13 Facts About Lanolin

Lanolin, called wool yolk, wool wax, or wool grease, is a wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals.

Lanolin used by humans comes from domestic sheep breeds that are raised specifically for their wool.

Lanolin derivatives obtained from these processes are used widely in both high-value cosmetics and skin treatment products.

Lanolin alcohols are a rich source of cholesterol and are powerful water-in-oil emulsifiers; they have been used extensively in skincare products for over 100 years.

Lanolin attracted attention owing to a misunderstanding concerning its sensitising potential.

Lanolin is found in lubricants, rust-preventive coatings, shoe polish, and other commercial products.

Lanolin is a relatively common allergen and is often misunderstood as a wool allergy.

Lanolin is used commercially in many industrial products ranging from rustproof coatings to lubricants.

Lanolin can be restored to woollen garments to make them water and dirt repellent, such as for cloth diaper covers.

Lanolin is sometimes used by people on continuous positive airway pressure therapy to reduce irritation with masks, particular nasal pillow masks that can often create sore spots in the nostrils.

Lanolin is a popular additive to moustache wax, particularly 'extra-firm' varieties.

Lanolin is used as a primary lubricating component in aerosol-based brass lubricants in the ammunition reloading process.

Lanolin is extracted by washing the wool in hot water with a special wool scouring detergent to remove dirt, wool grease, suint, and anything else stuck to the wool.