Ingredient dictionary

Lanolin

Also listed as: Wool wax, Wool fat

Lanolin is a wax taken from sheep's wool that helps skin and lips feel soft and stay moisturized. It is on the label of 17 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: lanolin can trigger allergic reactions in a small group of people, and it is not vegan because it comes from sheep's wool.

Lanolin. A wax from sheep's wool and its derivatives.

What Lanolin does

Softens and smooths the skin's surface
Forms a protective barrier that slows water loss
Helps creams feel smooth and rich

Lanolin is collected when raw wool is cleaned. Sheep's skin glands make a natural waxy coating that protects the wool, and that coating is refined into lanolin. Its makeup is somewhat similar to the skin's own oils, so it blends in easily.

Formulators use lanolin because it is thick and sticky, so it sits on the skin as a cushioning layer. It can also take up water, which helps creams stay smooth and workable. On the skin it feels rich and a little greasy at first, then settles into a smooth finish.

Good for

Suits very dry skin, chapped lips, and diaper creams that need a thick, protective layer.

Frequently asked questions

Is lanolin safe for sensitive skin?

Most people tolerate lanolin well, but a small group reacts to it. If you have a wool allergy or have reacted to lanolin before, avoid it. Try a small patch test on your inner arm before using a new product more widely.

Is lanolin vegan?

No. Lanolin comes from sheep's wool, so it is not vegan. People who avoid all animal-derived ingredients usually look for plant-based or synthetic emollients instead, such as shea butter or squalane.