Chemical Properties
Pale-yellow or brownish-yellow, brittle mass becoming plastic on heating.
Definition
Lanolin Alcohol is a complex combination of organic alcohols obtained by the hydrolysis of lanolin.
Production Methods
Lanolin alcohols is dissolved in mineral oil.
Production Methods
Lanolin alcohols is prepared by the saponification of lanolin
followed by separation of the fraction containing cholesterol and
other alcohols.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Lanolin alcohols is an oily liquid used in topical
pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetics as an emulsifying agent
with emollient properties. It is used as a primary
emulsifier in the preparation of water-in-oil creams and lotions and
as an auxiliary emulsifier and stabilizing agent in oil-in-water
creams and lotions.
Pharmaceutical Applications
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.
Safety
Mineral oil and lanolin alcohols is generally regarded as an
essentially nontoxic and nonirritant material. However, lanolin
alcohols may be irritant to the skin and causes hypersensitivity in
some individuals.
storage
Lanolin alcohols is stable and should be stored in a
well-closed container in a cool, dry place.
storage
Lanolin alcohols may gradually undergo autoxidation during
storage. Store in a well-closed, well-filled container, protected
from light, in a cool, dry place. Normal storage life is approximately
2 years.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with coal tar, ichthammol, phenol, and resorcinol.
Incompatibilities
Lanolin alcohols is incompatible with coal tar, ichthammol, phenol,
and resorcinol.
Regulatory Status
Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (ophthalmic and
topical preparations). Included in nonparenteral medicines licensed
in the UK. Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Nonmedicinal
Ingredients.
