Cholesterol
Description
Composition and description
Cholesterol is a white, almost odorless powder obtained from wool (a by-product of cleaning (washing) wool). The grease undergoes alkaline hydrolysis, which produces lanolin alcohol, from which cholesterol is extracted.
Cholesterol is an integral part of all animal cell membranes and helps maintain cell functionality and keep the cell membrane intact. In addition, it is an important precursor of steroid hormones such as estradiol and cortisol, bile salts and vitamin D.
Peculiarities
Cholesterol fully meets the requirements of the National Formulary of the United States of America and the European Pharmacopoeia for purity (minimum 95%). Cholesterol has good powder flowability. If desired, flowability can be further improved by adding glidant-like fumed silica.
Application
Cholesterol is a pharmaceutical grade that includes vitamin D3, steroid hormones, and cholesterol esters. Cholesterol is the main component in lanolin and lanolin alcohol and provides its water absorption capacity. The pure substance has an HLB of 2.7 and is often used in combination with other emulsifiers to produce W/O emulsions or as a co-emulsifier for O/W emulsions.
Cholesterol adds texture to cosmetic preparations such as creams and lotions. It is typically used in the range of 0.1% to 1.0% in cosmetics, but up to 5% cholesterol can be used to make rich formulations. Cholesterol can also be used to stabilize liposomes intended for oral or surface application.
Dermatological studies
Cholesterol is a natural component of skin lipids and sebum and is considered safe. Cholesterol is used in many cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations for topical use. It is described as non- or slightly irritating to the skin and is well tolerated at a dosage of 1%. Cholesterol has a softening effect and reduces moisture loss from the skin. Moreover, it increases the penetration of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics into the skin.
Features of application
Cholesterol is a stable product with a high melting point (about 148°C) and boiling point (about 360°C). Oxidation of the hydroxyl group can occur when exposed to high temperatures (180°C) for a long period (24 hours).
Solubility at room temperature
- water – soluble;
- olive oil – slightly soluble;
- ethanol – slightly soluble;
- acetic acid – soluble;
- acetone – soluble;
- alcohol – soluble;
- benzene – soluble;
- chloroform – soluble;
- dioxane – soluble;
- ether – soluble;
- ethyl acetate – soluble;
- hexane – soluble;
- pyridine – soluble;
- toluene – soluble;