Ingredient glossary / Occlusive
Lanolin
On the label: Lanolin · Occlusive
What it is
The wax from sheep's wool, close to human skin lipids; an FDA skin protectant used on cracked lips and nursing nipples. Not vegan; a contact allergen for a few.
Occlusives: Occlusives sit on the surface and slow water loss; petrolatum and waxes are the strongest.
Wikidata: Yellow waxy substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals. Q911098 →
In the research
251 PubMed papers mention it with skin, cosmetics or hair; the three most recent:
- Lanolin · , 2006
- The association of race and ethnicity with patch test results: North American Contact Dermatitis Group data, 2007-2020 · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2026
- Subcutaneous platelet-rich plasma and topical graphitic carbon nitride in a lanolin carrier enhance healing of surgically induced cutaneous wounds in dogs · BMC veterinary research, 2026
A paper is a paper, not a verdict: titles are listed so you can read them, and a study on cells or mice says little about a cream on a face.
Products whose label lists it
2 on the siteMatched from the ingredient list the supplier printed; the position in the list (first or thirtieth) is on each product page.
Made in the USA
Made in the USAOther occlusives
Dew & Balm describes ingredients from the public record and makes no claim about what a product will do for you. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. If a product causes a reaction, stop using it; a reaction that spreads or affects breathing is a call to a doctor or 911.