Lanolin is a natural substance produced by the sebaceous glands of sheep. Its primary biological function is to protect the animal’s skin and the wool covering it from moisture, wind, sunlight, and other environmental factors.

In terms of function, it can be compared to human sebum. Like the natural lipid layer of human skin, lanolin helps maintain the proper level of moisture and protect the skin’s surface.

The name “lanolin” derives from the Latin words lana, meaning wool, and oleum, meaning oil. Although this term has been in use for many years, modern science shows that lanolin is neither a classic fat nor a typical oil. It is an extremely complex mixture of chemical compounds, whose structure is responsible for its unique properties.

The lanolin content in sheep’s wool can range from a few percent to over twenty percent of the raw material’s weight. This amount depends, among other factors, on the breed of sheep, environmental conditions, and rearing methods.

How is lanolin obtained?

The process of obtaining lanolin begins after the sheep are sheared. The raw material is recovered from the fleece during washing and cleaning. Contrary to popular belief, the extraction of lanolin does not cause any harm to the animals and is a natural part of the wool processing process.
 
The first product obtained from wool is so-called sheep fat, which is the raw form of lanolin containing numerous impurities of natural and environmental origin. In addition to lanolin itself, it contains, among other things, traces of soil, dust, mineral salts, organic substances, and other components derived from wool.

The material obtained in this way is not yet suitable for cosmetic or pharmaceutical applications. Only through a multi-step purification process can lanolin be produced that meets the rigorous quality standards of modern cosmetology and pharmacy.

2.What exactly is lanolin, and how is it produced?