Ingredient Directory
Low-Medium Evaluator Flag

Lanolin

Wool grease / Adeps Lanae

Safety Notes

Highly effective occlusive emollient; skin-compatible fatty acids and sterols; NOT vegan; sensitisation rate ~2.5% in eczema patients (lanolin alcohol component); CIR and SCCS have reviewed; medical-grade lanolin has lower allergen levels; flag for eczema patients; avoid in wool allergy (cross-reactivity disputed but precautionary)

Function & Common Use

Function

Emollient / Occlusive / Emulsifier

Category

Emollient

Common In

Nipple creams lip balms ultra-rich moisturisers

Origin

Animal (sheep wool)

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No limit

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked

Korea (MFDS)

No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked; verify if ingredient is used in a Korean functional cosmetic category

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lanolin safe to use in skincare?

Lanolin has a High concern rating. Highly effective occlusive emollient; skin-compatible fatty acids and sterols; NOT vegan; sensitisation rate ~2.5% in eczema patients (lanolin alcohol component); CIR and SCCS have reviewed; medical-grade lanolin has lower allergen levels; flag for eczema patients; avoid in wool allergy (cross-reactivity disputed but precautionary)

Is Lanolin allowed in India?

Lanolin is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. No concentration limit is specified for India.

What is Lanolin used for in cosmetics?

Lanolin functions as: Emollient / Occlusive / Emulsifier. It is commonly found in: Nipple creams lip balms ultra-rich moisturisers.

TCS Assessment
Low-Medium
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic ingredient; standard TGA cosmetic framework applies; no therapeutic goods listing required unless therapeutic claims are made
Canada (NHPID)
Not specifically listed as restricted cosmetic ingredient in NHPID source checked; standard Health Canada cosmetic notification applies

Identifiers

CAS8006-54-0
EC232-348-6

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