What is lanolin? Lanolin is a by-product recovered from the washing of coarse wool detergent, which is extracted and processed to produce refined lanolin, also known as sheep's wax. It is attached to the wool of a secretion of grease, refining and refining for the yellowish or brownish-yellow ointment, viscous and slippery feeling, the main components are sterols, fatty alcohols and triterpene alcohols and about the same amount of fatty acids generated by the ester, and a small amount of free fatty acids and hydrocarbons.
Similar in composition to human sebum, lanolin and its derivatives have been more widely used in cosmetics and topical drug products. Lanolin can be made into refined lanolin and various lanolin derivatives through various processes such as fractionation, saponification, acetylation and ethoxylation.
Anhydrous lanolin is a pure waxy substance obtained by washing, decolouring and deodorizing sheep's wool. The water content of lanolin is not more than 0.25% (mass fraction), and the amount of antioxidant can be up to 0.02% (mass fraction); the European Union Pharmacopoeia 2002 specifies that butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which is less than 200mg/kg, can be added as an antioxidant. Anhydrous lanolin is a light yellow, greasy wax-like substance with a slight odor. Melted lanolin is transparent or almost transparent yellow liquid. It is easily soluble in benzene, chloroform, ether, etc., insoluble in water, if mixed with water, it can gradually absorb water equivalent to 2 times its own weight without separation.
Lanolin is widely used in topical drug preparations and cosmetics. Lanolin can be used as hydrophobic carrier for the preparation of water-in-oil creams and ointments. When mixed with suitable vegetable oils or petroleum jelly, it produces an emollient effect and penetrates the skin, thereby promoting drug absorption. Lanolin does not separate from about twice its amount of water and the resulting emulsion is not susceptible to rancidity during storage.
The emulsifying effect of lanolin is mainly due to the strong emulsifying ability of the α- and β-diols it contains, in addition to cholesterol esters and higher alcohols that contribute to the emulsifying effect. Lanolin lubricates and softens the skin, increases the skin surface water content, and acts as a moisturizer by blocking the loss of epidermal water transfer.
Lanolin and non-polar hydrocarbons, such as mineral oil and petroleum jelly is different, hydrocarbon emollients without emulsifying ability, almost not absorbed by the stratum corneum, tightly by the absorption and retention effect of emolliency and moisturizing. Mainly used in all kinds of skin care creams, medicinal ointments, sunscreen products and hair care products, also used in lipstick cosmetics and soaps.
Ultra refined lanolin is safe and is generally considered a non-toxic and non-irritating material. The probability of lanolin allergy in the population is estimated to be around 5%.
Lanolin also has a softening effect on the skin. It gently nourishes the skin's surface, balances oil production, and improves the skin's elasticity and radiance.
Lanolin also has some restorative properties. When our skin is stimulated or damaged by the external environment, lanolin can promote the regeneration and repair of skin cells and accelerate the recovery of damaged areas. Therefore, for some people with minor skin problems, such as dry skin, redness, peeling, etc., the use of skin care products containing lanolin can play a certain role in relieving and repairing.
Lanolin also has a certain antioxidant effect. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals and slow down the skin aging process.
As a common natural moisturizing ingredient, lanolin has a variety of effects and functions in skin care products. It effectively moisturizes and nourishes, softens the skin, repairs damaged areas and fights oxidation. If you want to have moisturized, nourished, soft and smooth skin, choose a skincare product that contains lanolin. Long-term use of skincare products containing lanolin ingredients can make your skin more youthful and firm, and prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles.
Post time: Jun-16-2024
