Lanolin
A cosmetic ingredient used as antistatic, hair conditioning, skin conditioning in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Lanolin is a refined derivative of the unctuous fat-like sebaceous secretion of sheep. It consists of a highly complex mixture of esters of high molecular weight aliphatic, steroid or triterpenoid alcohols and fatty acids
What does it do?
Lanolin is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Antistatic
reduces static electricity, mostly in hair products to keep strands smooth and manageable
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Hair conditioning
improves the appearance, feel, and manageability of hair
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Skin conditioning
improves the appearance, feel, and condition of skin
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Skin conditioning - emollient
softens the skin by reducing roughness and friction between skin cells
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Surfactant - cleansing
surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes
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Surfactant - emulsifying
surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate
EU regulatory status
Lanolin is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lanolin?
Lanolin is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Lanolin is a refined derivative of the unctuous fat-like sebaceous secretion of sheep. It consists of a highly complex mixture of esters of high molecular weight aliphatic, steroid or triterpenoid alcohols and fatty acids
Is Lanolin allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Lanolin is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Lanolin do in cosmetic products?
Lanolin is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: antistatic, hair conditioning, skin conditioning, skin conditioning - emollient, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying.
What is the CAS number of Lanolin?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Lanolin is 8006-54-0.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010