form a protective film to isolate external stimuli and relieve skin discomfort caused by dryness, cold, or minor abrasions.
Preventing cracking: It has excellent waterproofing, hydrating, and lubricating functions. It can effectively prevent chapped skin due to dryness. In the field of maternal and child care, it is often used to prevent problems such as nipple cracking and diaper rash in infants.
Medical field
Promoting wound healing: In superficial wound care, lanolin can maintain a moist environment for the wound, which is beneficial for epithelial cell migration and repair. Clinical studies have shown that it can shorten the healing time of small wounds.
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial: It contains a variety of natural ingredients with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which can effectively protect the skin from external environmental damage. It can be used to prepare rheumatism cream, zinc oxide adhesive cream, and ointment base materials, which have a good effect on relieving skin inflammation and dryness.
Industrial field
Lanolin series and its derivatives have excellent low-temperature characteristics and adhesion as rust inhibitors. They have antioxidant ability in the air, good stability of the coating, as well as emulsifying power and moisture retention characteristics, demonstrating good rust resistance. Especially excellent corrosion resistance in seawater and saltwater. It has affinity for metals and can be used as a raw material for rust prevention and lubrication additives, which can be used for manufacturing advanced rust-proof oil, cutting emulsion oil, etc.
What is lanolin used for
Cosmetics field
Skin care products: It is widely used in products such as facial creams, lotions, hand creams, lipsticks, etc. It can provide nourishment and protection for the skin, keeping it hydrated and radiant, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and making the skin smoother and more delicate. For example, lanolin is added to some high-end face cream products, which can effectively improve the problem of dry skin and enhance the skin’s glossiness and elasticity.
Hair care products: It can be used in products such as shampoo, conditioner, hair cream, etc. It can nourish hair, make it smoother and more supple, reduce dryness and split ends, and increase hair shine. Lanolin can also form a protective film on the surface of hair to prevent damage from the external environment.
Makeup products： In cosmetics such as lipstick and eye shadow, lanolin can be used as a moisturizer and thickener to make cosmetics smoother and easier to apply. It can also increase the durability of the product and make the makeup more fitting and natural.
Medical field
Ointment base: Lanolin is an excellent ointment base that can be mixed with drugs to evenly distribute the drugs on the skin surface, making it easier for the drugs to be absorbed. For example, in ointments for treating skin inflammation, eczema, and other diseases, lanolin can help the drugs penetrate deeper into the skin and exert their efficacy.
Emulsifier: As an oil-in-water emulsifier, it can mix oil and water evenly to form a stable emulsion system. It is often used to prepare creams, lotions, and other external preparations, such as skin care lotions, sunscreen lotions, etc. It can make the product texture delicate and easy to apply and absorb.
Protect the skin: Lanolin has good moisturizing and nourishing effects, which can prevent the loss of skin moisture. It can keep the skin soft and smooth and has a good care effect on dry skin, sensitive skin, etc. In some drugs for treating dry and chapped skin, lanolin can relieve dry skin symptoms and promote skin repair.
Industrial field
Rust inhibitor: Lanolin and its derivatives have good anti-rust properties. They can form a protective film to prevent metal surfaces from coming into contact air and moisture, thus playing a role in rust prevention. It is often used to prepare anti-rust oil, anti-rust lotion, and other products, and is widely used in machinery manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, metal processing, and other industries to protect metal equipment and parts from corrosion.
Lubricant: Lanolin has good lubrication properties and can be used as a lubricant in fields such as mechanical processing and metal cutting. It can reduce friction coefficient, decrease wear, improve processing efficiency, and product quality. In addition, it can also be used for some parts that require lubrication, such as bearings, gears, etc.
Other uses: It is also used in printing inks, fiber oils, leather fatliquors, plastic plasticizers, latex defoamers, and other products to improve product performance and quality.
Where to buy lanolin
For businesses requiring lanolin in bulk quantities, specialized chemical suppliers offer the most reliable sourcing options. Industrial-grade suppliers such as Runtai Chemical provide various grades of lanolin with detailed specifications, purity certifications, and consistent quality control.
We can supply：
Pharmaceutical-grade lanolin： for medical and cosmetic applications
Technical-grade lanolin： for industrial uses
Custom purification levels： to meet specific application requirements
Bulk packaging options： from drums to tanker quantities
Quality certifications： including COA (Certificate of Analysis) documentation
At Runtai Chemical, we’re committed to providing premium-grade lanolin products that meet the highest quality standards. We invite your questions and comments about lanolin use, and we’d love to hear about your experiences with incorporating this versatile ingredient into your care routine.
