LANOLIN
A complex creation of nature
with a fascinating chemistry
LANOLIN
LANOLIN is highly refined & purified natural grease which originates as a unique substance secreted by sheep from the sebaceous glands in their skin so as to form a natural protective coating on the wool fibers. This unique substance, although having the physical consistency of soft grease, is chemically wax and is completely different from the body fat of animal. The crude wax / grease is extracted from natural greasy wool. Finished Lanolin is derived from the wax / grease after intensive refining and series of other processes. Lanolin is a complex mixture of Esters, Di-Esters & Hydroxy Esters of high molecular weight Lanolin Alcohols and High Molecular Weight Lanolin Acids. Lanolin is also frequently referred to as Wool Fat (Adeps Lanae) even though it has been known for ages that lanolin is devoid of glycerides and is in fact wax, not fat.
The chemistry of Lanolin is simply fascinating, demonstrating Nature’s ability to create a protective fatty coating, which chemists have failed to duplicate in performance or composition! In fact, chemists have been attracted by the large reservoir of constituent groups available in Lanolin for derivation, extraction and modification. Lanolin's soft desirable texture is an important factor in generating its rapid proliferation as a vehicular ingredient popular with formulators. Lanolin is thus not a simple substance but is, on the other hand, a complex creation of nature endowed with a rich assortment of multifunctional groups.
Lanolin was first manufactured and introduced in India in 1969 by Rolex Chemicals (now Rolex Lanolin Products Limited).