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Lanolin has been used for thousands of years for its wound healing and barrier-forming properties. Lanolin is produced by the sebaceous gland of wool-bearing animals as a waterproofing agent, intended to protect the skin and provide environmental protection during harsh climatic conditions. It is a complex mixture of esters, lanolin alcohols, and lanolin acids. It is a common skincare ingredient used today for its emollient properties which make it effective at locking moisture into the skin preventing water loss.
What is Lanolin?
Lanolin is composed of long-chain waxy esters. When used as a cosmetic ingredient, it is often separated into either a solid or an oil component. The resulting product is referred to as lanolin oil or lanolin wax. The long-chain waxy ester contains the same cholesterol molecules that are naturally present in human skin.
Skincare Benefits:
Lanolin provides many skin benefits. Is utilized in skincare as an occlusive, meaning it prevents water from evaporating from the dermis by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). One study found lanolin resulted in a 20-30% increase in moisture levels within the skin. It is especially useful in healing dry, cracked or chapped skin.
Is Lanolin cruelty-free?
The manufacturing process is cruelty-free as the extraction of the lanolin from the wool occurs after shearing, a process that removes excessive wool growth, and is necessary for the welfare of the animal. Sheep originally evolved to self-shed their wool, but modern breeds are incapable of doing so and are shorn every 6-12 months.
Is Lanolin Safe to Use?
Lanolin is safe to use on the skin. However, because of its popularity in treating cracked or damaged skin, there is a small potential it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause an allergic reaction. This study published in the British Journal of Dermatology concluded that sensitivity to lanolin has remained relatively low and at a constant rate even in patients with active eczema who are considered to be high risk for an allergy. If in doubt, it is advised that a patch test is done first, or anyone who is not sure avoids the use around broken skin.
Some of my favorite lanolin containing products include:
Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off
The Skinfood Black Sugar Mask is a wash-off mask that offers both physical and chemical exfoliation from black sugar granules. It also contains the skin-conditioning and hydrating ingredients lanolin, candelilla wax, macadamia seed oil, and shea butter.
You can read my full review here and can purchase from YESSTYLE, and .
Lanolips Balms
These multitasking balms penetrate the skin and seal in moisture. Containing 100% pure medical-grade lanolin, this balm is soothing and repairing for chapped lips, cuticles, nasal passages, and dry skin. According to the Lanolips website, the balms pure lanolin has a unique molecular structure that closely resembles and mimics the skin’s own lipid molecules.
Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm
This 100% lanolin balm is hydrating, nourishing and soothing for all types of dry, cracked, itchy or sensitive skin. My favourite thing about this balm is the non-sticky, comfortable feeling it leaves on the lips and the beautiful healthy-looking sheen it gives.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant
This fragrance-free version of the original skin protectant balm is the original multi-use balm that acts as a hydrating and healing emollient. It can be used for numerous different skin ailments; dry patches, raw hands from over-washing, and dry heels and elbows. This balm has been a staple in my medicine cabinet for many years.
Sources:
- A retrospective analysis of contact allergy to Lanolin. British Journal of Dermatology, 2001.
- Moisturizers: The slippery Road, Indian Journal of Dermatology, 2016.
- Science Direct Topics. Learn More about Lanolin.
- Lanolin and its derivatives. Journal of the American Oil and Chemistry Society, 1978.
- Lanolips website – https://lanolips.com
- Skinfood website – https://theskinfood.us
- Dr. Lipp website www.drlipp.com
