Lanolin (E913): chemical composition, effect on the skin, benefits and harms

Lanolin's properties deserve careful consideration. The useful substance is widely used in medicine, the cosmetology industry and cooking.

What is lanolin and its types

Lanolin is an animal wax produced by the sebaceous glands of sheep. The natural purpose of the substance is to protect the wool from moisture. Its unique properties were appreciated many centuries ago - sheep fat was used as a water repellent in the ancient world.

Purified lanolin is currently used in industry and the medical field, which exists in two forms:

• anhydrous - a brown or dark orange wax-like substance used mainly in the cosmetic field;
• hydrated - in the composition of such lanolin, about 25% of water is present, it is used mainly as a lubricant in the processing of textiles and metals.

How is lanolin obtained

The crude substance is obtained from natural sheep wool. It is subjected to digestion, as a result of which brown dense clots with a pungent aroma are formed. Using separators, the fat-like mass is separated and treated with phosphoric acid. After that, lanolin undergoes cleaning and disinfection, acquires a homogeneous structure and a lighter shade.

Lanolin is similar in composition to human sebum

The main suppliers of the substance to Russia are New Zealand and South Africa. The cost of industrial and pharmaceutical animal wax can vary greatly depending on the degree of purification.

Physical properties and chemical composition of lanolin

In the composition of anhydrous lanolin, about 97% of the total volume is occupied by waxy esters with long molecular chains. The rest is distributed among alcohols, acids and hydrocarbons. Among the constituents of the substance you can list:

• ergosterol and cholesterol;
• stearic and palmitic acid;
• ceryl and cetyl alcohols;
• montanic and lignoceric acids;
• isocholesterol;
• behenic acid.

The substance lanolin has a low melting point - only 36-42 ° C, depending on the type of raw material. When mixed with water, animal wax forms a stable emulsion, while being readily soluble in chloroform and acetone. The substance is resistant to oxygen oxidation, absorbs alcohol up to 40% and water - twice its own volume.

Why is lanolin useful and what effect it has on the skin

Lanolin is mainly used for skin care and to protect the epidermis from external influences. The substance has the following beneficial properties:

• has a softening and moisturizing effect;
• accelerates the healing of cracks, abrasions and cuts;
• creates a film on the surface of the epidermis and prevents moisture loss;
• smoothes wrinkles and folds on the skin;
• has a protective effect in difficult weather conditions;
• participates in the transport of nutrients in tissues;
• protects hair from brittleness and stratification;
• prevents eyebrow loss.

Animal wax is quickly absorbed into the lipid layer of the epidermis and does not leave behind a greasy feeling. It is convenient to use for treating damaged areas, which then need to be covered with clothing. It is recommended to apply lanolin to the skin for allergies to children, even if they accidentally swallow a little of the substance, it will not harm the body.

Lanolin promotes skin regeneration, relieves itching, redness and swelling

Application in cosmetology

Animal wax is very popular in cosmetology. It is found in skin creams, lipsticks and lip balms. Lanolin is used to enrich hair care products. It makes the curls more manageable, although it does not affect their length in any way. The benefit of lanolin for eyebrows is that it gives them volume and nourishes the bulbs. It is enough to apply the product to the hairs 3-4 times a week in the evening to prevent hair loss.

The most famous are the benefits and harms of lanolin for the face. The substance is a valuable component of moisturizing, rejuvenating and nourishing masks for the skin.

Anti-wrinkle mask

For sensitive dry skin prone to the formation of early wrinkles, the following mask has a beneficial effect:

• 5 g of lanolin is heated to a warm state and mixed with an equal amount of water at the same temperature;
• cool the mixture until the animal fat completely absorbs the liquid;
• combine 5 g of natural honey with 15 ml of fresh grapefruit juice;
• mix all the components and bring to a uniform consistency.

The mask is applied in an even dense layer to the washed face and left for 25 minutes. Then the remnants of the product are removed with a soft cloth. The procedure must be repeated every three days for two months. After using the mask, the skin should be treated with sunscreen.

Toning mask

Another useful mask helps to improve complexion, tone the epidermis and give it elasticity. Prepare it as follows:

• 5 g of lanolin are melted in a water bath and mixed with 15 ml of warm liquid;
• after absorbing moisture, a small spoonful of oatmeal is poured into the viscous mixture;
• add 45 ml of any fresh fruit juice, for example, lemon or orange;
• mix the components until a homogeneous mass is obtained.

