what is lanolin?
What is lanolin ? Lanolin( from Latin lana= wool, oleum= oil), also known as wool wax or wool grease, is a natural, complex fat secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals( primarily sheep). It is the material that garments sheep's wool, protecting them from the harsh environmental conditions of extreme cold, heat, and drier climates. Chemically, Lanolin is not a traditional fat( triglyceride). Instead, it is a wax ester—a unique matrix of long-chain fatty acids esterified with long-chain aliphatic alcohols and sterols( including cholesterol and lanosterol). This unique structure gives Lanolin an exceptional ability to absorb and retain water (up to 400% of its own weight), making it biologically similar to human skin lipids. On Echemi , Lanolin is available in multiple grades , ranging from crude wool grease ( for industrial use ) to high...