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Benefits and Uses of Lanolin
In skincare products, there’s no hard evidence showing lanolin is better than synthetic waxes. If you like using natural products, though, you may prefer lanolin over synthetics.
Lanolin is in a wide variety of over-the-counter (OTC) products. They include:
Breastfeeding and Sore Nipples
During breastfeeding, your nipples may become sore, dry, and even cracked. Many healthcare providers recommend lanolin creams to ease nipple pain frombreastfeeding.
Research into lanolin fornipple painhas been mixed.
A 2018 Brazilian study suggested significant improvements in nipple pain and trauma in participants who used lanolin compared to those who rubbed in breastmilk (another common remedy for nipple soreness).
However, other research on its effectiveness has been lackluster.
Dry Lips
Lanolin is used in lip balms for moisturizing, with a variety of over-the-counter options available.
One small study examined the effects of lanolin on the lips of people undergoing chemotherapy. They found that 30% fewer patients reported a symptom of dry lips after using lanolin consistently.
Wrinkles
That said, there is not much scientific evidence to support lanolin’s effects on wrinkles or anti-aging.
Risks
If you’re allergic to wool, you’re especially likely to be allergic to lanolin, so it’s probably safest to avoid it.
Why do people avoid lanolin?Some people are allergic to lanolin, though it’s rare. Research suggests fewer than 7% of people with contact dermatitis are allergic to lanolin.
Why do people avoid lanolin?
Some people are allergic to lanolin, though it’s rare. Research suggests fewer than 7% of people with contact dermatitis are allergic to lanolin.
Lanolin allergies may cause the following symptoms:
If you’ve never tried skin creams with lanolin before, consider testing a small patch of skin first to determine whether you have a sensitivity to it. Even if you’re not allergic, lanolin can be irritating for some people.
Lanolin Poisoning
Keep lanolin away from young children who might accidentally swallow a dangerous quantity. This can result in lanolin poisoning.
Call the National Poison Control Help Hotline (1-800-222-1222) if you suspect possible lanolin poisoning. Open 24 hours per day, seven days per week, this toll-free line will connect you with a poison control expert who can advise you on what to do next.
Symptoms are usually mild and may include:
If severe symptoms develop, call 911. Be ready to provide critical information like age, height, weight, and the product that caused the reaction.
What are the disadvantages of lanolin?You shouldn’t ingest lanolin. The substance is similar to wax, and eating large amounts of lanolin can cause intestinal blockage.
What are the disadvantages of lanolin?
You shouldn’t ingest lanolin. The substance is similar to wax, and eating large amounts of lanolin can cause intestinal blockage.
How Lanolin Products Are Made
To extract lanolin for commercial use, raw wool is either treated with a soap solution or kneaded in hot water. A centrifuge then isolates the lanolin. Further processing includes bleaching, deodorizing, and drying. This does not harm the animal.
The industrial processing of raw lanolin transforms it into a product calledLansinoh.Lansinoh is virtually free of pesticides, detergents, and natural alcohols. It’s less allergenic than raw lanolin, making it more appealing for widespread use.
To make skincare products, lanolin or Lansinoh is mixed with other moisturizers, possibly fragrances and dyes, and other ingredients.
Products advertising lanolin as the active ingredient should contain between 12.5% and 50% lanolin, according to the Food and Drug Administration. International lanolin products may vary in their concentration and purity.
Structure and Composition
Lanolin differs slightly from human sebum because it does not contain anytriglycerides. On a molecular level, the majority of lanolin is made up of alcohols and acids.
These compounds combine to form structures known as esters, diesters, and high-molecular-weight hydroxy esters.
The physical properties of waxes like lanolin make them ideal for:
Fine-wool sheep, which make Merino wool, have an especially high lanolin content. That’s part of what keeps the wool soft and fluffy.
Lanolin is sometimes called “wool fat.” A more accurate term is “wool wax.” Waxes and fats are similar but not the same. Waxes are less greasy, harder, and have a higher melting temperature.
“Firm” mustache creams frequently contain lanolin because of this consistency.
Summary
Eating a lot of lanolin can cause lanolin poisoning. If you’re allergic to wool, you may also be allergic to lanolin.
Lanolin is extracted from wool and processed into Lansinoh, which is a purer form. In addition to moisturizing, it’s good for lubrication, polishing, and waterproofing.
14 Sources
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