Adeps Lanae - Wool fat (Lanolin)

Lanolin, pharmaceutically known as Adeps Lanae, is a natural lipid extracted from sheep's wool fat. Chemically, it consists of a complex mixture of wax esters, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and steroids, with cholesterol and its esters being the primary components.

Properties
Lanolin has a strong hydrophilic character and can absorb up to 25-30% water, which gives it exceptional emulsifying properties.
Its molecular structure shows a high affinity for the lipids of the stratum corneum. It accepts most pharmacologically active substances as a vehicle.
Thanks to its structural similarity to skin lipids, lanolin efficiently penetrates the stratum corneum and promotes local water retention.
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Therapeutic application
Lanolin is widely used as an ointment base and vehicle for extemporaneous preparations, for both skin and mucous membrane conditions.
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Note
In a subpopulation of patients, type IV hypersensitivity reactions (delayed contact allergy) may occur. In cases of known lanolin allergy, its use should be avoided, and an alternative ointment base should be chosen.