Petrolatum and Lanolin Alcohols

Basic Information

Name: Petrolatum and Lanolin Alcohols

CAS No: Petrolatum [8009-03-8] and Lanolin alcohols [8027-33-6]

Functional Categories

Emollient Ointment base Plasticizer

1. Nonproprietary Names

None adopted.

2. Synonyms

Amerchol CAB; Forlan 500; petrolatum and wool alcohols; Vilvanolin CAB; white soft paraffin and lanolin alcohols; yellow soft paraffin and lanolin alcohols.

3. Chemical Name & CAS Registry

Petrolatum [8009-03-8] and Lanolin alcohols [8027-33-6]

4. Empirical Formula & Molecular Weight

A mixture of petrolatum and lanolin alcohols.

6. Applications

Petrolatum and lanolin alcohols is a soft solid used in topical pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetics as an ointment base with emollient properties. It is also used in the preparation of creams and lotions. Petrolatum and lanolin alcohols can be used to absorb wound exudates. See Table I.

7. Description

A pale ivory-colored, soft solid with a faint, characteristic sterol odor.

8. Pharmacopeial Specifications

Petrolatum and lanolin alcohols are listed as separate monographs in the BP, JP, PhEur, and also USP–NF but the combination is not listed; see individual monographs on Petrolatum and Lanolin Alcohols.

9. Typical Properties

Acid value 41 for Vilvanolin CAB Arsenic 42 ppm for Vilvanolin CAB Ash 40.2% for Vilvanolin CAB Heavy metals 420 ppm for Vilvanolin CAB Hydroxyl value 11–15 for Vilvanolin CAB Iodine value 6–13 for Forlan 500 Melting range 46–538C for Forlan 500; 40–468C for Vilvanolin CAB. Microbiological count The total bacterial count, when packaged, is less than 10 per gram of sample for Vilvanolin CAB. Moisture content 40.25% for Forlan 500; 40.2% for Vilvanolin CAB. Saponification value 42 for Vilvanolin CAB Solubility Soluble 1 in 20 parts of chloroform, and 1 in 100 parts of mineral oil; precipitates at higher concentrations. Precipitation occurs in ethanol (95%), hexane, and water. May be dispersed in isopropyl palmitate. Forms a gel in castor oil and corn oil. Specific gravity 0.96 at 258C for Forlan 500

10. Stability & Storage

Petrolatum and lanolin alcohols is stable and should be stored in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place.

11. Incompatibilities

Lanolin alcohols is incompatible with coal tar, ichthammol, phenol, and resorcinol.

12. Method of Manufacture

Lanolin alcohols is blended with petrolatum.

13. Safety

Petrolatum and lanolin alcohols is generally regarded as an essentially nontoxic and nonirritant material. However, lanolin alcohols may be irritant to the skin and cause hypersensitivity in some individuals.

14. Handling Precautions

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled.

15. Regulatory Status

Accepted for use in topical pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetics. Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Nonmedicinal Ingredients.

16. Related Substances

Lanolin alcohols; lanolin alcohols ointment; mineral oil and lanolin alcohols; petrolatum. Lanolin alcohols ointment Synonyms Argobase EU; wool alcohols ointment. Appearance White-colored ointment if prepared using white petrolatum; a yellow-colored ointment if yellow petrolatum is used in its preparation. Comments The BP 2009 describes lanolin alcohols ointment (wool alcohols ointment BP) as a mixture consisting of: Lanolin alcohols 60 g Paraffin 240 g Yellow or white petrolatum 100 g Mineral oil 600 g However, the proportions of paraffin, petrolatum, and mineral oil may be varied to produce an ointment of the desired physical properties.

17. Comments

See individual monographs on Lanolin Alcohols and Petrolatum for further information.