Lanolin cream is often used in skin care. This is a wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep and present in their wool.
Many believe that cosmetic hydration no longer holds any secrets. They are wrong.
There is a natural, multifaceted, and indispensable ingredient that remains the key to nourished and emollient skin: lanolin.
While others pursue the ephemeral, experts rely on its proven effectiveness.
Lanolin is a complex hydrophobic mixture of high-molecular-weight esters, representing 87% crude lanolin, 11% free elements (aliphatic alcohols, sterols, fatty acids, and hydrocarbons), and 2% unidentified components. Given the predominance of high-molecular-weight esters, lanolin is classified as a wax rather than a fat. Crude lanolin (wool wax) is secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep and can be extracted from the respective wool through a complex chemical-physical process.
Various derivatives used in personal care products can be obtained from crude lanolin: lanolin oil, lanolin wax, lanolin acid, lanolin alcohol, acetylated lanolin, acetylated lanolin alcohol, hydrogenated lanolin, hydroxylated lanolin, among others.
The emollient and hydrophobic properties of lanolin and its derivatives (effective in repelling water from sheep) are used in skin care products. To soften/moisturize the epidermidis, emulsify water/oil, stimulate gas exchange in the skin, facilitate wound healing, prevent infections, and direct cosmetics and pharmaceuticals into the skin.
Lanolin’s ability to penetrate deeply into the epidermidis is used in topical formulations (creams, shampoos, among others) to treat various skin conditions (eczema, xerosis, inflammation, atopic/dry skin, nipple care). Lanolin derivatives are also used to polish furniture, or to provide water resistance and softness to leather clothing/shoes, or to prevent corrosion on metal surfaces or ink crystallization. Lanolin has also been found in the paper inside leather-bound books.
Functions and applications of lanolin cream
Nature’s moisture for your skin
Lanolin, renowned for its exceptional emulsifying properties, owes its beneficial effects to the polar nature of its compounds. This unique characteristic allows it to effectively bind significant amounts of water, forming stable emulsions. Therefore, when applied to human skin in the form of creams or ointments, lanolin works by distributing moisture throughout the intercellular space of the outermost layer of the skin.
To protect the skin from water evaporation, the lipids present in lanolin create a semi-occlusive film that establishes a protective barrier. The result is a remarkable and noticeable softening effect on the epidermis, as observed and scientifically confirmed by renowned laboratories. Consequently, the recovered and stored moisture provided by lanolin nourishes the skin, leaving it hydrated and smooth.
With Great Emollient Benefits
Lanolin and its derivatives offer countless emollient benefits, making them indispensable in a wide range of products. Skin creams leverage lanolin’s nourishing effects to provide optimal hydration. Lanolin-enriched sunscreens not only offer sun protection but also help maintain skin hydration. Furthermore, lanolin-enriched ointments provide soothing relief and promote skin repair, thus contributing to the healing process.
In soaps, lanolin acts as an excellent superfatting agent, effectively minimizing skin dehydration and preserving its moisture balance. Furthermore, lanolin oil is used as a shine-enhancing agent in lip glosses, providing a radiant shine and a nourishing touch. In lipsticks, lanolin ensures a smooth and even application. Shampoos and shower gels take advantage of lanolin’s conditioning properties, leaving hair soft, manageable, and moisturized.
A multifaceted ingredient
In addition to its impressive range of applications, lanolin is widely used in various beauty and personal care products, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness:
- Aftershaves use lanolin for its moisturizing properties and as a viscosity regulator, ensuring a soothing post-shave experience.
- The inclusion of lanolin in nail polish removers is due to its ability to protect the surrounding skin from dryness by preserving its moisture barrier.
- Lanolin plays a role in hairsprays as a plasticizer, aiding in the styling process and improving flexibility.
- Even in hair bleaching agents, lanolin acts as a pH-stable emulsifier, ensuring optimal results.
Ecological and sustainable resource
Wool grease is a natural secretion produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin of sheep. These glands continuously release oil, which coats the wool fibers with a protective, waxy layer. This natural process provides both the skin and the fleece of sheep with an inherent defense against prolonged exposure to environmental elements.
