How Lanolin Is Made – From Wool to Skincare
Share
Lanolin feels like a modern skincare secret, but it actually comes from something timeless: sheep’s wool. The journey from wool grease to ultra-pure, medical-grade lanolin is fascinating — and it’s one of the reasons lanolin works so well (and safely) on skin.
Step 1: Where Lanolin Starts
- Lanolin is a waxy oil naturally produced by sheep to keep their wool soft and water-resistant.
- It’s secreted by sebaceous glands in the skin (similar to human sebum).
Step 2: Extraction After Shearing
- Sheep are sheared once a year (a healthy, necessary process).
- Wool is washed (scoured) to remove dirt, sweat salts, and wool grease (lanolin).
Step 3: Refining into Pure Lanolin
- The raw wool grease undergoes a multi-step refining process.
- Impurities, pesticides, and odor-causing compounds are filtered out.
- For skincare and medical use, lanolin must meet ultra-pure, medical-grade standards — hypoallergenic and safe even for nursing mothers.
Why Purity Matters
Raw lanolin is sticky, smelly, and not safe for direct use. Only purified lanolin has the silky, skin-friendly qualities that make it a star in products like The Balm.
FAQs
Is lanolin vegan?
No — it comes from sheep’s wool, though sheep are not harmed in the process.
What’s the difference between medical-grade and cosmetic-grade lanolin?
Medical-grade is more highly refined and safe for sensitive uses (like nipple creams).
Does the process harm sheep?
No — lanolin is a by-product of shearing, which is essential for sheep health.
Key Takeaway
From wool to skincare, lanolin’s journey is a story of natural chemistry and careful refinement — making it one of the most effective, safe moisturizers in the world.
Next read: The Chemistry of Lanolin: Why It Works Like Skin’s Own Oils