Lanolin, a natural substance derived from sheep's wool, is a commonly used ingredient in cosmetics and skincare products. It consists of a combination of lanolin oil and lanolin alcohol. Extracted from wool grease, lanolin is purified to obtain anhydrous lanolin, which is free of water content. In the world of cosmetics, lanolin is known by various names such as wool wax, wool fat, or Adeps Lanae. It is essential to note that lanolin is not a steroid but rather a complex blend of lipids. It imparts moisturizing, emollient, and protective properties, making it a valued component in skincare formulations. The chemical formula of lanolin is C34H68O2.
Origin
Lanolin is obtained through a process of extracting and purifying the wool grease found in sheep's wool. The wool grease is treated to remove impurities and excess water, resulting in the production of lanolin. This refined lanolin is then further processed to obtain different forms, such as anhydrous lanolin or lanolin oil.
Safety profile
Lanolin is widely regarded as a safe ingredient for use in cosmetics. However, it is important to note that individuals can have varying sensitivities, so patch testing is recommended to check for potential allergic reactions before using products containing lanolin. Additionally, lanolin alcohol can be considered halal if the specific sourcing and the processing methods are employed.