How to Process Lanolin

Lanolin is a common ingredient in many pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Sheep produce it naturally as a water repellent. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Lanolin is often recommended for people with dry skin because it is easily absorbed. It is made up of a mixture of wool fat (cholesterol, esters from fatty acids and other chemical compounds) and water. Lanolin is produced as a byproduct of wool processing.

Things You'll Need

  • Raw wool
  • Large mesh laundry bag with zipper
  • 2 large stock pots
  • Salt
  • Tongs
  • Olive oil
  • Slotted spoon
  • Container with lid
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Place the raw wool in the mesh laundry bag and zip closed. This will keep the fibers of the wool from separating and contaminating the extracted lanolin.

    • 2

      Place the mesh bag into a large pot of boiling water. Boil for three to four hours. Add two to three tablespoons of salt to the water to increase the yield of lanolin.

    • 3

      Remove the mesh bag from the water with tongs (be careful to avoid burns). Allow to cool. A pale yellow waxy solid will float on the surface (impure lanolin).

    • 4

      Scoop the impure lanolin from the surface of the water and add to another stock pot. Add olive oil and water. Mix thoroughly until the lanolin dissolves in the water and oil. A solid of an off-white waxy substance will form between the layers of water and oil.

    • 5

      Remove the purified lanolin from the stock pot using a slotted spoon. The oil should slide off the lanolin. Place the lanolin in a container with a lid.