Lanolin

Drug Details

This medication is a moisturizer designed to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, and itchy skin, as well as minor skin irritations like diaper rash and radiation therapy burns. It functions by using emollients, which are substances that soften and moisturize the skin, reducing itching and flaking. Some products, such as those containing zinc oxide or white petrolatum, primarily protect the skin from irritation caused by wetness. The primary cause of dry skin is the loss of water in the upper skin layer. Emollients and moisturizers work by creating an oily barrier on the skin's surface to retain moisture. Common emollients include petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil, and dimethicone. Humectants like glycerin, lecithin, and propylene glycol attract water into the skin's outer layer. Additionally, many products contain ingredients that soften keratin, the substance that binds the top layer of skin cells. These ingredients—such as urea, alpha hydroxy acids (like lactic, citric, and glycolic acid), and allantoin—help shed dead skin cells, enhance moisture retention, and leave the skin feeling smoother and softer.