148 JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF COSMETIC CHEMISTS International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists The Fourth Congress of the I. F. S.C. C. will take place in Paris in June, 1966. The "Soci•t6 Francaise de Cosmeto]ogie" has created a scientific Committee consisting of: Dr. Ir. Velon Ir. Jean Morelle Dr. Collin This Committee wishes to receive conference papers before January 31, 1966. Each paper can be typed in the original language of the speaker. The French Committee will take care of the translation in English, French and German. General Secretary Dr. P. A.M. E. van Velzen Scheveningseweg 62 The Hague, The Netherlands

J. Soc. Cosmetic Chemists, 17, 149-156 (1966) Lanolin Allergy? E. ALLEN NEW COMB, B.S.* Presented before the New England Chapter, November 18, 1965 Framingham, Mass. Synopsis--A review of the literature indicates that only about 100 cases of lanolin sensitivity have been documented during the last 30 or 40 years. It is concluded that lanolin presents no hazard in cosmetics and is not a sensitizer. Possible reasons for the occasional lanolin allergy are reviewed, but no definite conclusions can be drawn from data available so far. It is noted that no specific fraction of lanolin is implicated in this sensitivity. HISTORICAL USE OF LANOLIN For centuries lanolin and/or its derivatives have been and con- tinue to be some of the most consistently appearing single components in cosmetic and toiletry formulations. While lanolin is added to for- mulas occasionally by a manufacturer for "magic" appeal of the word, the continued wide use of the material over such a long time can only be related to its functional value in the management of dry skin. Literally millions upon millions of pounds of lanolin and its derivatives have been applied to the skin and hair of millions upon millions of people over a period of centuries. The use of crude wool grease as an emollient has a history that may predate even recorded civilization. There are indications that this pre- cursor of lanolin found its way into the beauty aids and medical balms of the early Egyptians. Some speculate that the material was known to the early Chinese. Even the Old Testament makes reference to crude wool wax. The use of crude wool wax as an ointment base has been * Maimstrom Chemical Corp., Linden, N.J. 149