Lanolin Alcohol

Lanolin alcohol is a complex blend of sterols and long-chain fatty alcohols refined from wool wax. Creams and balms use it as a rich emollient and texture stabilizer, enhancing slip, cushioning the surface, and limiting water evaporation.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A wool-derived emollient that softens skin and seals in moisture.
Category
Barrier Support, Skin Conditioning, Hydration
Type
Emollient

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

Low

Skin Benefits

Softens rough, flaky areas and helps reinforce the skin's protective layer to ease dryness and discomfort. Adds a cushioned feel that improves overall skin comfort.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Often included in thick creams, ointments, and lip balms aimed at very dry or chapped skin. Also found in barrier repair moisturizers and hand creams.

Comedogenic Rating

Lanolin Alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2. It has a low likelihood of clogging pores but may not suit all skin types.

Safety

Generally well tolerated, but contact allergy can occur in individuals sensitive to lanolin derivatives. Patch test if you have a history of wool/lanolin allergy. No widely applicable regulatory restrictions for typical cosmetic use.

Is Lanolin Alcohol a Good Ingredient?

Rated Good as a highly effective occlusive emollient that softens rough patches and supports the skin barrier, with excellent stability and strong texture-boosting properties in rich formulas. Contact allergy risk in lanolin-sensitive users is what keeps it from Great.

Products with Lanolin Alcohol

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