Lanolin is made up of several compounds, including esters and polyesters of long-chain alcohols and fatty acids, with predominance of unsaturated, represented by a high proportion of eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA), linoleic and docosahexaenoic.
It is obtained as a by-product of cleaning sheep's wool, hence its name, which is derived from the Latin: spear = wool and oleum = oil. Lanolin is a yellowish grease and is excreted by the sebaceous glands of these animals.
This material has wide industrial application, mainly in cosmetics. See some of these applications:
- Moisturizer for the skin:lanolin is able to prevent the loss of water through the skin, keeping it hydrated, as its long chains have polar ends that bind to the water molecules in the skin.
This moisturizing action makes it a substance humectant or emollient (softener), also increasing the hydration and elasticity of the skin. As a result, many breastfeeding mothers use this moisturizer on their breasts to avoid cracking and pain.
- Overfatting on hair: in shampoos, surfactants remove grease from the hair; thus, lanolin is used in these products as a superfatting agent, that is, it has the property of replenish part of the lost fat, making hair combing easier.
In hair, it softens and protects fibers damaged by chemical treatments and conditions dry hair.
But one thing that must be taken into account is that a shampoo that contains lanolin is not always the best option for you. This is because some people develop a allergic process, causing itching and local eczema. These symptoms go away when the person stops using the lanolin shampoo.
- Healing: some wound care and healing medicines contain lanolin as an ingredient. There are controversies about possible adverse effects of its use, but nothing has been proven yet.
- Waterproofing: lanolin can be used to prevent the passage of water, as in diapers, for example.
- Cosmetics and Protectors:is used in lipsticks for moisturizing lips. Lanolin is an excellent dispersant for powders and pigments, being useful in the formulation of makeup, ointments and sun products. In addition, lanolin has the ability to adhere, being used in makeup, such as eyeshadows, blushes, lipsticks, among others.
- Lubricant: the anhydrous form (without water) is used as a lubricant for wind musical instruments.
By Jennifer Fogaça
Graduated in Chemistry
