Discover the Moisturizing & Protective Benefits of Lanolin in Handmade Soap

The Benefits of Lanolin in Handmade Soap

Lanolin is a natural wax derived from sheep's wool that has been used for centuries in skincare. When added to handmade soap, lanolin provides several benefits that make it an excellent ingredient for soapmakers to include. Keep reading to learn all about using lanolin in your homemade soaps and why it's such a valuable addition.

What is Lanolin?

Lanolin is a thick, waxy substance that is secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep. It coats each strand of wool fiber with a water-resistant layer that protects the sheep from the elements. Lanolin is extracted from raw sheep's wool through several filtering and purification processes. Once refined, it takes the form of a thick, sticky wax that is then used for a variety of purposes.

Moisturizing Properties

One of the main reasons soapmakers use lanolin in their recipes is for its incredible moisturizing abilities. The molecular structure of lanolin closely resembles that of our own sebum, allowing it to deeply penetrate and hydrate the skin. When added to soap, lanolin remains intact on the skin's surface after rinsing, leaving a protective moisturizing barrier.

Lanolin acts as a natural emollient, making it ideal for dry or aged skin types. It can help to smooth fine lines and wrinkles while preventing moisture loss. If you tend to have dry hands, you'll definitely notice the moisturizing difference when washing with a lanolin-rich soap.

Skin Protection

In addition to moisturizing, lanolin also provides a protective barrier on the skin that helps retain moisture and shield against environmental irritants. The wax coating it leaves behind is similar to our own natural oils, helping to limit water loss. Lanolin acts as a cushion between the skin and potential irritants, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.

This protective element also makes lanolin soaps ideal for those with sensitive skin. The lanolin barrier helps prevent irritation from things like fragrances, chemicals, and other harsh ingredients. Those with eczema, psoriasis, and cracked skin can benefit from lanolin's soothing, protective properties.

Emulsifying Abilities

Lanolin acts as an excellent natural emulsifier in handmade soaps. This means it helps blend ingredients together that normally do not mix well, like water and oils. Emulsifiers are vital for soapmaking, as they enable the saponification process to occur through the chemical reaction between lye and oils.

Lanolin's emulsifying properties allow soapmakers to experiment with more intricate recipes involving delicate oils or butters, natural colorants, milk, and aloe vera gel. All of these ingredients mix well together when lanolin is present in the recipe.

Gentle Cleansing

While lanolin is incredibly moisturizing, it still allows your handmade soap to effectively cleanse the skin. Lanolin-rich soap bars have excellent lathering abilities to gently wash away dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin. Your skin will feel clean and refreshed after using lanolin soap, not dry or squeaky tight.

This balance of gentle cleansing and moisturizing makes lanolin a prized ingredient for soap crafters seeking to formulate a bar that leaves skin soft and supple after each use.

Including Lanolin in Your Soap Recipes

Now that you know all of the benefits lanolin can provide in handmade soap, let's look at how you can start formulating recipes with this luscious ingredient!

How Much to Use

A good guideline when formulating cold process soap recipes is to use 1 teaspoon of lanolin per pound of soap. If using a soap calculator, input lanolin at 1-3% of your total oil weight. Any more than this can lead to separation issues.

For a gentle bar, aim for 1-2% lanolin. Increase to the full 3% for an ultra-moisturizing bar designed for extremely dry skin types.

Blending Tips

Since lanolin is solid at room temperature, it needs to be melted down before adding to your soap recipe. You can do this in a double boiler, or microwave in short bursts until liquified. Allow the lanolin to fully cool before adding lye to prevent a volcanic reaction.

Mix the lanolin into your warmed oils before adding lye. Use an immersion blender if needed to fully incorporate. The lanolin will thicken your oils and act as an emulsifier to bind the recipe together.

Superfatting

Lanolin is technically superfatting, as it does not saponify like other oils in cold process soap making. Some soap makers like to reduce their superfat amount when using lanolin to account for this. But a normal 5% superfat is still fine when using lanolin in the 1-3% range.

Curing Time

Allow your lanolin soap bars a nice long 4-6 week cure time. During this phase, excess water evaporates from the bars to leave the lanolin moisturizing properties intact. Lanolin helps prevent soda ash during curing, allowing your bars to develop into hard, long-lasting pieces.

Creative Lanolin Soap Recipes

Once you understand the basics of using lanolin in cold process soap, the possibilities are endless for recipe formulations! Here are some creative ways to put lanolin to work in your next batch of handmade soaps:

Lotion Bars

For an ultra-moisturizing bar, try a "lotion bar" type recipe with 20-30% lanolin. Combine with oils like avocado, fractionated coconut, and meadowfoam seed for a soap that doubles as moisturizer.

Luxury Oils

Pair lanolin with decadent oils like olive, silk amino acids, sea buckthorn berry, and vitamin E for an indulgent, skin pampering bar.

Goat's Milk

The moisturizing powers of goat's milk complement lanolin beautifully. For a creamy, gentle soap, substitute the water with goat's milk and add lanolin at 2-3%.

Honey & Oats

Honey, colloidal oatmeal, and lanolin make an ultra-soothing soap perfect for those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin. The honey will also help any fresh slices of soap prevent partial gel.

Natural Colorants

Take advantage of lanolin's emulsifying power by blending in natural colorants like clays, spices, or alkanet root powder. These will mix in smoothly for gorgeous, naturally colored bars.

Tips for Using Lanolin Soap

To get the most out of your lanolin-rich handmade soap bars, follow these tips for use and storage:

Cure Time

Allow bars to thoroughly cure for 4-6 weeks before use. This ensures the soap has evaporated excess water so the lanolin can work its moisturizing magic.

Avoid Commercial Soaps

When using a lanolin-based soap, avoid pairing it with commercial body washes or soaps which can diminish its effectiveness. Stick to your handmade bar for head-to-toe washing.

Long-Lasting Bars

Lanolin soaps tend to be harder and longer-lasting than other recipes. Allow the bar to fully dry between uses to extend its lifespan. Store in a dry area with plenty of airflow.

Gentle Exfoliation

If your lanolin bars develop soda ash on the surface, don't scrape it off. Let the ash act as a natural exfoliant to gently scrub the skin.

Rebatch Leftovers

To use up every last bit of these precious bars, rebatch soap scraps to create hand-molded soap balls. The lanolin will let you rework old bits into new soap.

Experience the Magic of Lanolin Soap

From its superior moisturizing to emulsifying abilities, it's easy to see why lanolin is a prized ingredient amongst soap artisans. With your new knowledge for formulating with lanolin, you can craft indulgent bars that pamper and protect the skin. Get creative with your recipes to provide customized soap solutions. Once you try lanolin in your handmade soap, you may never go back to recipes without it!

FAQs

What is lanolin?

Lanolin is a waxy, water-resistant substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep. It is extracted from raw wool and refined to produce lanolin wax used in skincare and soapmaking.

Is lanolin soap good for dry skin?

Yes, lanolin is an excellent moisturizing ingredient for dry skin types. It acts as a natural emollient to hydrate skin and provide a protective barrier to retain moisture.

Can you be allergic to lanolin?

Some people are allergic to lanolin and can experience skin irritation or rashes from lanolin-containing products. Do a skin patch test before using lanolin soap if you have sensitive skin.

Does lanolin soap lather well?

Yes, lanolin contributes to a rich, creamy lather in handmade soaps. It allows soap to effectively cleanse without stripping away natural oils.

How much lanolin should I use in soap?

A good starting point is 1 teaspoon of lanolin per 1 pound of oils in cold process soap recipes. Lanolin is typically used at 1-3% of total oils.