Lanolin alcohol

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Lanolin alcohol, which is also known by the names Zinc salt or Zinc salt PCA, is industrially extracted from lanolin, which is a fat derived from sheep's wool. It is a complex mixture of lanolin esters and cholesterol. It differs from other alcohols in that it is thick and waxy to the touch. It is slightly yellow and has a characteristic smell.

Because of its properties, this alcohol is widely used in the cosmetic industry. It has excellent moisturising properties, helps to keep the skin soft and supple and is therefore a common ingredient in various hand, body and face creams. It is also added to lip balms, where it helps to protect the lips from drying out. Due to its ability to reduce transepidermal water loss, it is also included in many hair care products. However, lanolin alcohol also finds its application in medicine, where it is added to ointments and creams designed to treat various skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.