Glossary
A natural wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals, primarily sheep. Lanolin is an effective emollient and occlusive used in skincare, but it is also a relatively common allergen that causes contact dermatitis in 1-6% of sensitive individuals.
Lanolin is not technically a fat or oil. It is a wax, secreted by sheep's skin glands to condition and waterproof their wool fleece. It is collected as a byproduct of the wool processing industry: after sheep are shorn, the raw wool is washed, and the lanolin is separated from the wash water through centrifugation. The refined product is a thick, sticky, yellowish wax with powerful moisture-retaining properties.
Lanolin's composition is remarkably complex: it contains over 170 identified esters, fatty acids, and alcohols. Its structure is similar enough to human skin lipids that it penetrates and integrates with the stratum corneum effectively, providing deep moisturization that outlasts most plant-based alternatives.
Lanolin sensitivity affects an estimated 1 to 6 percent of the general population, with higher rates among people who already have eczema or other skin conditions. The allergenic components are believed to be lanolin alcohols (wool alcohols), which trigger contact dermatitis: redness, itching, and small blisters at the site of application. Because lanolin is so widely used in creams, lip balms, nipple creams, and medical ointments, many people encounter it without realizing it is the source of their reaction.
For people who are sensitive to lanolin or prefer plant-derived ingredients, beeswax and shea butter offer comparable moisturizing and occlusive properties. Beeswax provides a breathable barrier similar to lanolin's protective film. Shea butter delivers deep emolliency without the allergenic potential. Our products use beeswax and plant butters exclusively, avoiding lanolin entirely.
No. Lanolin is an animal-derived product from sheep. While sheep are not harmed in its collection (it is a byproduct of shearing), it is not considered vegan. Plant-based alternatives include beeswax (also not vegan), shea butter, coconut oil, and various plant waxes like candelilla wax.
If you experience redness, itching, or a rash after using products containing lanolin (common in lip balms, hand creams, and nursing products), you may have a lanolin sensitivity. A dermatologist can confirm with a patch test. Switch to lanolin-free products and monitor whether symptoms resolve.
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