Lanolin alcohols are the main natural surfactants in lanolin products, accounting for approximately 50% of the total weight of anhydrous lanolin. They exist in the form of ester compounds. To separate the alcohol components, the lanolin is first treated with alkali, and then the resulting soaps are removed. Subsequently, the alcohol components are purified through a multi-stage molecular distillation process to improve their color and odor. The final product is a nearly colorless, purified semi-crystalline wax.
Due to its higher polarity, free lanolin alcohol exhibits stronger surface activity than the esters it is typically bound to. This unique property endows anhydrous lanolin with exceptional water absorption capacity, exceeding 200% of its own weight. However, both free and refined lanolin alcohol are even more efficient as water absorbers, capable of absorbing several times its own weight in water. This characteristic makes it one of the most effective nonionic oil-in-water (w/o) emulsifiers currently available.
Lanolin alcohol also contains branched and unbranched fatty alcohols, including monohydric and dihydric alcohols. Furthermore, to prevent surface self-oxidation, a small amount of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is added in the final stage of the refining process.
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