Regardless of the isolation procedure, lanolin acid is a complex mixture of long-chain branched and unbranched fatty acids, of which about 40% is hydroxylated.

 So far, 138 saturated and 32 unsaturated lanolin acids have been identified. Lanolin acid can be obtained in two quality grades, with acid values of 50 or 100.

 

Lanolin fatty acid features and field of application

Molecularly distilled lanolin acid keeps all the natural qualities present in the crude acid, but with a consistently low odour profile.

The solid wax meets all requirements to substitute or supplement fatty acids in cosmetics and dermatological products.

Lanolin acid also has a general antimicrobial effect on the human skin. As a result, it can be used as an active ingredient in deodorising toiletries and products treating cutaneous infections such as acne.

Metal soaps of wool wax acids have excellent oil binding properties, making them functional ingredients of lubrication soaps.

Specification

Acid value (mg KOH/g): 36 – 50 
Free fatty acids (%): 18 – 25
Saponification number (mg KOH/g): 85 – 120
Melting point (°C): 36 – 50
Sulphated ash (%): <= 0.5
Loss on drying (%): <= 2.0
Colour: brownish

Lanolin fatty acid other applications include:

• Solid and liquid polishes
• Polish emulsions
• Anti-corrosives
• Textile additives
• Cosmetic bases.