Lanolin in Cosmetics
Edited by Roger Kirwan, Managing Director of Lanolin Beauty
Lanolin has been used in skincare and cosmetics for generations. Derived from the natural wax found in sheep’s wool, it is valued for its ability to help soften the skin and reduce moisture loss.
Why is lanolin used in skincare?
Lanolin is both an emollient and an occlusive moisturiser. As an emollient, it helps soften and smooth the skin. As an occlusive, it forms a protective layer on the skin that helps reduce water loss and maintain moisture. These properties make lanolin particularly useful in products designed for dry, rough or moisture-depleted skin.
Lanolin has an unusual ability to both absorb water and help retain moisture. This allows it to be incorporated into rich creams, moisturisers and balms while also helping support the skin’s protective barrier. Its moisturising and protective properties are why lanolin continues to be used in cosmetic formulations today, despite having been used for skincare for generations.
Where is lanolin used in cosmetics?
Because of its moisturising and protective properties, lanolin is used in a wide variety of skincare and personal care products.
You may find lanolin in face and body creams, moisturisers, hand creams, lip balms, ointments and products formulated for dry skin. Lanolin is particularly useful in richer formulations where the aim is to soften the skin, help reduce moisture loss and provide a lasting protective layer.
On an ingredient list, however, the word “lanolin” isn't always what you will see. Lanolin can appear in several forms and under different ingredient names.
Pure lanolin vs a formulated moisturiser
Pure lanolin and a moisturiser containing lanolin are different products. Pure lanolin is a concentrated wax, while a formulated cream or lotion combines lanolin with other ingredients.
Those ingredients work together to determine how the product feels, spreads and performs. Two moisturisers containing lanolin can therefore have quite different textures and suit different preferences.
The percentage of lanolin alone does not tell you how effective or suitable a moisturiser will be. Consider the complete formulation, its intended use and how your skin responds.
Lanolin on an ingredient list
Lanolin can appear on cosmetic ingredient lists under a number of different names and in several derived forms. These ingredients may have different properties and perform different functions within a cosmetic formulation.
If you're trying to identify lanolin or lanolin-derived ingredients in a product, we've put together a guide to some of the names you may encounter.
Is lanolin suitable for everyone?
Lanolin is used in many skincare products, but it is not necessarily suitable for everyone.
A small proportion of people may be allergic to lanolin. Lanolin-containing products can cause allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible people. Irritation can also occur without an allergy.
If you have a known lanolin allergy, check ingredient lists and avoid lanolin and relevant lanolin-derived ingredients as advised by your healthcare professional.
If a product causes redness, itching or a rash, stop using it and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Looking for lanolin skincare?
Lanolin continues to be used in skincare because of its ability to help soften the skin, reduce moisture loss and provide a protective moisturising layer.
If you would like to explore skincare products made with Australian lanolin, visit Lanolin Beauty — an Australian lanolin skincare brand established in 1991.
Lanolin Beauty is a skincare business under common ownership with this website.