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Lanolin with reduced sensitizing potential. A preliminary note
Contact Dermatitis
|April 1, 1977
Summary
Lanolin allergy is primarily caused by free fatty alcohols, not total alcohols. Removing these alcohols and detergents significantly reduces allergic reactions in sensitive patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Lanolin is a common ingredient in topical formulations.
- Previous assumptions identified total alcohols as the primary allergens in lanolin.
- The role of specific lanolin components in hypersensitivity reactions requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific components of lanolin responsible for allergic reactions.
- To investigate the influence of detergents on lanolin hypersensitivity.
- To develop methods for reducing lanolin-induced allergies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of lanolin for free fatty alcohols and detergent content.
- Patch testing on selected lanolin-sensitive patients.
- Quantification of hypersensitivity before and after lanolin modification.
Main Results:
- Free fatty alcohols, not total alcohols, are identified as the main allergens in lanolin.
- The presence of detergent exacerbates detectable lanolin allergy.
- Removing free fatty alcohols and detergent reduced hypersensitivity by 96% in tested patients.
Conclusions:
- Free fatty alcohols are the key allergens in lanolin.
- Detergents can increase the incidence of lanolin allergy.
- Modified lanolin, free of free fatty alcohols and detergents, is hypoallergenic.
