LANOLIN ALCOHOL

This patient information on Lanolin Alcohol is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida. This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.


The results from your patch testing showed a positive reaction (contact allergy) to Lanolin alcohol. Your immune system reacts with its defense mechanisms with each exposure of Lanolin alcohol to your skin. It is unknown why certain individuals develop allergic sensitivities. In some it may take repeat exposures over long periods of time before an allergy develops. Once you have become sensitized (allergic) your immune system always “remembers” and you will continue to be Lanolin alcohol sensitive. If you currently have eczema this chemical may be the cause but other factors may play a role as well. The information below will help you avoid this allergen.

This chemical is derived from the fleece of sheep.

It is used as a vehicle in many topical medications, cosmetics, and skin care products.

Where is chemical found?

Adhesive tape
Chewing Gum
Cleansers
Cosmetics
Creams
Cutting oil fluids
Fur
Furniture Polish
Hair Products
Hand creams
Leather
Lotions
Lipstick
Metallic corrosion preventatives
Moisturizers
Ointments
Ostomy products
Paper
Pharmaceuticals
Pressure sensitive adhesives.
Printing inks
Shoe polish
Soaps
Textile finishes
Wood alcohol
Wool fat, wool grease, wool wax
Zinc oxide

Hints on avoiding chemical:

Choose products listed only on your personalized contact allergen database, which has been provided to you. Products listed on your contact allergen resource database will be free of Lanolin alcohol and safe to use.
Please be aware that if your spouse or significant other uses topical skincare products that contain this chemical skin to skin transfer may occur to you.
It may take 2 to 3 weeks of avoiding exposure before improvement of your eruption begins.

Other names you may see this chemical listed as:

Acetylated lanolin
Cerolan
Golden Dawn
Hartolan
Hydrogenated lanolin
Lantrol (dewaxed lanolin)
Nimco
Type HO
Wool alcohol

Possible Occupational Exposures:

Nurses
Janitors
Hairdressers and Cosmetologists
Mechanic
Electrician
Machinists
Machine operators
Assemblers
Construction workers

© John “Lucky” Meisenheimer, M.D.  2019                                   WWW.OrlandoSkinDoc.com