Lanolin
Also known as: Wool Wax, Wool Fat, Adeps Lanae
What is Lanolin?
A natural wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep, extracted from raw wool. It closely mimics human skin lipids.
Why is it used in products?
It's one of the most effective natural emollients around — it can absorb twice its weight in water, making it a go-to for heavy-duty moisturizing.
Why does it clog pores?
Lanolin's thick, waxy consistency creates a dense occlusive seal over pores. While that's great for trapping moisture, it also traps sebum and dead skin cells underneath. It consistently tests as highly comedogenic across dermatological studies.
Commonly found in
- lip balms
- nipple creams
- hand creams
- ointments