murphyLanolin Acid
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Lanolin fatty acids, Wool wax acids
Synthetic
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Barrier Lipid
Acid
Clean
Origin-Derived
Fatty acids, lanolin
CAS #
68424-43-1
Form
Liquid
State
Solid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Allergen Warning
⚠️ Lanolin (Wool)
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
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.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 250)
Mixed Sensitization Results
3 studies / 1 sensitizing / 1 mixed / 1 not sensitizing / plus 1 case report (CIR 250 and 889)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions mild to severe (CIR 250)
Skin Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions mild (CIR 250)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.04%
Rinse-off0.04–0.05%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2022 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR