Lanolin Alcohols

Synonyms: Alcoholes adipis lanae; alcoholia lanae; alcolanum; Argowax; lanalcolum; Ritawax; Super Hartolan; wool wax alcohols.

Description:  Lanolin alcohols is a pale yellow to golden brown-colored solid that is plastic when warm but brittle when cold. It has a faint characteristic odor

Chemical Name: Lanolin alcohols

Emulsifying agent; ointment base.

• Lanolin alcohols is used in topical pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetics as a hydrophobic vehicle with emollient properties, e.g. in preparations for dry skin and dry eyes.

• It is also used in the preparation of water-in-oil creams and ointments at concentrations as low as 2% w/w.

• The proportion of water that can be incorporated into petrolatum is increased threefold by the addition of 5% lanolin alcohols.

• Such emulsions do not crack upon the addition of citric, lactic, or tartaric acids.

Incompatible with coal tar, ichthammol, phenol, and resorcinol.

Lanolin alcohols is widely used in cosmetics and topical pharmaceutical formulations and is generally regarded as a nontoxic material. However, lanolin alcohols may be irritant to the skin and hypersensitivity can occur in some individuals.

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

Cholesterol; lanolin; lanolin, hydrous; petrolatum and lanolin alcohols; mineral oils.