lanolin

American  

[lan-l-in] / ˈlæn l ɪn /

Also lanoline

noun

1. a fatty substance, extracted from wool, used in ointments, cosmetics, waterproof coatings, etc.

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lanolin British  

/ ˈlænəlɪn, ˈlænəlɪn, -ˌliːn /

noun

1. Also called: wool fat. a yellowish viscous substance extracted from wool, consisting of a mixture of esters of fatty acids: used in some ointments

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lanolin Scientific  

/ lăn′ə-lĭn /

1. A yellowish-white wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep to coat wool. Lanolin is composed of esters and polyesters of almost seventy alcohols and fatty acids. Since it is easily absorbed by the skin, it is used in soaps, cosmetics, and ointments.

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Other Word Forms

• lanolated
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of lanolin

1880–85; < Latin lān ( a ) wool + -ol ² + -in ²

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lanolin

Traditionally, vitamin D3 in supplements has often come from lanolin obtained from sheep's wool.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 8, 2026

Croda was founded in 1925 when George Crowe and Henry Dawe began producing lanolin, a waxy substance made from sheep's wool.

From BBC ● Dec. 14, 2025

Flamingo Estate blends anti-inflammatory and skin-restoring manuka honey with hydrating lanolin and shea butter for an ultra-rich yet cloud-like cream that you can use on your hands or anywhere that needs some extra love.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 20, 2025

Keeping your skin well-moisturized strengthens it and makes it less likely to become itchy, so look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, lanolin and shea butter.

From Washington Post ● Feb. 13, 2023

But, no, the smell was one I remembered from kindergarten field trips to the petting zoo— lanolin, like from wool.

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan

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