Things to look for in Lanolin Cosmetics
Edited by Roger Kirwan, Managing Director of Lanolin Beauty
Not all products containing lanolin are formulated in the same way.
Lanolin may be used in different forms and at different concentrations depending on the type of cosmetic product and the role it is intended to perform. Rather than judging a product simply by how much lanolin it contains, it is more useful to understand the type of lanolin used, the overall formulation and whether the product is appropriate for its intended use.
Look for cosmetic-grade lanolin
Lanolin used in cosmetics is refined and purified before being incorporated into skincare products. The quality and degree of refinement are important considerations, particularly for products intended to be applied directly to the skin. Reputable cosmetic products should use lanolin and other ingredients that meet the relevant quality and regulatory requirements for their intended market.
What should you look for on the label?
Start with the ingredient list rather than relying solely on claims on the front of the packaging. Lanolin may appear simply as Lanolin, or a product may contain a lanolin-derived ingredient with a different name.
The ingredient list can help you understand what is actually present in the formulation, although it will not normally tell you the precise concentration of each ingredient.
If you're unsure whether an ingredient is derived from lanolin, see our guide to Other Names for Lanolin.