The semisolid fraction of lanolin, used as an emollient, binder and thickener.
What it is
Lanolin wax is, according to CosIng, the semisolid fraction of lanolin obtained by physical means from whole lanolin, the wax from sheep's wool. CosIng lists it as a binding, emollient, hair-conditioning and viscosity-controlling ingredient.
Where it is used
Appears on the ingredient lists of a small number of products.
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 wax is of animal origin. As a natural material, its composition can vary between batches.
Functions
- 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.
- 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.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.