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.

---

lanolin British  

/ ˈlænəlɪn, ˈlænəˌleɪtɪd, -ˌliːn, ˈlænəlɪn /

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

---

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.

---

Other Word Forms

• lanolated
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of lanolin

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

Example Sentences

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

The texture is rich and mouth filling, with lanolin and beeswax.

From Washington Post • Jun. 2, 2022

The yarn from the Tibetan sheep is unusually strong and springy and is renowned for being rich in lanolin, a natural stain barrier.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 13, 2021

There were collections of sheep T-shirts; large tubs of lanolin cream; and wooly coats, socks, and hats with ram’s horns.

From "The Sea of Monsters" by Rick Riordan