Lanolin

Lanolin is a natural emollient derived from the wool of sheep, known for its deeply moisturizing, protective, and skin-softening properties. It is a waxy, lipid-rich substance that mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it highly effective at preventing moisture loss and repairing the skin barrier. Due to its occlusive and humectant qualities, lanolin is widely used in moisturizers, lip balms, and healing ointments designed for dry, chapped, or sensitive skin.

Key Benefits of Lanolin in Skincare:

1. Intense Moisturization and Barrier Protection
   Lanolin forms a breathable, protective layer on the skin, locking in moisture and preventing dehydration. This makes it particularly beneficial for individuals with dry, flaky, or compromised skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis.
2. Softens and Smooths Rough, Cracked Skin
   Due to its ability to penetrate deeply into the skin, lanolin helps restore softness and elasticity, making it ideal for treating cracked heels, rough elbows, and dry hands. It is also commonly used in nipple creams for breastfeeding mothers because of its gentle, soothing properties.
3. Seals in Hydration Without Blocking Pores
   Unlike heavy occlusives like petroleum jelly, lanolin is semi-occlusive, meaning it allows the skin to breathe while still providing long-lasting hydration. This makes it effective for severely dry skin without clogging pores, though individuals with acne-prone skin may need to use it sparingly.
4. Heals and Protects Chapped Lips
   Lanolin is one of the best ingredients for lip balms because it closely resembles skin’s natural lipids, allowing it to absorb easily while keeping lips soft and hydrated. It is more effective than traditional wax-based lip balms at repairing chapped lips.
5. Soothes and Conditions Sensitive Skin
   Because it is naturally derived, lanolin is well-tolerated by most skin types, though individuals with wool allergies should avoid it. It is often used in baby care products and healing salves to help protect delicate skin from irritation.

How Lanolin is Used in Skincare

Lanolin is commonly found in moisturizing creams, lip treatments, healing ointments, and barrier repair formulations. It works well alongside hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter for enhanced moisture retention.

While lanolin is highly effective for severely dry or damaged skin, those with acne-prone or oily skin may prefer lighter emollients. However, for those needing intense hydration and long-lasting skin protection, lanolin remains one of the most trusted and effective natural moisturizers available.

Lanolin (Wikipedia)

This article is about the sheep grease. For the fictional characters, see U.S. Acres § Lanolin Sheep, and Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW Publishing).

Lanolin (from Latin lāna 'wool', and oleum 'oil'), also called wool fat, wool yolk, wool wax, sheep grease, sheep yolk, or wool grease, is a wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals. Lanolin used by humans comes from domestic sheep breeds that are raised specifically for their wool. Historically, many pharmacopoeias have referred to lanolin as wool fat (adeps lanae); however, as lanolin lacks glycerides (glycerol esters), it is not a true fat. Lanolin primarily consists of sterol esters instead. Lanolin's waterproofing property aids sheep in shedding water from their coats. Certain breeds of sheep produce large amounts of lanolin.

Lanolin's role in nature is to protect wool and skin from climate and the environment; it also plays a role in skin (integumental) hygiene. Lanolin and its derivatives are used in the protection, treatment, and beautification of human skin.