Lanolin

OKemollient

A waxy substance from sheep's wool, acting as an emollient and occlusive to moisturize and protect skin.

What does Lanolin do for skin?

Lanolin primarily functions as an occlusive emollient, forming a semi-occlusive film on the stratum corneum to significantly reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), thereby preventing skin dehydration. It also exhibits humectant properties, drawing moisture from the environment into the skin, and acts as a moisturizer by filling intercellular spaces, which helps restore the skin barrier function and improve skin softness and flexibility.

Typical concentration: Lanolin is typically used in cosmetic formulations at concentrations ranging from 2% to 50%, with lower concentrations (2-10%) common for general moisturizers and higher concentrations (up to 50% or more) in targeted barrier creams, lip balms, or nipple creams.

Is Lanolin safe?

Lanolin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for topical use as an OTC skin protectant. The CIR Expert Panel has deemed lanolin and lanolin-derived ingredients safe in cosmetics. While generally well-tolerated, it has a known, albeit low, potential for causing allergic contact dermatitis, particularly in individuals with pre-existing skin conditions or compromised skin barriers.

What does the research say about Lanolin?

Regulatory Info

Status: Approved
Restrictions: Lanolin is a refined derivative of the unctuous fat-like sebaceous secretion of sheep. It consists of a highly complex mixture of esters of high molecular weight aliphatic, steroid or triterpenoid alcohols and fatty acids
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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lanolin do in skincare?+

A waxy substance from sheep's wool, acting as an emollient and occlusive to moisturize and protect skin. Lanolin primarily functions as an occlusive emollient, forming a semi-occlusive film on the stratum corneum to significantly reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), thereby preventing skin dehydration. It also exhibits humectant properties, drawing moisture from the environment into the skin, and acts as a moisturizer by filling intercellular spaces, which helps restore the skin barrier function and improve skin softness and flexibility.

Is Lanolin safe for sensitive skin?+

Lanolin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for topical use as an OTC skin protectant. The CIR Expert Panel has deemed lanolin and lanolin-derived ingredients safe in cosmetics. While generally well-tolerated, it has a known, albeit low, potential for causing allergic contact dermatitis, particularly in individuals with pre-existing skin conditions or compromised skin barriers.

What percentage of Lanolin should I look for?+

Look for products with Lanolin is typically used in cosmetic formulations at concentrations ranging from 2% to 50%, with lower concentrations (2-10%) common for general moisturizers and higher concentrations (up to 50% or more) in targeted barrier creams, lip balms, or nipple creams. for clinical efficacy.

Further Reading