Over the years, evolution has meticulously refined this complex mixture of thousands of lipid compounds, exemplifying a remarkable form of natural bioengineering.
Obtained from the washing liquids used in the large-scale processing of sheep wool, wool grease serves as a raw material for the further refinement and production of lanolin and a wide range of lanolin derivatives. Some of these derivatives include:
- Lanolin alcohol
- Lanolin oil
- Ethoxylated lanolin
- Various other inorganic materials
Hypoallergenic potential
Research conducted by numerous experts in the field overwhelmingly indicates that the incidence of lanolin allergy in the general population is remarkably low, ranging from approximately 10 to 1 per million people. This incidence can be reduced to virtually zero by ensuring that the free alcohol content of lanolin is minimized to 3% or less.
Purified lanolin not only causes even fewer reactions but also meets the criteria for use in hypoallergenic formulations. Scientists have postulated that certain components of the alcohol fraction of lanolin may be responsible for the rare cases of sensitization.
Alternatives to lanolin
Suitable lanolin substitutes ideally exhibit comparable water absorption, emulsifying capacity, adhesion, and skin conditioning benefits.
Soybean glycerides (and) shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii): Unsaponifiable matter refers to the components present in oils and fats that cannot be converted into soap with alkali. These compounds include phytosterols, tocopherols, and triterpenes. Shea butter is an excellent source of these compounds, containing 5 to 10 times more unsaponifiable matter than typical vegetable oils.
This composition shares a similar skin feel, structure, luster, film-forming capacity, and water absorption as lanolin. Its excellent skin adhesion also makes it an excellent choice for applying lip color.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter and Glyceryl Rosinate (and Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil): Glyceryl rosinate, a pale yellow to amber solid, is obtained by combining glycerol with long-chain acids derived from rosin. Rosin is a sticky, amber to black resin derived from pine or other coniferous trees. This material helps mimic the sticky, adhesive characteristics of lanolin. When evaluated in an emulsion compared to lanolin, this combination of ingredients provided similar organoleptic properties but did not match the long-lasting moisturizing effects of lanolin.
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2: Bis-diglyceryl polyacyladipate-2 (BDPA) is a semi-solid, palm-based ingredient composed of complex esters of isostearic acid and adipic acid. BDPA has demonstrated similar performance to lanolin in reducing transepidermal water loss and comparable impermeability when additionally combined with propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate.
15 brands of lanolin creams available on the market:
- Medela Purelan
- PROUNOL Lanolina Pura
- Lansinoh Lanolina HPA
- Now Solutions Lanolin
- Home Health Lanolin Cream
- Golden Salve Lanolin Cream
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment (contiene lanolina)
- Bag Balm (con lanolina)
- Dr. Hess Udder Ointment
- Wool Wax Creme
- Purelan by Medela
- Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Lanolin Crea
- Nipple Butter de Earth Mama (con lanolina)
- Lanolin Cream de Australian Creams
- Lanolin Skin Creme de G&M Cosmetics
Grisi Lanolin Sulfur Cream
GRISI Lanolin and Sulfur Cream is ideal for those with oily skin. Thanks to its special formula of 10% sulfur with lanolin, it has a keratolytic action, allowing a peeling that gently flakes away the superficial layers of the skin. Targeted use on pimples and blackheads prevents the release of excess oil, preventing infection by drying out the outbreak. It is recommended to use it at night after cleansing. It is ideal for preventing the appearance of acne in skin prone to pimples and blackheads.
Teatrical Rose Lanolin Cream
Teatrical Lanolin Cream contains ingredients that help keep skin hydrated throughout the day. Its light consistency absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy feeling. It promotes moisture, preventing extreme dryness, cracking, or damage to your skin.
Formulated with a careful selection of natural ingredients, the Theatrical Body Cream nourishes your skin gently and effectively, respecting its natural balance. Its versatile formula makes it perfect for applying to the face and neck, providing complete and balanced care for soft, radiant skin at all times.
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