Lanolin Allergy and Skin Sensitivity
Edited by Roger Kirwan, Managing Director of Lanolin Beauty
Lanolin is used in many skincare products, but it can cause irritation or contact allergy in some people. Natural ingredients do not suit everyone.
Can lanolin cause an allergic reaction?
Yes. Lanolin can cause allergic contact dermatitis, a delayed skin reaction.
Signs can include itching, redness, swelling or blistering where a product has been applied.
People with eczema or damaged skin may be more susceptible to developing contact allergy to lanolin.
Is irritation the same as allergy?
No. Irritation occurs when something damages or irritates the skin’s surface.
Contact allergy involves the immune system. The symptoms can overlap, so a reaction alone does not identify its cause.
A reaction to all Lanolin based skincare?
A skincare product contains several ingredients. Reacting to a product containing lanolin does not automatically mean lanolin caused the reaction.
What should you do if a product causes a reaction?
Stop using the suspected product and seek advice from a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist. Keep the packaging and ingredient list to help identify possible causes.
A dermatologist may recommend patch testing to investigate contact allergy.
Trying a product on a small area at home does not replace diagnostic testing.
What if you have a confirmed lanolin allergy?
Check ingredient labels and follow your clinician’s advice about avoiding lanolin and related ingredients. Names can include Lanolin, Lanolin Alcohol and Wool Alcohols. See our guide to other names for lanolin for further information about terminology.
About this information
This page provides general educational information and does not diagnose skin conditions or replace individual medical advice.