Lanolin & Sustainability – How Ethical Sourcing Works
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In today’s beauty world, ingredients must do more than work — they must also align with values. One of the biggest questions we hear: Is lanolin sustainable and cruelty-free? The answer is yes, when sourced responsibly.
How Lanolin Is Collected
- Lanolin is a by-product of wool shearing.
- Sheep are shorn once a year for their health — removing lanolin-rich wool in the process.
- The lanolin is then extracted from the wool grease during cleaning.
Why It’s Considered Cruelty-Free
- No sheep are harmed or killed for lanolin.
- Shearing is necessary to prevent overheating and health issues.
- Responsible farms follow high animal welfare standards.
Sustainability Benefits
- Renewable: Sheep naturally regrow wool (and lanolin) annually.
- Low waste: Uses a by-product of the wool industry that would otherwise be discarded.
- Longevity: Lanolin is stable and long-lasting, reducing product waste.
QUILT’s Take
We believe effective beauty can also be responsible. Learn more about how we prioritize sustainability on our Sustainability page and why lanolin aligns with our long-term values.
FAQs
Is lanolin vegan?
No — but it is cruelty-free when ethically sourced.
Does lanolin farming hurt sheep?
No — shearing is required for their well-being.
Why choose lanolin over synthetics?
Because it’s renewable, effective, and naturally aligned with human skin.
Key Takeaway
Lanolin is a renewable, cruelty-free by-product that fits seamlessly into modern sustainability values when sourced responsibly.
Next read: Is Lanolin Comedogenic? What It Means for Your Skin