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Lanoline AD, a refined derivative of lanolin, is widely utilized in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and dermatological industries due to its excellent emollient, moisturizing, and protective properties.
This article presents a comprehensive scientific review of Lanoline AD, covering its chemical structure, properties, production methods, applications, benefits, limitations, safety aspects, and future prospects.
Special emphasis is placed on its role in modern formulations and its contribution to dermatological science.
CAS Number: 8006-54-0
Synonyms: Wool wax, Adeps lanae, Wool grease, Lanolin, Wool fat
Introduction
Lanoline AD is a pharmaceutical-grade modification of lanolin, a natural wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals, primarily sheep.
It is highly refined to meet strict dermatological and pharmaceutical standards.
Lanoline AD is valued for its ability to mimic human skin lipids, enhance barrier function, and act as a versatile excipient in drug delivery systems.
This article provides a detailed overview of Lanoline AD, structured to encompass its chemistry, production, applications, and scientific relevance.
Historical Background
Lanolin has been used for centuries as a natural moisturizer and skin protector.
Its pharmaceutical-grade refinement into Lanoline AD represents an advancement that addresses impurities, allergenic components, and stability issues.
The "AD" designation indicates compliance with dermatological purity standards, particularly those required in European Pharmacopoeia and United States Pharmacopeia.
Chemical Composition and Properties
Chemical Nature
Lanoline AD is a complex mixture of esters, fatty acids, alcohols, and hydrocarbons.
Approximately 97% of its weight is composed of esters of high molecular weight alcohols and fatty acids.
Molecular Components
Long-chain aliphatic alcohols
Hydroxy acids
Sterols (cholesterol derivatives)
Hydrocarbons
Physical Properties
Appearance: Yellowish to pale ointment-like semi-solid
Odor: Mild, characteristic
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in chloroform, ether, and partially in alcohols
Melting Point: 38–44 °C
Density: ~0.93 g/cm³
pH: Neutral
Dermatological Compatibility
Lanoline AD is specifically refined to reduce free lanolin alcohols, pesticides, and allergenic residues, enhancing tolerability for sensitive skin.
Production and Refinement Process
Extraction
Raw lanolin is extracted from wool scouring wastewaters through centrifugation and solvent extraction.
Refinement
The crude lanolin undergoes:
Saponification to remove free acids
Fractional distillation to separate volatile impurities
Bleaching and deodorization
Filtration to eliminate pesticides and contaminants
Standardization to "AD"
Lanoline AD represents a pharmaceutical-grade material meeting pharmacopeial requirements:
<1.5% free lanolin alcohols
Removal of sensitizing impurities
Stabilization against oxidation
Applications
Dermatology and Cosmetics
Moisturizers and emollients
Lip balms and ointments
Barrier creams for occupational hand protection
Anti-aging formulations
Pharmaceutical Uses
Base for topical drug formulations
Vehicle for corticosteroids, antifungals, and antibiotics
Protective excipient in transdermal drug delivery
Industrial Applications
Rust preventatives
Lubricants for delicate machinery
Leather care products
Pharmacological and Biochemical Aspects
Lanoline AD exhibits occlusive and humectant properties, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and restoring skin hydration.
Its sterol content promotes lipid barrier repair, while its semi-occlusive film provides wound-healing support.
Benefits and Advantages
Hypoallergenic (relative to crude lanolin)
High moisturizing capacity
Stable under storage conditions
Biocompatible with human skin lipids
Multi-industry applicability
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT LANOLINE AD
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
