Lanolin is a waxy substance that sheep naturally produce to protect their wool. Because the properties of lanolin are similar to those of lanolin, sebum It is an ingredient secreted by human skin (oil) and often used in moisturizers, hair care products, soaps, etc. It is also widely touted as a natural remedy for sore nipples from breastfeeding.
The lanolin in the products you buy comes from sheep raised for their wool. Lanolin also goes by the names wool grease, wool yoke, and wool wax.
Benefits and uses of lanolin
Lanolin is classified as: obstructive Moisturizer. This means that it is effective in reducing water loss from the skin, similar to Vaseline.
Petroleum reduces skin water loss by 98%, while lanolin reduces it by 20% to 30%. However, many people like that lanolin is not as heavy as Vaseline and is more comfortable to use.
There is no solid evidence that lanolin is superior to synthetic waxes in skin care products. However, if you like using natural products, you may prefer lanolin over synthetic products.
Lanolin is found in a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) products. They include:
Breastfeeding and nipple pain
While breastfeeding, your nipples may become sore, dry, or cracked. Many health care providers recommend lanolin cream to relieve sore nipples from breastfeeding.
The big advantage is that it’s generally considered safe for babies to ingest small amounts of lanolin. It is recommended to use it at least 10 minutes before starting breastfeeding. However, unlike other products, there is no need to wipe it off.
It is also safe to give your baby expressed breast milk while the lanolin is on your nipples. (Again, wait about 10 minutes after application before starting pumping.)
Research on lanolin for nipple pain is mixed.
A 2018 Brazilian study found that participants who used lanolin had significantly improved nipple pain and trauma compared to those who rubbed breast milk (another common treatment for nipple pain). It was suggested that
But other research on its effectiveness has been lackluster.
A 2014 research review concluded that there is insufficient evidence that lanolin reduces nipple pain.A 2017 study reported that participants were more satisfied with the results of lanolin cream than other products, but lanolin did not reduce nipple pain or increase the likelihood of continuing breastfeeding. It wasn’t something to do.A 2021 study said it’s not clear whether lanolin (combined with breastfeeding education) helps prevent sore nipples.
dry lips
Lanolin is used in moisturizing lip balms and is available in a variety of commercial products.
One small study looked at the effects of lanolin on the lips of people undergoing chemotherapy. They found that 30% fewer patients reported symptoms of dry lips after continued use of lanolin.
wrinkles
Sometimes used in anti-aging products, some people believe that lanolin can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Moisturizers containing this substance have a plumping effect on the skin after application and are said to temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
However, there is not much scientific evidence to support lanolin’s effects on wrinkles and anti-aging.
risk
If you’re allergic to wool, it’s probably safest to avoid lanolin, especially since you’re likely to be allergic to lanolin.
Why do people avoid lanolin?
Although rare, some people are allergic to lanolin. Studies show that less than 7% of people with contact dermatitis are allergic to lanolin.
Lanolin allergy can cause the following symptoms:
Rash, itching at the application site Shortness of breath Swelling of the throat, lips, eyes, and mouth
If you have never tried a skin cream containing lanolin before, consider testing a small patch of skin first to determine if you have a sensitivity to lanolin. Even if you don’t have an allergy, lanolin can be irritating to some people.
lanolin poisoning
Keep lanolin out of reach of young children who may accidentally swallow dangerous amounts. This can cause lanolin poisoning.
If you suspect lanolin poisoning, call the National Poison Control Help Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. This toll-free number, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will connect you with a poison control expert who can advise you on what to do next.
Symptoms are usually mild and may include the following:
If you experience serious symptoms, please call 911. Be prepared to provide important information such as age, height, weight, and the product that caused the reaction.
What are the disadvantages of lanolin?
Do not take lanolin. This substance is similar to wax, and eating large amounts of lanolin can cause intestinal blockage.
How to make lanolin products
Mammals have natural oils in their skin. greasy glands. In sheep, these glands secrete lanolin, which maintains the wool.
Soft moisturizing protection from external elements
To extract lanolin for commercial use, raw wool is treated with a soap solution or kneaded with boiling water. The lanolin is then separated in a centrifuge. Additionally, it undergoes processing such as bleaching, deodorizing, and drying. This does not harm animals.
When raw lanolin is industrially processed, it turns into a product called lanolin. lansineau. Lansinoh is virtually free of pesticides, detergents, and natural alcohols. It is less allergenic than raw lanolin, making it more attractive for widespread use.
To make skin care products, lanolin or lansinoh is mixed with other moisturizers and sometimes fragrances, dyes, and other ingredients.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, products that advertise lanolin as an active ingredient must contain between 12.5% ​​and 50% lanolin. International lanolin products may vary in their concentration and purity.
Structure and composition
Lanolin is slightly different from human sebum because it does not contain triglycerides. At the molecular level, lanolin is mostly composed of alcohol and acid.
These compounds combine to form structures known as esters, diesters, and high molecular weight hydroxyesters.
The physical properties of waxes like lanolin make them ideal for:
lubricated polishing waterproof
The fine wool that makes merino wool has especially high lanolin content. That’s part of what keeps wool soft and fluffy.
Lanolin is sometimes called “wool fat.” A more accurate term is “wool wax”. Wax and fat are similar but not the same. Wax is less oily, harder, and has a higher melting temperature.
“Firm” mustache creams often contain lanolin because of this consistency.
summary
Lanolin is a natural moisturizing wax extracted from wool. It’s used in a wide range of skin care products, from eye creams to baby oils to hemorrhoid ointments. It is often recommended for sore nipples from breastfeeding.
Eating large amounts of lanolin can cause lanolin poisoning. If you are allergic to wool, you may also be allergic to lanolin.
Lanolin is extracted from wool and processed into the purer form of lansinoh. It is effective not only for moisturizing, but also for lubrication, polishing, and waterproofing.