Lanolin — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: LANOLIN
Also known as: Wool Wax, Wool Alcohol, Adeps Lanae
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 8006-54-0
- Category
- emollient
- Risk Level
- medium
- Common Allergen
- Yes
- Found In
- lip balm, moisturizer, nipple cream, hair products
Is Lanolin safe in cosmetics?
Lanolin is rated medium risk in cosmetic products. It is a known allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Particularly common allergen in people with eczema/atopic dermatitis. Safer alternatives include Squalane, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter. Commonly found in lip balm, moisturizer, nipple cream.
What is Lanolin?
Natural wax from sheep wool. Excellent moisturizer but common allergen.
Allergy & Safety Information
Lanolin is generally safe for most people but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you experience redness, itching, or swelling after using a product with this ingredient, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
This ingredient carries moderate allergenicity risk. It can cause reactions in sensitised individuals but has a lower sensitisation rate than high-risk ingredients. Patch testing before full use is advisable for anyone with a history of cosmetic reactions.
About Emollient Ingredients
Emollients soften and smooth skin by filling gaps between skin cells and reducing transepidermal water loss. They form the backbone of most moisturisers, creams, and lotions. Most emollients are well-tolerated, but some — particularly plant-derived oils — contain proteins or compounds that can cause reactions in sensitised individuals.
Relevance for Lanolin: Emollients derived from nuts (shea butter, macadamia oil), latex cross-reactive fruits (avocado oil), or highly fragrant plants (rosehip, sea buckthorn) carry higher allergenicity than refined synthetic emollients like squalane or dimethicone.
How to Identify Lanolin in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Lanolin, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Lip balm, Moisturizer, Nipple cream, Hair products. These product categories are the most common sources of Lanolin exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Lanolin? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Lanolin and other allergens automatically.
Cross-Reactions
If you react to Lanolin, you may also react to:
Safer Alternatives
These ingredients serve a similar function with lower allergy risk:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lanolin safe for sensitive skin?
Lanolin may cause reactions in some sensitive individuals. Patch testing is advisable.
What products contain Lanolin?
Lanolin is commonly found in lip balm, moisturizer, nipple cream, hair products.
What does Lanolin do in cosmetics?
Lanolin functions as a emollient in formulations. Particularly common allergen in people with eczema/atopic dermatitis.
Related Guides
Top 10 Cosmetic Allergens
Is Lanolin on the list? See the full clinical ranking.
Ceramide Moisturizers & Barrier Repair
How ceramide moisturizers repair the skin barrier.
How to Read Ingredient Labels
Decode INCI names and find hidden allergens in your products.
Find Your Skin Allergy Trigger
Step-by-step elimination method to identify your trigger.
Contact Dermatitis Guide
Symptoms, causes, patch testing, and treatment options.
Is Lanolin causing YOUR skin reactions?
SkinDetekt tracks your products and reactions to find your personal triggers. Download the app to find out.
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