Lanolin | Natural and Powerful Moisturizing and Moisturizing Agent
Product Name: Lanolin
INCI Name: Lanolin
CAS Number: 8006-54-0
EINECS Number: 232-348-6
Synonyms: Anhydrous Lanolin, Hydrous Lanolin, Adeps Lanae, Wool Grease
Available Grades:
<!--[if !supportLists]-->• <!--[endif]-->Anhydrous Lanolin USP/EP: Water ≤0.8%, pharmaceutical/cosmetic grade
<!--[if !supportLists]-->• <!--[endif]-->Hydrous Lanolin: Contains 25-30% water, softer consistency
Cosmetic Grade Lanolin: Refined, low odor, light color
Appearance: Pale yellow to yellowish-brown ointment-like solid
Odor: Mild characteristic odor (low odor grades available)
Chemical Nature: Complex mixture of high molecular weight esters (>500 compounds)
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 1 kg (Sample), 25 kg (Bulk)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in chloroform, ether, hot ethanol
Unique Property: Absorbs up to 200% of its weight in water!
Melting Point: 36 - 42°C
Density (20°C): 0.920 - 0.940 g/mL
Acid Value: ≤1.5 mg KOH/g
Saponification Value: 92 - 106 mg KOH/g
Iodine Value: 18 - 36 g I₂/100g
Water Content (Anhydrous): ≤0.8%
Recommended Usage Level: 1 - 50% (typically 3-15% in cosmetics)
Comedogenicity Rating: 3-4 (moderate; excellent for body/extremely dry skin)
Applications: Skincare, pharmaceuticals, lip care, baby care, hair care, industrial
Shelf Life: 24 months under proper storage conditions
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Lanolin | Natural and Powerful Moisturizing and Moisturizing Agent（CAS 8006-54-0）
Lanolin is one of nature's most remarkable and oldest skincare ingredients - a natural wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep to protect their wool and skin from the harsh elements. For over 5,000 years, humans have recognized its extraordinary moisturizing and protective properties.
What makes Lanolin truly unique is its biological similarity to human skin lipids. Scientific studies have confirmed that Lanolin's liquid crystal structure is virtually identical to the lipids in the human stratum corneum. This means it doesn't just sit on the skin surface - it integrates directly into the skin barrier, repairing and reinforcing it from within.
Its most extraordinary property is its water-holding capacity: pure anhydrous Lanolin can absorb up to 200% of its own weight in water, forming stable water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions without additional emulsifiers. It reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by an impressive 32%, providing long-lasting moisturization for 8+ hours.
As both a powerful emollient and a natural W/O emulsifier, Lanolin is the gold standard ingredient for extremely dry, cracked, or compromised skin. It is the foundation of pharmaceutical ointments, lip balms, hand creams, and baby care products worldwide.
Key Benefits
✅ Skin Identical - Liquid crystal structure matches human stratum corneum lipids
✅ Super Moisturizer - Reduces TEWL by 32%; 8+ hour long-lasting hydration
✅ Water Absorption - Absorbs 200% of its weight in water (unique!)
