Lanolin is also known as wool fat, wool wax, or wool fat. Due to the fact that lanolin does not contain glycerides and is not a true fat, lanolin mainly contains sterol esters. Lanolin belongs to the wax category in terms of chemical properties, and is a complex mixture composed of naturally formed esters, 33 types of high molecular weight alcohols (mainly sterols), and 36 types of fatty acids in polyester. Esters account for at least 98%, with fatty alcohols and fatty acids each accounting for approximately 50/50.
Lanolin is often used to protect the skin of infants and treat nipple pain during breastfeeding. Lanolin is also used in lipstick products. But for some people, it can cause lip allergies.
Lanolin is commercially used in many industrial products, from lubricants and rust resistant coatings to chemical products. Some crew members apply lanolin to the propellers and stern of the ship to make them smooth, so that the barnacles cannot adhere. The waterproof property makes it valuable as a lubricating grease, otherwise corrosion may be a problem.
Baseball players typically use it to soften baseball gloves (shaving cream and lanolin are commonly used for this).
Anhydrous lanolin is also used as a lubricant on the main tuning tube of brass instruments.
Lanolin can also restore and remove water stains and dirt from woolen clothing, such as diaper stains.
Linseed oil based lubricant, commonly known as "wool wax", is used for Polish wooden furniture and is not related to lanolin; Its name comes from its use as a steel wool adhesive wax application.
Lanolin mixed with alcohol in a ratio of 2/98% can be used as a lubricant during the reloading process of brass ammunition at a temperature of 110 F.
Lanolin, mixed with other materials such as cow foot oil, beeswax, and glycerin, can be used to protect various leather care products.
Lanolin is approved for use as a food additive, such as a plasticizer for rubber substances in contact with food, a plasticizer for chewing gum base materials, and a surface lubricant in contact with food.