murphyLanolin
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Wool Wax
Synthetic
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Barrier Lipid
Not Clean
Lanolin is a refined derivative of the unctuous fat-like sebaceous secretion of sheep. It consists of a highly complex mixture of esters of high molecular weight aliphatic, steroid or triterpenoid alcohols and fatty acids
CAS #
8006-54-0
State
Semi-solid
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Lanolin (Wool)
Functions
Antistatic
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
—
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
—
CIR Safety Findings
Not Comedogenic
Product formulation test found no comedogenicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 889)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing / plus 5 case reports (CIR 250 and 889)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 250 and 889)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
2 studies / 1 irritating / 1 not irritating (CIR 250 and 889)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0099–40%
Rinse-off0.48–10%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2022 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · CIR