Functional Category
Emollient; emulsifying agent; plasticizer.
Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulation
Mineral oil and lanolin alcohols is an oily liquid used in topical pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetics as an emulsifying agent with emollient properties; see Table I. It is used as a primary emulsifier in the preparation of water-in-oil creams and lotions and as an auxiliary emulsifier and stabilizing agent in oil-in-water creams and lotions.
Description
A pale yellow-colored, oily liquid with a faint characteristic sterol odor.
Stability and Storage Conditions
Mineral oil and lanolin alcohols is stable and should be stored in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place.
Incompatibilities
Lanolin alcohols is incompatible with coal tar, ichthammol, phenol, and resorcinol.
Safety
Mineral oil and lanolin alcohols is generally regarded as an essentially nontoxic and nonirritant material. However, lanolin alcohols may be irritant to the skin and causes hypersensitivity in some individuals.(1)