Lanolin
General Product Information
| Article | Lanolin |
| Synonyms | E913, Wool fat, Wool grease, Wool yolk, Wool wax, Sheep grease, Sheep yolk |
| CAS No. | 8006-54-0 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 232-348-6 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 15059000 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Lanolin, also known as wool grease or wool wax, is a natural, waxy substance extracted from the sebaceous glands of sheep. It is secreted to the surface of the wool to keep it water-repellent and supple. Lanolin is extracted as a byproduct of washing sheep’s wool, and then undergoes a purification process. The end product is a yellow to yellow-brown, semi-solid substance with a characteristic odor. Commercially, it is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and technical applications.
Characteristics
- Odor: Characteristic, slightly animalic.
- Hygroscopic: –
- Color: Yellow to yellow-brown.
- Grade: Food.
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in ether, chloroform and hot alcohols.
- Taste: –
- Shape: tough mass.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | Complex mixture; exact formula varies. |
| Molar Weight | – |
| Melting Point | Approx. 38 – 44 °C. |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Density | Approx. 0.93 g/cm³. |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | Neutral to slightly acidic. |
Applications
Lanolin is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Food Industry
Used to a limited extent as a glazing agent or coating (as food additive E913) for, for example, candy or chewing gum.
2. Pharmaceutical Industry
It is used as a base for ointments and creams, including therapeutic Applications for dry or damaged skin.
3. Cosmetic Industry
Lanolin is an essential ingredient in skin creams, lip balms, lotions, hair care products and baby care products because of its moisturizing and protective properties.
4. Industrial Applications
As rust protection, lubricant, leather softener, antistatic agent and component in textile processing.
Interessing Links
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information on the safety and uses of food additives and ingredients.
- PubChem – Lanolin – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
- Wikipedia – Lanolin