Lanolin Introduction
Lanolin (CAS 8006-54-0) is a natural, wax-like substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals, primarily sheep. Chemically classified as a complex mixture of naturally occurring esters, high-molecular-weight alcohols, and fatty acids, lanolin exhibits an exceptional structural resemblance to the human skin lipid barrier. This unique molecular architecture enables it to form a semi-occlusive, breathable protective film on the epidermal surface, significantly reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while simultaneously allowing the skin to exchange moisture freely with the ambient environment.
In industrial and personal care formulations, lanolin serves as a gold-standard emollient, natural emulsifier, and superfatting agent. Its remarkable water-absorption capacity allows it to hold up to twice its weight in water, creating stable water-in-oil emulsions that deliver intensive moisturization to dry, chapped, or compromised skin. UET Chemical supplies pharmaceutical- and cosmetic-grade lanolin refined through advanced purification processes to minimize pesticide residues and free fatty acids, ensuring optimal safety and lot-to-lot consistency for global formulators.
| Chemical Information Attribute | Details |
| CAS Number | 8006-54-0 |
| EINECS Number | 232-348-6 |
| MDL Number | MFCD00131102 |
| IUPAC Name | Lanolins |
| Synonyms | Wool fat; Wool grease; Anhydrous lanolin; Purified lanolin |
| Molecular Formula | Complex natural mixture |
| Molecular Weight | Not applicable (Natural polymer/lipid mixture) |
| Melting Point | 104 deg F to 109 deg F (40 deg C to 43 deg C) (Industry standard; subject to batch COA) |
| LogP | Not applicable |
| Chemical Category | Natural Wax / Lipid / Emollient |
| Mechanism of Action | Forms semi-occlusive barrier on stratum corneum to prevent moisture evaporation; replenishes intercellular lipids |
| Natural Occurrence | Derived naturally from raw sheep wool |
Lanolin Specifications
UET Chemical enforces rigorous quality control protocols for every production batch. The table below outlines our standard analytical parameters and testing methods for Lanolin.
| Test Item | Specification Limits | Test Method |
| Appearance | Yellow to amber viscous ointment or waxy mass | Visual Inspection |
| Melting Point | 104 deg F to 109 deg F (40 deg C to 43 deg C) | Capillary Method |
| Acid Value | <=1.0 mg KOH/g | Titrimetry |
| Saponification Value | 90 to 105 mg KOH/g | Titrimetry |
| Water Content | <=0.5% (Anhydrous Grade) | Karl Fischer |
| Residue on Ignition | <=0.1% | Gravimetric |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | <=10 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Pesticide Residues | Meets USP/EP specifications | GC-MS |
Available Documentation & Support Files:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) per batch
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS / SDS)
- Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Pesticide Residue and Heavy Metal Test Report
Lanolin Applications
Lanolin is widely utilized across the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries due to its outstanding moisturizing and barrier-repair properties.
| Application Field | Typical Use Level | Key Cosmetic Benefits |
| Skin Creams & Lotions | 1.0% to 10.0% | Deeply moisturizes dry skin; restores lipid barrier and prevents moisture loss. |
| Lip Balms & Ointments | 5.0% to 50.0% | Softens chapped lips and cracked skin; provides long-lasting protective occlusion. |
| Hair Care Products | 0.5% to 3.0% | Conditions hair cuticles, imparts natural gloss, and reduces frizz. |
Exceptional Emolliency: Mimics human sebum to soften and smooth rough, dehydrated skin.
High Water-Holding Capacity: Emulsifies water efficiently to build stable, creamy textures in formulations.
Barrier Protection: Forms a breathable shield against harsh environmental elements.
Natural Origin: Derived from renewable wool resources, meeting clean beauty and sustainability preferences.
Lanolin Storage and Stability
Proper storage ensures the long-term chemical integrity and performance of Lanolin raw material.
| Storage Parameter | Recommended Condition |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from manufacturing date in unopened original packaging |
| Temperature | Store below 77 deg F (25 deg C); protect from excessive heat and direct sunlight |
| Humidity | Relative humidity below 65% |
| Light Protection | Keep container tightly sealed in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse |
Oxidation Prevention: Exposure to air and high heat can cause rancidity. Ensure containers are tightly closed after each use.
Melting Precautions: When heating for formulation, do not exceed 140 deg F (60 deg C) to prevent thermal degradation of active components.
Container Integrity: Store exclusively in original packaging equipped with protective drum liners.
Lanolin Usage Guide
Incorporating Lanolin into finished formulations requires proper temperature control and mixing techniques.
- Phase Selection: Add Lanolin into the oil phase of your emulsion or ointment base.
- Controlled Heating: Heat the oil phase gently to between 122 deg F and 140 deg F (50 deg C to 60 deg C) until the lanolin is completely melted and uniform.
- Emulsification: Slowly combine the heated oil phase with the water phase under steady mechanical agitation to form stable water-in-oil systems.
- Cool Down: Continue mixing while cooling the batch down to below 104 deg F (40 deg C) before adding heat-sensitive ingredients or fragrances.
| Ingredient Compatibility | Classification | Formulatory Note |
| Mineral Oils / Petrolatum / Waxes | Compatible | Excellent pairing for heavy-duty barrier ointments and balms. |
| Vegetable Oils / Esters | Compatible | Enhances spreadability and reduces heavy tackiness in lotions. |
| High Concentration Strong Solvents | Cautious | May affect emulsion stability; perform compatibility lab tests. |
Why Source Lanolin from UET Chemical
Partnering with UET Chemical gives your manufacturing operations a competitive edge through uncompromised quality assurance and responsive supply chain management.
| Advantage Pillar | UET Chemical Capability & Standard |
| Quality Management | Manufactured under ISO 22716 GMP guidelines with rigorous in-house analytical testing. |
| Regulatory Support | REACH registered profile and complete compliance documentation for global market entry. |
| Supply Consistency | Scalable factory-direct output ensuring stable year-round supply for commercial-scale operations. |
| Flexible Logistics | Low MOQ options: 2.2 lbs (1 kg) trial sample size available; standard 55.1 lbs (25 kg) industrial packaging for bulk orders. |
| Responsive Service | Guaranteed 12-hour response time from our dedicated international technical and commercial desk. |
Lanolin FAQ
Q1: What is the primary source of UET Chemical Lanolin?
A: Our lanolin is derived from the natural grease of raw sheep wool collected during standard shearing processes, refined extensively to remove impurities, pesticides, and free fatty acids.
Q2: Is this lanolin grade suitable for pharmaceutical applications?
A: Yes, we offer high-purity grades that comply with major pharmacopeial standards (USP/EP), making them suitable for pharmaceutical ointments and medical-grade barrier creams.
Q3: Does lanolin cause skin allergies or sensitivities?
A: Purified, medical- and cosmetic-grade lanolin has very low allergenicity. Modern refining processes remove free wool alcohols and allergens that historically caused sensitivities in rare cases.
Q4: How does UET Chemical test for pesticide residues in lanolin?
A: Every production batch undergoes stringent gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) testing to ensure pesticide and insecticide residues are well below strict regulatory thresholds.
Q5: What are the standard shipping and delivery timelines for bulk orders?
A: For standard 55.1 lbs (25 kg) drum packages, stock orders typically dispatch within 3 to 5 business days. International shipping timelines vary by destination, with flexible air and ocean freight options.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.