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Lanolin alcohols, as the key surface-active natural constituents of wool grease products, represent approximately 50% of the total weight of lanolin anhydrous. They are chemically bound within ester compounds. To isolate the alcohol fraction, an alkaline treatment is applied to the lanolin, followed by the removal of the resulting soaps. Subsequently, a multi-stage molecular distillation process refines the alcohol fraction, enhancing its colour and odour. This results in a purified, semi-crystalline wax that is virtually colourless.
Lanolin alcohol, the primary lanolin derivative, is a refined blend of high molecular weight (MW) alcohols with an average MW of 370. The main fraction (75%) consists of sterols and triterpene alcohols, with cholesterol being the predominant component (36%), followed by lanosterol, agnosterol, and their dihydric derivatives.
Free lanolin alcohols exhibit stronger surface activity compared to the esters to which they are typically bound, thanks to their higher polarity. This unique characteristic is responsible for the exceptional water absorption capacity of lanolin anhydrous, which can exceed 200% of its weight. However, both free and refined lanolin alcohol display even greater efficiency as absorbents, capable of absorbing a significantly larger multiple of their weight in water (WW). This characteristic positions it as one of the most potent non-ionic water-in-oil (w/o) emulsifying agents available.
Lanolin alcohol also contains both branched and unbranched aliphatic alcohols in monohydric and dihydric forms. Furthermore, to prevent surface autoxidation, small amounts of butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) are added during the final stages of the refinement process.
The above properties make free and refined lanolin alcohols highly effective absorbents and position them as valuable components in various applications where superior water absorption is desired. Furthermore, lanolin alcohols bear a close resemblance to the physiological lipids found in the outermost layer of human skin, known as the stratum corneum. As a result, lanolin alcohols exhibit excellent compatibility with the epidermis, making them highly suitable for the use in skincare products.
In addition to the products listed below, the refining process for lanolin alcohol can be customised to meet the specific requirements of various pharmacopoeias worldwide, ensuring that they meet your precise needs.
LanisTech LP is a solid-state material, derived as a by-product during the production of lanolin alcohol.
| Colour | Dark brown |
| Acid value (mg KOH/g) | <=0.3 |
| Saponification value (mg KOH/g) | <=7 |
| Drop point (°C) | Min. 52 |
| Peroxide value (meq/kg) | |
| Water absorption (%) | |
| Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (ppm) | |
| Individual organochlorine pesticides (ppm) | |
| Individual other pesticides (ppm) | |
| Total pesticides content (ppm) |
Marco Heins
Product Manager
LanisTech ALD is a mixture of sterols and alcohols, obtained as a by-product during the production of lanolin alcohol.
| Colour | Medium brown |
| Acid value (mg KOH/g) | <=6 |
| Saponification value (mg KOH/g) | 15 – 35 |
| Drop point (°C) | |
| Peroxide value (meq/kg) | |
| Water absorption (%) | |
| Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (ppm) | |
| Individual organochlorine pesticides (ppm) | |
| Individual other pesticides (ppm) | |
| Total pesticides content (ppm) |
Marco Heins
Product Manager
Marco Heins
Product Manager
Chris Kommerowski Sales Director
Marco Heins Product Manager
Kruna Ramljak Product Manager
Christina Wegener Logistics & Sales Manager
Petra Pingel Logistics Manager
Julian Gruß Logistics Manager