Lanolin Is the Dry Skin-Reviving Ingredient Derms Want You to Know About

Those with dry skin—year-round or only during the colder months—know that finding moisturizing products can sometimes be easier said than done, as the market is crowded with ingredient options, from hyaluronic acid to ceramides. But one skincare ingredient that soothes and prevents dry, chapped skin and lips while restoring much-needed hydration doesn't get enough love—lanolin.

If you're intrigued by any ingredient that can serve as MVP in your dry skin routine, lanolin may be the ingredient your skin has been asking for. Lanolin is an emollient moisturizer, meaning it reduces water loss from the skin. Plus, its properties are similar to the natural oils skin secretes, making for easy absorption. To answer your questions about lanolin, including side effects and best uses, we tapped expert dermatologists Dendy Engelman, MD, functional physician Frank Lipman, MD, facial aesthetic medicine specialist Maryam Zamani, MD, and cosmetic chemist Shilpi Jain, MS. Keep scrolling to learn more about the benefits of this powerhouse skincare ingredient.

What Is Lanolin?

Lanolin is an oil produced by sheep and can be found in their shorn wool. This beneficial oil keeps their wool coats waterproof and deodorized. In its pure form, it looks like a yellow-colored, waxy substance. Despite its oily nature and power to keep skin hydrated from the outside in, it won't clog pores: "It's soothing for dry, chapped skin and also protects against cold, harsh weather conditions," says Lipman, who calls lanolin a "winter skin wonder." He also explains that lanolin's coating effect keeps moisture from being drawn out and allows the skin to breathe. 

Lanolin has been used since ancient Greek times and is a multi-faceted asset that is becoming more popular when formulating moisturizing skincare products. Since it is an emollient ingredient, lanolin is an excellent option for sealing moisture into the skin—making it perfect for the winter months or dry skin types.

How Is It Made?

Lanolin is derived from oil secreted by sheep to condition their wool. Lanolin is then collected when the wool is sheared. From there, it is purified and refined for usage in moisturizing cosmetic products, including lip balms, cuticle creams, and more.

Benefits of Lanolin for Skin

Every dry skin woe—from tight, cracked skin to rough, scaly patches—could benefit from lanolin. Ahead, the full list of uses:

• Lightweight feel: Lanolin forms a non-occlusive barrier, which means it doesn't smother the skin or feel too heavy. It can even be used as a makeup remover.
• Incredibly healing: Its emollient properties soften and heal aggravated areas by forming an oily layer on the top of the skin. Those with dry, scaly patches are likely to find relief.
• Retains moisture: Lanolin is fantastic at keeping moisture trapped within the skin. Its emollient nature makes it a key ingredient in many face creams, as it amps up the moisturizing properties of other ingredients: "It is widely prevalent in skincare for its emollient and film-forming properties as it has a waxy feel to it," says Jain. "It has been used for its moisturizing, soothing, humectant, and emulsifying properties in thick creams for face and body."
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Since lanolin does retain so much moisture, it may plump the skin and fill in fine lines and face wrinkles, which makes it successful when formulating anti-aging products.
• Heals chapped lips: Lanolin can penetrate the moisture barrier of the lips, as opposed to just sitting right on top. This makes it an excellent option for healing dry, chapped lips. Lanolin is also featured in many overnight lip masks—giving you plump, hydrated lips while you sleep.
• Heals dry or chapped nipples: Because of its ability to penetrate the moisture barrier of the skin, lanolin can be used to help heal chapped nipples (particularly important for those who breastfeed).
• Can help keep wrinkles at bay: Its ability to heal dry skin makes lanolin a prime ingredient for those looking to treat fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
• Acts as a makeup remover: Often seen as an ingredient in makeup removers, lanolin can help remove makeup without stripping the skin, thanks to its occlusive properties.
• Helps protect the scalp and hair: There are numerous benefits of using lanolin for hair, which include enhancing the natural moisture in the hair and scalp.

Risks and Side Effects of Lanolin

Though lanolin is generally safe to use, experts say these are potential side effects to look out for:

• Could cause an allergic reaction: If you are allergic to wool, you should steer clear of lanolin, since it is wool-derived. According to Maryam Zamani, MD, you should avoid lanolin if you have congested pores. "If you have blocked pores or problem skin, I would avoid using any products containing lanolin on your skin," she says.
• May be irritating to sensitive skin: Jain adds that lanolin can irritate sensitive skin types and may cause allergic reactions on cracked skin. "Lanolin Alcohol is the primary ingredient used in skincare," says Jain. "It is mostly used in medicated ointments for cracked skin, eczema, burns and scrapes and many other conditions; however, rather than healing, it can cause severe allergic reaction due to its occlusive nature and being slightly comedogenic."
• If used too frequently, it could lead to oily skin: Those with oily skin can also benefit from lanolin but may want to apply it in sparse amounts to avoid an overproduction of oil. You can prevent widespread allergic reactions and product sensitivities by doing a patch test.

How to Use It

The correct way to utilize lanolin varies, depending on the product that the ingredient is featured. Make sure to correctly read the instructions and always perform a patch test before adding any new products to your regular skincare routine.

In general, lanolin can be used daily and is found in many different skincare products and formulations. You will likely reap the most benefits by applying your chosen product and leaving it on overnight—or for an extended period—while lanolin penetrates the skin to aid in moisture retention.