Is Lanolin vegan?
Not vegan
No — lanolin is grease squeezed from sheared sheep's wool.
Also listed as: wool wax, wool grease
Why
It is a wool industry by-product used in nipple creams, lip balms, ointments and as the raw material for most vitamin D3.
What to check on the label
- Lanolin or lanolin alcohol
- Cholecalciferol source
- Lip and skin balms
Swap it for
Shea butterPlant squalaneCandelilla balms
Questions people ask
Is lanolin cruelty-free because sheep survive?
Shearing at industrial scale involves mulesing, rough handling and eventual slaughter, so vegans avoid it.
Best plant substitute in balm?
Shea butter plus candelilla wax gives a similar occlusive feel.