USP Anhydrous Lanolin

Description: USP Anhydrous Lanolin

Anhydrous lanolin USP is a waxy, yellowish substance obtained from sheep wool and following a refining process. It is highly valued in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries for its ability to retain water and form a protective barrier on the skin, preventing dryness and maintaining skin hydration.

It has a melting point of approximately 38-44 °C, which makes it easily malleable at moderate temperatures. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents.

Refining anhydrous lanolin

Lanolin is a natural fat produced by the sebaceous glands of sheep that covers their coat. It is obtained during the washing process of raw wool. After undergoing a refining process to reduce its water content and eliminate impurities such as solid particles, wool residues, salts and other compounds, this raw material is transformed into anhydrous (“waterless”) lanolin.

The main stages of the refining process are:

• Extraction. This is done by washing the wool with hot water and mild detergents. Here the lanolin is separated from the aqueous phase.
• Filtration. Where solid particles and wool residues are removed.
• Bleaching. The filtered lanolin is treated with decolorizing agents, such as activated carbon or bleaching clay, to obtain a clearer lanolin.
• Dehydration. An essential step to obtain anhydrous lanolin. It is achieved by different methods, such as vacuum distillation, evaporation or with chemical drying agents.

Which type of lanolin is right for you?

Among our products, we have four types of lanolin: anhydrous lanolin USP, raw lanolin, ethoxylated lanolin 75 M and technical lanolin. The choice between them will depend on the specific needs of each application.

While raw lanolin is the unrefined form obtained directly from sheep wool, anhydrous lanolin USP is refined and ethoxylated lanolin 75 M undergoes a process that gives it additional emulsifying and solubilizing properties.

Each has its own characteristic uses:

• Anhydrous lanolin USP. Mainly used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries as an emollient, moisturizer and conditioning agent for skin and hair.
• Raw lanolin. Preferable for industrial uses, such as leather care and lubricant manufacturing, for example.
• Ethoxylated lanolin 75 M. It is used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, especially in creams, lotions, gels and other personal care products that offer maximum moisturizing and healing, such as those for baby care.
• Technical lanolin. Obtained from clean, spun wool, it has industrial, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.