Anhydrous Lanolin

Lanoline Anhydrous CMK

Lanoline Anhydrous CMK is an alternative to Lanocream USP. It consists of the highly refined, unsaponifiable fraction of wool wax, which is additionally subjected to molecular distillation to improve both color and odor.

Lanoline Anhydrous CMK is a very complex mixture with a mean molecular weight of about 370 Da, consisting of cholesterol, lanosterol, agnosterol, and their de hydro derivatives as well as straight and branched chain aliphatic alcohols.

Features

The cholesterol content in Lanoline Anhydrous CMK is higher than in the cosmetic quality, because it is molecularly distilled from a wool alcohol grade, from which a major part of the cholesterol was extracted (for making NK cholesterol).

Despite the reduced cholesterol content, the emulsifying properties are in no way more than that of the cosmetics quality. Since it is manufactured gently in modern facilities, the initial peroxide value (measure of oxidation) is very low. Therefore Lanoline Anhydrous CMK does not need additional stabilizers. Nevertheless, a shelf life of 3 years is guaranteed. Upon request, BHT or natural alpha-tocopherol can be added as stabilizers.

Applications

Lanoline Anhydrous CMK can be used for the same application as Lanowax CMK. Its emulsifying properties can be increased by the addition of cetyl alcohol, beeswax or other lanolin (de-oiled). These mixtures are the basis of ointments with a remarkably good color characteristic. Lanoline Anhydrous CMK can be used in small quantities as a thickening agent in shampoos and bath gels.

Dermatology

Lanoline Anhydrous CMK consists of Wool Alcohols, a substance that is used in many pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. In only very few cases an allergic reaction was observed. The substance is also listed in pharmacopoeias such as in the Ph. Eur. and USP. Wool Alcohols showed an LD50 in acute oral toxicity test greater than the maximum administered dose, reflecting an extremely low toxicity.

Processing

Lanoline Anhydrous CMK is easy to use. It is safe, melts easily and has a relatively low volatility. Prolonged heating above the melting point should be avoided. In cases where cholesterol crystals are still present after melting, the melt can be further heated to 115 °C. Subsequently, it should be quickly cooled down. Lanoline Anhydrous CMK should be stored cool and dry in well-sealed containers in preferably large pieces with minimal surface area.

Solubility at room temperature

Water: none; mineral oil: partially soluble; castor oil: soluble; oleyl alcohols: soluble; isopropyl myristate: partially soluble

Lanoline CMK ELP 3%

Lanoline CMK ELP 3% is produced from multi-stage refining of wool grease, a natural and renewable raw material, which is obtained from the scouring (washing) of raw wool. It differs from conventional Lanoline Anhydrous by the guaranteed content of free alcohols below 3%. It is yellowish with a waxy consistency and melts at temperatures above 40 °C. Lanolin is a complex mixture of esters, di-esters and hydroxy-esters of sterols and aliphatic alcohols with medium- to long-chain fatty acids.

Features

Lanoline CMK ELP 3% meet the requirements of the current European Pharmacopoeia and is characterized by its high purity, light color, low odor and very low pesticide level. It is purified by molecular distillation that results into less than 3% of free wool wax alcohols. Since it is manufactured gently in modern facilities, the initial peroxide value (measure of oxidation) is very low. Therefore Lanoline CMK ELP 3% does not need additional stabilizers. Nevertheless, a shelf life of 2 years is guaranteed. Upon request, BHT or natural alpha-tocopherol can be added as stabilizers.

Applications

Studies have shown that possible allergic effects of lanolin can be almost entirely avoided by a reduction of free lanolin alcohols below 3%. Therefore Lanoline CMK ELP 3% is especially suitable for the use in baby creams and lotions, on sensitive or damaged skin and whenever highest purity is required.

Dermatology

Lanolin has a pronounced emollient effect on the skin. Cracked skin and fissures are flattened and widened due to the natural, moisturizing properties of lanolin. Nearly 40% reduction in skin roughness is achieved in just 1 hour. Lanolin is used in many pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and only very few cases of allergic reactions were observed. The incidence of lanolin allergy in the general population has been estimated to be no more than 5.5 cases per million people. The reduction in the proportion of free lanolin alcohols in Lanoline CMK ELP 3% should result in a significantly lower allergy rate. The oral LD50 is greater than 16 g/kg and no irritating effect on the skin even after regular administration was observed.

Processing

Usage of Lanoline CMK ELP 3% is easy to use and it may be processed both cold and melted forms. It is non-hazardous and melts easily with a relatively low volatility. Prolonged heating above the melting point should be avoided. However, heat sterilization is possible. Lanoline CMK ELP 3% should be stored cool, protected from light in containers and surface exposure to air should be kept at minimum.

Solubility at room temperature

Water: none; mineral oil: partially soluble; castor oil: soluble; oleyl alcohols: soluble; isopropyl myristate: partially soluble

Lanoline Wax CMK

Lanoline Wax CMK is a special type of pharmaceutical wool wax, in which the content of natural esters with low emulsifying capacity has been reduced by fractional crystallization at low temperature without chemical changes. Lanoline Wax CMK is a complex mixture of esters, di-esters and hydroxy-esters of sterols and aliphatic alcohols with medium- to long-chain fatty acids.

Features

Lanoline Wax CMK is closely similar to the normal Lanolin. However, it forms W/O emulsions with greater stability, particularly at higher temperatures. It is absorbed by the stratum corneum of the skin and has good emollient properties. The appearance of Lanoline Wax CMK is more opaque than conventional lanolin. The texture is less sticky and firmer. Since it is manufactured gently in modern facilities, the initial peroxide value (measure of oxidation) is very low.

Therefore Lanoline Wax CMK does not need additional stabilizers. Nevertheless, a shelf life of 3 years is guaranteed. Upon request, BHT or natural alpha-tocopherol can be added as stabilizers.

Applications

The use of Lanoline Wax is particularly suited for W/O emulsified creams and ointments, where high stability is required, especially at tropical temperatures. The resulting emulsions are of pleasant white colour. Hair creams made with Lanoline Wax give the hair a stronger texture. They are non-ionic and insensitive to water-soluble electrolytes and humectants in a wide range of pH, a prerequisite for highly emollient creams.

Dermatology

Lanoline Wax CMK is chemically very similar to anhydrous Lanolin and complies in all respects with the requirements of many pharmacopoeia with the exception of its melting point. Lanolin has a pronounced emollient effect on the skin. Cracked skin and fissures are flattened and widened due to the natural, moisturizing properties of lanolin. Nearly 40% reduction in skin roughness is achieved in just 1 hour. Lanolin is used in many pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and only very few cases of allergic reactions were observed. The incidence of lanolin allergy in the general population has been estimated to be no more than 5.5 cases per million people. The oral LD50 is greater than 16 g/kg and no irritating effect on the skin even after regular administration was observed.

Processing

Lanoline Wax CMK is easy to use and it may be processed both cold and melted forms. Heating at temperature close to the melting point for up to four weeks have negligible impact. Longer heating at higher temperatures, particularly above 80 °C should be avoided. To protect against autoxidation Lanoline Wax CMK should be stored at cool temperatures in closed containers.

Solubility at room temperature

Water: none; acetone: partially soluble; ethanol, anhydrous: partially soluble; isopropanol anhydrous: partially soluble; mineral oil: partially soluble; isopropyl myristate: partially soluble