Lanolin
Also known as: wool wax, wool grease, adeps lanae, lanolin alcohol, acetylated lanolin
A natural waxy substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep to waterproof their wool. Lanolin is an excellent emollient used in lip balms, nipple creams, and moisturizers, but it is a common allergen and may contain pesticide residues from sheep dipping.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Lanolin.
Low risk for non-allergic individuals. Excellent moisturizer when tolerated.
Daily use is fine for those without lanolin sensitivity. Monitor for redness or irritation.
Low concern for tolerant individuals. Allergic individuals should avoid completely.
Health Risks
Common contact allergen affecting an estimated 1-6% of the general population. Cross-reacts with wool alcohol allergy.
Contact Dermatitis, 2001 — lanolin allergy prevalence in patch-tested patients
May contain pesticide residues from organophosphate and pyrethroid sheep dips, depending on sourcing.
Cosmetic-grade lanolin can be contaminated with detergent residues from the purification process.
Global Regulatory Status
How lanolin is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
Why Brands Use Lanolin
Superb emollient that closely mimics human skin lipids. Creates a protective, moisturizing barrier and softens dry, cracked skin.
26
products in our database
10
brands use it
3
product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose lanolin because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like shea butter, cocoa butter, plant-derived squalane deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Lanolin in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing lanolin in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
Products Containing Lanolin
These popular products list lanolin in their ingredient labels. Tap any card to see the full ingredient breakdown and safety analysis.
And 14 more products in our database.
The Worst Offender vs Numbrrrz
Here's how the lowest-scoring product containing lanolin compares to Numbrrrz.
Carmex Cherry Lip Balm
Carmex
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz is lanolin-free. Our lip balms use organic coconut oil and organic jojoba oil for emollient moisture, and beeswax for barrier protection — no lanolin allergen risk.
FAQ
Is lanolin safe for lips?
Is lanolin vegan?
Can lanolin contain pesticides?
What are the symptoms of lanolin allergy?
What are other names for lanolin on labels?
Does Numbrrrz use lanolin?
See How These Brands Compare to Numbrrrz
Brands that use lanolin in their products — see how they stack up.
