Lanolin

Lanolin is a waxy, yellowish substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep to condition and waterproof their wool. It is extracted from raw wool after shearing, typically during the scouring process where the fleece is washed with detergents and hot water. Consumers encounter lanolin most often in skincare products, lip balms, nipple creams for breastfeeding, and some cosmetics, where it is valued as a natural emollient.

In commercial practice, raw wool contains about 5–25% lanolin by weight, which is recovered by centrifuging the wash water. The crude lanolin is then refined through bleaching, deodorising, and sometimes hydrogenation to produce anhydrous lanolin or its derivatives. It is widely used in ointments, lotions, and soaps because it closely resembles human sebum, allowing it to penetrate and moisturise skin effectively. The global lanolin market processes millions of kilograms annually, sourced primarily from Australia, New Zealand, and China.

For consumers, lanolin offers a highly effective, naturally derived moisturiser, but it is not suitable for everyone. People with wool allergies or sensitive skin may experience contact dermatitis, and lanolin is not vegan as it is a byproduct of the sheep industry. Those seeking plant-based alternatives can use shea butter, coconut oil, or jojoba oil, which provide similar emollient properties without animal-derived ingredients. The ethical nuance lies in lanolin being a byproduct of wool production, which itself raises welfare concerns about sheep farming practices.