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What Is Lanolin and Is It Bad for Your Skin?

What Is Lanolin and Is It Bad for Your Skin?
Heard of lanolin? Used for centuries for its moisturizing properties, this unassuming little ingredient is found in everything from skin care products to personal care products. But what exactly is this substance and is it beneficial or harmful? As you’ll soon discover, there’s more to learn about the effects of this wool-derived ingredient on your skin. Let’s dive into the details.Β 
01

What Exactly is Lanolin?

Lanolin is a waxy substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep that gives wool its natural waterproof coating. This natural wax is then extracted through a purification process where the wool is scoured, washed, and then centrifuged to concentrate the lanolin.1 Chemically, it’s a complex mixture of esters, fatty acids, and alcohols, which collectively create a substance known for its hydrating qualities. This composition is responsible for lanolin's extraordinary ability to hold up to 400% of its weight in water, making it an exceptional emollient.2 The molecular structure of lanolin closely resembles that of human skin oils, which is why it integrates seamlessly into the skin barrier, enhancing its ability to prevent moisture loss.

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Due to its excellent emollient properties, lanolin acts as a moisturizer that soothes and softens the skin. How? By forming an occlusive barrier that physically traps water in the skin by creating a seal over its surface.3 This prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is the evaporation of water from the skin’s deeper layers to the external environment. By limiting TEWL, lanolin helps maintain the skin's hydration levels, keeping it moist and supple further helping to prevent chapped and dry skin.4 Because of these characteristics, lanolin is widely used in creams, balms, and ointments intended for dry, rough, or cracked skin.

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Lanolin use extends beyond personal care. In the pharmaceutical industry, it’s employed as a base for ointments, creams, and salves as the viscous nature ensures these products maintain a consistent texture and don’t separate over time. Lanolin also enhances the skin's absorption of active ingredients by increasing their contact time with the skin and providing a medium through which they can be evenly distributed and absorbed.5 In cosmetics, it enhances the texture and application properties of products like lipsticks and makeup bases, further proving its versatility.

02

Concerns with Lanolin in Skincare

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While lanolin is celebrated for its benefits, it’s not without its problems. A lot of people wonder, β€œWhy is lanolin bad for skin?” One of the most significant concerns is its potential to cause allergic reactions. The allergic reaction to lanolin typically manifests as contact dermatitis,6 which includes symptoms such as:

These symptoms usually occur at the site of application but can also spread to other areas. The severity can vary depending on individual sensitivity and the amount of lanolin used. These reactions are believed to be triggered by the impurities present in less refined forms of lanolin rather than by the purified lanolin itself.7

Another issue with lanolin is its comedogenic nature. The texture and viscosity of lanolin can be problematic for those with large pores or oily skin types as its thick, waxy consistency can be too heavy for some skin types. For these skin types, lanolin may fill and block pores, particularly in areas where sebum production is high or where dead skin cells may not be shedding adequately.8 This can lead to the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), which can further develop into inflammatory acne if bacteria grow in these blocked pores. Thus, lanolin is regarded as moderately comedogenic for its propensity towards this pore-blocking behavior. Understanding its comedogenic properties is crucial for those seeking to manage clear and healthy skin. One way to account for these properties is to forgo lanolin and opt for a skin care product that is non-comedogenic – such as the products produced by OneSkin.

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03

Seeking Lanolin-Free Alternatives

Given the potential drawbacks associated with lanolin, you might want to consider a lanolin-free alternative. The following ingredients are particularly beneficial if you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin, providing similar moisturizing benefits to lanolin with very little risk of an allergic reaction or comedogenic effects:
  • Shea Butter:
    A fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, commonly used in cosmetics for its rich moisturizing properties as well as its anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe irritated skin and may reduce redness and swelling.9
  • Squalane: A lightweight, non-greasy oil that mimics the skin's natural sebum, making it an excellent moisturizer that doesn’t clog pores. Squalane also has antioxidant properties, helping to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals
    .10
  • Jojoba Oil: Resembles the sebum that human skin produces, which allows it to enhance the skin’s moisture barrier without triggering acne. Jojoba oil is also rich in anti-inflammatory and healing properties, which makes it beneficial for skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis [11].
  • Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant that attracts and holds onto water molecules, making hyaluronic acid one of the best ingredients for hydration, particularly it helps to plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles [12]. It’s also one of the key supporting ingredients in our daily facial moisturizer, OS-01 FACE
OneSkin prioritizes the health and safety of your skin, creating products that are non-comedogenic and lanolin-free. While lanolin may have benefits in some specific circumstances, it doesn’t outweigh the risks for some people.Β 
04

Making Informed Skin Care Choices

To safeguard your skin’s health, it is essential to be diligent about reading product labels. Avoiding lanolin and other potentially harmful ingredients is crucial to maintaining the health of your skin. Key ingredients to be cautious of include comedogenic substances that might clog pores, drying alcohols, and fragrances that can trigger allergic reactions or irritation. Additionally, be wary of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, which have been associated with various health concerns, from skin irritation to more serious hormonal disruptions. Educating yourself about the ingredients in your skincare products can prevent unwanted skin reactions and promote long-term skin health.
While lanolin can be an effective moisturizer, its potential to cause allergic reactions and clog pores makes it unsuitable for some. By carefully reading ingredients and opting for lanolin-free alternatives, including OneSkin’s line of products, you can achieve healthier skin.Β 
Key Takeaways:
  • Benefits in Skincare and Beyond: Lanolin serves as an effective moisturizer in skincare by forming an occlusive barrier that traps water and maintains the skin's hydration
  • Potential for Allergic Reactions: Despite its benefits, lanolin can cause allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis, characterized by redness, itching, swelling, and rashes
  • Comedogenic Concerns: Lanolin's thick, waxy consistency may clog pores, particularly in individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. This can lead to the formation of comedones and exacerbate acne, making lanolin a potential issue for those with certain skin types
  • Lanolin-Free Alternatives: For those with sensitive skin, acne prone skin, or concerned about lanolin’s comedogenic properties, alternatives like shea butter, squalane, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid offer similar moisturizing benefits without the associated risks
  • Informed Skincare Choices: Examine skincare labels carefully and be cautious of not only lanolin but also other potentially harmful ingredients such as certain alcohols, fragrances, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, talc, petrolatum, and paraffin.

By Felix Tajanko: Felix is studying Bioengineering at the University of California - San Diego and is passionate about scientific writing as well as the research of menopausal endocrinology and microhemodynamics.
References

Last Updated April 24, 2025

Reviewed by

Alessandra Zonari

Alessandra Zonari

PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin

Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.