The mask is distributed over the cleansed skin of the face, being careful not to affect the area around the eyes. You need to keep the composition for half an hour, after which the mixture is washed off with water. The procedure is repeated twice a week, the first effect appears after the second session.

Moisturizing mask

A mask with lanolin and fresh cucumber has a good moisturizing effect on the skin. Prepare it as follows:

• the vegetable is ground in a blender to a gruel state in the volume of three large spoons;
• combined with 2 g of warmed melted lanolin;
• if necessary, drain the excess cucumber juice;
• mix the components together until smooth;
• distribute the mass over the face, moving along the massage lines.

After half an hour, the composition is washed off with clean warm water. Lanolin and cucumber nourish dry skin and prevent irritation.

Lanolin with cucumber has whitening properties and helps to even out skin tone

Rejuvenating mask

Lanolin in combination with other ingredients has a strong anti-aging and firming effect. It can be used to refresh the face when noticeable signs of aging appear and to eliminate skin laxity. The mask recipe looks like this:

• 2 g of lanolin is melted in a water bath;
• mix 15 g of aloe vera gel with a small tube of Blefarogel;
• combine all the components and again slightly warm up to a warm state;
• thoroughly beat the composition and apply to a previously washed face.

The mixture can be removed after half an hour, or you can leave it on the skin. It is well absorbed and acts as a moisturizing day cream. The product can be combined with anti-aging serums for aging skin in complex restorative therapy.

Treatment of age spots on the body with lanolin

Pigmented spots can appear on the body for various reasons - against the background of hormonal disruptions, mechanical damage to the skin, stress, internal diseases, sunburn. In each case, treatment is carried out individually based on the test results. But in many situations, lanolin has a good supportive effect.

Animal wax nourishes the skin and helps restore disturbed metabolic processes, prevents the development of dryness and inflammation. Lanolin has a slight whitening effect that can be enhanced with other ingredients.

With excessive pigmentation on the body, you can prepare the following mixture:

• Melted 20 g of lanolin in a water bath, but do not boil;
• mix the substance with 30 ml of almond oil;
• steam for about an hour;
• remove from heat and cool slightly;
• add gruel obtained from fresh cucumber to the mixture;
• bring to maximum homogeneity.

For several hours, the ointment is removed in the refrigerator so that it acquires a thick consistency. The finished product is applied to problem areas of the skin for 30 minutes, after which it is washed off with clean water. You need to repeat the procedure on a daily basis. An ointment with lanolin for children is approved for use, although if the baby is prone to allergies, it is better to exclude almond oil from the composition.

Application in medicine

The main properties of lanolin are widely used by official medicine. Animal wax can be found in ointments, gels and balms intended for the treatment of:

• wounds and abrasions;
• cracks and scuffs;
• corns and corns;
• allergic skin irritations.

Ointments containing lanolin are especially in demand among women during lactation. Animal wax has a regenerating, soothing and moisturizing effect and is good for cracked nipples. According to women's reviews, the fastest effect is provided by products with the highest possible pure substance content.

Animal wax is completely harmless to nursing infants if swallowed

Lanolin creams for children are used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, accompanied by inflammation. Animal wax effectively softens the skin, disinfects it and prevents the development of bacterial processes.

Lanolin accelerates the absorption of medicinal substances, therefore it often serves as an auxiliary component in ointments with zinc oxide. It is used in the manufacture of dressings - adhesive bandages and skin patches with a healing effect.

Industrial applications

Lanolin is used not only in medicine and pharmaceuticals, but also in the food industry - in the form of an E913 additive. Most often, the substance acts as a glazing agent. Lanolin gives products an attractive appearance and pleasant shine. In particular, E913 additive is used in coating mixtures for apples, oranges, peaches, plums and melons, limes and pears. Lanolin is used in glazes for nuts and dragees, chocolate and sweets, baked goods and even chewing gum.

Food lanolin does not in any way affect the taste and benefits of products

In cooking, the properties of animal wax are used to prevent foaming when cooking. Lanolin helps to smooth the consistency of the product.

In the manufacturing industry, animal wax is one of the constituents of lubricants and even concrete. It is added to moisture-repellent garment formulations designed to protect against water and dirt.

Conclusion

Lanolin properties are especially in demand in the cosmetic and medical fields.The natural substance is used to heal, restore and protect the skin. In addition, animal wax is part of the glaze, in the food industry it can be found under the name E913 additives.

Reviews on the use of lanolin for atopic dermatitis in children