Posted by C(G) on January 08, 2004 at 12:55:20:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Chap sticks posted by Mary Ann on January 08, 2004 at 12:10:54:
Anhydrous lanolin is used by "compounding" pharmacies (those who can actually prepare medications instead of just count pills and put them in a bottle) to make salves and lotions.
My container of it says "Lanolin, Anhydrous USP", which seems to indicate that it's recognized for pharmacological use. The "anhydrous" bit indicates merely that it's not in a water suspension ("hydrous" lanolin).
Lanolin's present in soaps, shampoos, lotions, and, yes, even certain lip balms and lipstick. A good place to buy bulk anhydrous lanolin is a place that sells soapmaking supplies.
Would I spread it on my breakfast toast? No, of course not.
Lanolin does have a certain amount of solubility in valve oil. One of the more common recipes for do-it-yourself slide lube is anhydrous lanolin, beeswax and oil, heated and mixed together.