✅ Natural W/O Emulsifier - Forms stable emulsions without extra emulsifiers
✅ Barrier Repair - Integrates into skin barrier; repairs damaged skin
✅ Pharmaceutical Grade - USP/EP/BP/JP certified; ointment base standard
✅ Occlusive Protection - Forms protective layer against harsh environments
✅ Healing Properties - Accelerates healing of cracked, chapped skin
✅ Baby-Safe - Gentle enough for baby care and diaper rash products
✅ Lip Protection - Gold standard for lip balms and lipsticks
✅ Temperature Responsive - Melts at body temperature; spreads perfectly
Applications
Pharmaceutical (Primary):
• Topical ointments: 50-80% - USP ointment base standard
• Creams and lotions: 5-20% - emollient and emulsifier
• Dermatological preparations for eczema, psoriasis, dry skin
Premium Skincare:
• Hand creams and foot creams: 5-15% - healing for cracked skin
• Body butters and intensive moisturizers: 10-30% - super hydration
• Cold creams and cleansing creams: 10-25% - classic cold cream formula
• Barrier repair creams: 5-15% - for compromised skin
Lip, Baby & Hair Care:
• Lip balms and lipsticks: 10-40% - gold standard lip ingredient
• Baby creams and diaper rash ointments: 10-30% - gentle protection
• Hair conditioners and treatments: 2-5% - softens and adds shine
• Beard oils and balms: 5-15% - conditions facial hair
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Item | Specification | Test Result |
Product Identification | ||
Product Name | Lanolin Anhydrous | Lanolin Cosmetic Grade |
CAS Number | 8006-54-0 | 8006-54-0 |
Quality Parameters | ||
Appearance | Yellow ointment-like solid | Pale yellow ointment |
Odor | Mild characteristic | Mild characteristic odor |
Melting Point | 36-42°C | 39.5°C |
Acid Value | ≤1.5 mg KOH/g | 0.72 mg KOH/g |
Saponification Value | 92-106 mg KOH/g | 99 mg KOH/g |
Iodine Value | 18-36 g I₂/100g | 26.4 g I₂/100g |
Water Content | ≤0.8% | 0.32% |
Water Absorption | ≥200% | 215% |
Purity & Safety | ||
Loss on Drying | ≤0.5% | 0.28% |
Residue on Ignition | ≤0.1% | 0.05% |
Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤10 ppm | <5 ppm |
Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm | <0.5 ppm |
Microbiological Test | ||
Total Aerobic Count | ≤100 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g |
Yeast & Mold | ≤10 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g |
E. coli, Salmonella | Absent in 10g | Negative |
Conclusion | —— | PASSED |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Document Request Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Document Request
Q1: Is Lanolin comedogenic? Is it safe for acne-prone skin?
A: Lanolin has a moderate comedogenicity rating of 3-4. This means:
• Body/hand/foot products: COMPLETELY safe at any concentration
• Lip products: COMPLETELY safe (no pores on lips)
• Facial products: Limit to ≤10% for acne-prone skin
• Dry/sensitive skin: Excellent choice, even on face
The comedogenicity concern is primarily for very high concentrations on highly acne-prone facial skin only.
Q2: What is the difference between Anhydrous and Hydrous Lanolin?
A: Two primary grades:
• Anhydrous Lanolin: ≤0.8% water, firm ointment consistency, absorbs 200% water. Used for: ointments, lip balms, W/O emulsions.
• Hydrous Lanolin: 25-30% pre-absorbed water, softer cream consistency. Used for: ready-to-use creams, easier to work with.
Anhydrous is the raw material; Hydrous is pre-emulsified and ready for direct use.
Q3: Is Lanolin cruelty-free? Are sheep harmed?
A: 100% cruelty-free. Lanolin is a byproduct of wool shearing - a completely harmless, routine process that sheep must undergo regularly for their health and comfort. The wool is washed, and Lanolin is extracted from the wash water. No sheep are harmed in the process. This is one of the most ethical and sustainable cosmetic ingredients.
Q4: Why is Lanolin so effective for extremely dry skin?
A: Three unique mechanisms:
1. Barrier identical: Integrates directly into skin lipid structure
2. Super occlusive: Reduces TEWL by 32% (better than petrolatum for many skin types)
3. Long-lasting: Provides 8+ hours of continuous moisturization
It is the ONLY natural ingredient that both repairs the barrier AND provides exceptional occlusion.
Q5: Is Lanolin allergenic?
A: Modern highly-refined Lanolin has extremely low allergy potential. Old, unrefined grades caused some allergies decades ago, but today's USP/cosmetic grades are purified to remove allergenic fractions. Allergy rates are now <0.1% - lower than most plant oils. Patch testing is always recommended for highly sensitive individuals.
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