Is Lanolin Cruelty-Free? The Truth Behind Sourcing

Today’s beauty shoppers care about more than results — they want products that align with their values. So, is lanolin cruelty-free? The short answer: yes, when sourced responsibly.


Where Lanolin Comes From

  • Lanolin is a by-product of sheep’s wool.
  • Sheep are sheared annually to prevent overheating and health issues.
  • During cleaning, lanolin (wool grease) is extracted and purified.

Why It’s Cruelty-Free

  • No sheep are harmed or killed in the process.
  • Shearing is necessary for their welfare.
  • Many farms (like those in Australia and New Zealand) follow strict welfare standards.

Vegan vs. Cruelty-Free

  • Lanolin is not vegan (it’s animal-derived).

  • But it is cruelty-free, as it comes from wool that sheep naturally grow and need to shed.


QUILT’s Commitment

We believe effective skincare should also be responsible. That’s why we focus on ethical sourcing — see more on our Sustainability page.


Key Takeaway

Lanolin is cruelty-free, renewable, and animal-safe when responsibly sourced — making it one of the most ethical moisturizers in beauty.


Next read: Is Lanolin Vegan? Why It’s Not — And the Alternatives

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