• Highly emollient with exceptional moisture-retaining ability
• Forms a protective barrier on skin and lips
• Ideal for dry, cracked, or chapped skin conditions
• Compatible with waxes, oils, and active ingredients
• Enhances skin feel, gloss, and spreadability in balms

Lanolin – Deep-Emollient & Moisture Barrier for Dry Skin

 Lanolin is a wax-like substance naturally derived from the wool of sheep. Renowned for its intense moisturizing and barrier-repairing properties, Lanolin mimics human skin lipids, making it extremely compatible and effective for severely dry, rough, or irritated skin. It’s widely used in lip balms, hand creams, ointments, and baby care products. Lanolin forms a semi-occlusive film over the skin, preventing moisture loss while allowing the skin to breathe. Due to its rich texture, it’s best used in small amounts or in anhydrous formulations.

INCI Name: Lanolin

CAS Number: 8006-54-0

Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in oils and alcohol

Add Phase: Oil phase (heated)

pH Stability: Not applicable (anhydrous)

Processing Temperature: Up to 75°C

Appearance: Pale yellow, waxy, semi-solid

Odor: Mild natural/waxy odor

Molecular Formula: Complex mixture of sterols, fatty alcohols, esters

Molecular Weight: Variable

Flash Point: >200°C

Density: ~0.93 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Natural wax ester

Functional Groups: Esters, Alcohols

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Lip balms, ointments, hand creams, heel balms, baby care

• Usage Rate: 1% – 10% (higher in balms)
• Phase: Oil phase or melted with waxes
• Ideal For: Lip care, balms, ointments, barrier creams

🌿 Lanolin works best when combined with occlusives like beeswax or butters. For ultra-dry skin, layer over a humectant (like glycerin or hyaluronic acid) to seal in hydration. Excellent for lip balms, cracked heel formulas, and baby rash creams.

✔️ Best for very dry, cracked, and chapped skin

✔️ Safe for sensitive and baby skin in cosmetic grade

❗ May not be suitable for acne-prone skin due to heavy texture

1. Lip Balm for Dry Lips

Use 10% Lanolin with beeswax and Vitamin E for ultra-hydrating balm.

2. Baby Rash Cream

Combine with zinc oxide and calendula oil for barrier protection in diaper creams.

3. Cracked Heel Ointment

Formulate a thick base with 15% Lanolin, shea butter, and peppermint for healing cracked feet.

4. Hand Cream for Winter Skin

Add 2–5% Lanolin to emulsified hand cream for barrier repair.

5. Hair Gloss Pomade

Blend with castor oil for taming frizz and adding sheen to curly or damaged hair.

Serums
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Too occlusive for light serums.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Enhances richness and moisture retention.



Toners
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not water-compatible.



Face Masks
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Use in rinse-off or night masks.



Cleansers
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟧⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Used in balm cleansers only.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Adds gloss, can weigh hair down.



Deodorants
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟧⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Rarely used.



Eye Creams
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Only in night balms or very dry skin.



Shampoos
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in cleansing systems.



Soaps
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Adds conditioning in soap bars.



Conditioners
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Suitable for intensive repair conditioners.



Lip Balms
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – One of the best base ingredients for lips.



Body Butters
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Increases richness and barrier function.



Ointments
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Essential for occlusive healing formulas.

Q1: Is Lanolin vegan?

A1: No. Lanolin is derived from sheep wool, though it’s harvested without harming the animal.

Q2: Is Lanolin comedogenic?

A2: It has a low-to-moderate comedogenic rating, so avoid high % in acne-prone or facial use.

Q3: Can I use Lanolin alone as a balm?

A3: Yes, but it’s better mixed with waxes/oils for improved texture and spreadability.