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Moumoujus

LANOLIN ALCOHOL.

Valuable CAS 8027-33-6 / ANTISTATIC, BINDING, HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Lanolin Alcohol, a purified component derived from natural wool wax, functions as a highly effective emollient and moisturizer, creating a protective layer on the skin to prevent moisture loss. Its unique lipid profile also allows it to act as a potent emulsifying agent, stabilizing diverse skincare formulations by blending immiscible liquids.

Summary

Antistatic Binding Emollient Emulsifying Hair conditioning Viscosity controlling

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient operates by forming a biomimetic occlusive barrier on the skin's surface, which closely resembles the natural lipid composition of the stratum corneum. This barrier efficiently locks in moisture, promoting sustained hydration, skin softness, and smoothness. Beyond its direct moisturizing capabilities, Lanolin Alcohol also stabilizes oil and water phases as an emulsifier and can act as a carrier system to facilitate the delivery of other active substances into the skin, supporting overall skin health and aiding in the wound-healing process.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range ≤10%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Product formulations containing 3.0% Lanolin Alcohol showed no evidence of phototoxicity or photosensitivity.
  2. 02 Human Repeated-Insult-Patch-Tests (HRIPT) on 50 volunteers using undiluted Lanolin Alcohol noted no adverse effects.
  3. 03 A proprietary highly purified Lanolin Alcohol within a wound healing ointment did not induce allergic contact dermatitis in 499 post-surgical subjects.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Lanolin Alcohol demonstrates stable emulsifying properties across a wide pH range, allowing its versatile use in both acidic and alkaline water-in-oil (w/o) emulsions. To enhance stability against oxidation, especially for its parent compound Lanolin, the inclusion of antioxidants like BHT is recommended in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Synergies

  • Antioxidants (e.g., BHT) for enhanced stability.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
10%
Sensitization risk Moderate

The CIR Expert Panel consistently deems Lanolin Alcohol safe for cosmetic use up to 10% w/w. While generally of low toxicity, undiluted Lanolin Alcohol exhibits mild irritancy with a Primary Irritation Index (PII) of 1.5. A notable concern is its potential to cause contact hypersensitivity, particularly in individuals with pre-existing wool allergies or on compromised skin. A study reported positive reactions in approximately 3.7% of patients tested with 50% Lanolin Alcohol in petrolatum. Medical-grade lanolin, containing less than 3% free Lanolin Alcohol, may offer reduced allergenicity.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Moderate
Comedogenicity Moderate

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Lanolin Alcohol is a valuable ingredient, prized for its effective emollient, moisturizing, and emulsifying properties, though formulation consideration is crucial for individuals with wool sensitivities or oily skin types due to moderate sensitization and comedogenicity risks.

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