Lanolin Alcohol
The alcohol (sterol and aliphatic alcohol) fraction of lanolin, distinct from whole lanolin, used as a rich emollient and water-in-oil emulsion stabilizer.
Also known as: wool wax alcohols, lanolin alcohols
Benefits
- ✓Rich occlusive emollient that softens and conditions skin
- ✓Helps stabilize water-in-oil emulsions
Watch for
- ⚠Potential sensitizer; lanolin allergy affects a subset of the population
- ⚠Not suitable for vegan formulations
In depth
What it does
The alcohol (sterol and aliphatic alcohol) fraction of lanolin, distinct from whole lanolin, used as a rich emollient and water-in-oil emulsion stabilizer. As an emollient ingredient, it is particularly valued for rich occlusive emollient that softens and conditions skin and helps stabilize water-in-oil emulsions.
Skin type guide
Best suited to normal, dry, or combination skin. Lightweight emollients work for oily skin too — richer ones are best reserved for dry and very dry skin types.
How to use it
Works best as a later step in your routine, after water-based serums and treatments. Emollients help seal in earlier layers, so their placement matters — put lighter textures on first.
Products with Lanolin Alcohol
Moisturizer
Moisturizer
Moisturizer
Moisturizer
Moisturizer