Lanolin

What is Lanolin?

Lanolin (also known as wool wax, wool grease, wool yolk or wool fat) is a natural greasy substance extracted from sheep's wool.

The natural oil is refined and has a soft, wax like consistency with a strong characteristic earthy aroma. Our anhydrous lanolin is lanolin that has had the water removed, making it more concentrated.

Lanolin is naturally produced from the sheep's sebaceous glands, which coats their wool in a waxy substance to protect it. The sheep's wool is sheared to stop the wool from becoming too hot and heavy for the sheep.

After it has been sheared, the lanolin is separated from the wool which can contain between 5% and 25% lanolin. The lanolin is the refined for use in cosmetic products.

What is Lanolin Used For in Cosmetics?

Lanolin has amazing moisturising and soothing properties that can bind water to the skin and protect the skin barrier, helping to retain moisture. It can be used in cosmetics like nipple creams, lip balms, lotions and moisturisers.

For hair care products, lanolin is often used in conditioners, hair serums, hair masks and hair treatments. It is especially good for dry, brittle hair that is prone to breakage.

It is a very popular ingredient in both haircare and skincare products. Lanolin has a comedogenic rating of 2, so it may clog pores. It is most suitable for really dry skin types rather than oily or acne prone skin.

It is recommended to avoid lanolin products if you have very sensitive skin, broken or cracked skin or a lanolin allergy. We recommend doing a patch test on a small area of skin to check for an allergic reaction, irritation or redness.