Lanolin

Synonyms: Adeps lanae; cera lanae; E913; lanolina; lanolin anhydrous; Protalan anhydrous; purified lanolin; refined wool fat.

Description: Lanolin is a pale yellow-colored, unctuous, waxy substance with a faint, characteristic odor. Melted lanolin is a clear or almost clear, yellow liquid.

Chemical Name:Anhydrous lanolin

Emulsifying agent; ointment base.

• Lanolin is widely used in topical pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetics.

• Lanolin may be used as a hydrophobic vehicle and in the preparation of water-in-oil creams and ointments.

• When mixed with suitable vegetable oils or with soft paraffin, it produces emollient creams that penetrate the skin and hence facilitate the absorption of drugs.

• Lanolin mixes with about twice its own weight of water, without separation, to produce stable emulsions that do not readily become rancid on storage.

Lanolin may contain prooxidants, which may affect the stability of certain active drugs

Lanolin is widely used in cosmetics and a variety of topical pharmaceutical formulations. Although generally regarded as a nontoxic and nonirritant material, lanolin and lanolin derivatives are associated with skin hypersensitivity reactions, and the use of lanolin in subjects with known sensitivity should be avoided. Other reports suggest that ‘sensitivity’ arises from false positives in patch testing. However, skin hypersensitivity is relatively uncommon; the incidence of hypersensitivity to lanolin in the general population is estimated to be around 5 per million.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled.

Cholesterol; hydrogenated lanolin; lanolin, hydrous; lanolin alcohols; modified lanolin.