Lanolin is a natural wax that comes from the sebaceous glands of sheep. It has industrial, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and household applications. Among our products, we offer four types of lanolin, adapted to every need.

What is lanolin?

Lanolin is a type of natural wax found in sheep’s coats. This substance, secreted by their sebaceous glands, helps protect the sheep’s delicate skin from harsh weather conditions. It acts by waterproofing the fibers and prevents moisture from accumulating between them.

According to the breed, weather conditions, feeding and washing methods, the characteristics of lanolin may vary slightly, but it is always a wax of natural origin, formed of steryl and aliphatic esters and alcohols with fatty acids. At room temperature, it is semi-solid with an oily texture, yellow color and characteristic mild odor. Its melting point is between 36 °C and 41.5 °C.

How is lanolin obtained?

Lanolin is found in sheep wool fibers. Once the sheep are sheared, the wool undergoes a washing process in which the protective wax is separated from the wool. Then, the wax is refined to remove impurities and degradation products, and to improve its odor and color. The result is a uniform and stable product, which mimics human skin lipids and can be easily absorbed by the skin.

Lanolin uses and applications

The list of uses and applications of lanolin is almost endless. Thanks to its regenerative and protective properties, it is used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to treat cracked nipples and heels, in the formulation of lip balms, for dry cuticles and sunburn, for shaving cuts, diaper rashes, scraped knees, acne scars… and more!

Lanolin’s applications also extend to other sectors of industrial production. For example, it is used to prevent the formation of rust on metals, to protect pipes, tanks and other parts from corrosion, to grease moveable equipment and machinery parts and reduce wear, etc.

In a nutshell, thanks to its characteristics and its great compatibility with additives, lanolin is a versatile and economical raw material with an infinite number of applications in all kinds of industries.