LANOLIN ALCOHOL (Lanolin alcohol) – function in cosmetics

A fraction of lanolin used as emollient and emulsifier.

What it is

Lanolin alcohol is a mixture of organic alcohols, including sterols such as cholesterol, obtained by hydrolysis of lanolin, the wax from sheep's wool. CosIng lists it as antistatic, binding, emollient, emulsifying, hair conditioning and viscosity controlling.

Where it is used

Used in rich creams, ointment-like balms, lip products and water-in-oil emulsions.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

Lanolin alcohol comes from sheep's wool, which matters for vegan products.

Functions

Antistatic

Preventing and/or reducing static electricity by neutralising electrical charge on surfaces.

Binding

Providing adhesive properties during and after compression in cosmetic tablets and/or cakes.

Skin conditioning – emollient

Acting as lubricants on the skin surface providing the skin with a soft and smooth appearance.

Surfactant – emulsifying

Helping suspensions or dispersions of liquids in a second liquid by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.

Hair conditioning

Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.

Viscosity controlling

Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.

LANOLIN ALCOHOL

What it is

Where it is used

Limits of interpretation

Functions

EU regulation

Products with this ingredient (69)