Many of you have probably heard of lanolin, also known as wool wax? The ingredient is often used in care products for dry skin and neurodermatitis, as well as for the care of sore nipples. However, the active ingredient is often controversial due to its potential allergen and for animal welfare reasons. Find out here exactly what is behind it and which sustainable alternatives with similar caring properties you can use instead.
What is lanolin?
Wool wax (INCI: Lanolin) is a natural wax that is obtained from the shorn wool of sheep. It consists mainly of fatty acids and cholesterol and has a water-repellent effect that protects the sheep from moisture and other environmental influences. The substance has a yellowish to brown color and a greasy, partly waxy consistency.
Thanks to its moisturizing and wound-healing properties, lanolin is used as an important ingredient in many skin care products such as creams, ointments, lip balms and hand creams for dry, cracked skin. It promotes skin regeneration and has a moisturizing effect, which is why it is often used in the care of neurodermatitis, eczema or psoriasis. Perhaps you also know the ingredient from products for the care of sore, inflamed nipples?
Why no lanolin?
Despite its positive properties, lanolin is a controversial ingredient.
A major reason for the criticism of lanolin is its increased allergy potential . It can cause skin reactions such as redness, itching or rashes in sensitive people. Due to this risk, lanolin was named "Allergen of the Year 2023" by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. (1)
In addition to the health aspects, lanolin is also repeatedly criticized for animal welfare reasons . Animal welfare organizations such as PETA also point out that chemicals are used in the breeding of sheep whose wool is used to produce lanolin. These chemicals, which are used to treat the wool or to combat parasites, can accumulate in the wool and thus directly in the lanolin obtained. (2)
To avoid these health risks and ethical concerns, more and more people are turning to products without lanolin.
Possible alternatives to lanolin in skin care products
There are a variety of vegetable oils that can be used as alternatives to lanolin and have similar positive properties:
Shea butter : Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, shea butter helps to intensively nourish and moisturize the skin.
Olive oil : A very mild vegetable oil that nourishes and softens the skin while protecting it from moisture loss.
Evening primrose oil : Particularly known for its anti-inflammatory properties, this oil is ideal for the care of sensitive and irritated skin, e.g. for the care of sore nipples or in cases of neurodermatitis.
Jojoba oil : Jojoba oil has a similar structure to the natural skin fat and helps to regenerate the skin and retain its moisture.
Cocoa butter : This butter is particularly rich in antioxidants and is ideal for caring for dry and stressed skin.
Our med balm is a rich care balm with 4.5% evening primrose oil, almond oil, organic jojoba oil, organic cocoa butter and organic shea butter. It is ideal for Daily use for very dry skin on hands, body or feet and as a wind and weather balm on cold days. Thanks to its rich formula, it is also ideal for lip care and as gentle care for irritated nipples during breastfeeding and is a sustainable alternative to lanolin ointments.
OUR EXPERT Charlotte I Midwife B.Sc.
SOURCES:
(1) Peta Deutschland eV: Lanolin: Sheep suffer for lanolin, wool fat and wax, 2022, available at https://www.peta.de/themen/wollwachs/
(2) Johnson H, Norman T, Adler BL, Yu J. Lanolin: The 2023 American Contact Dermatitis Society Allergen of the Year, Cutis, 2023, available at 112(2):78-81. doi: 10.12788/cutis.0825. PMID: 37820332.
