lanolin

noun

lan·​o·​lin ˈla-nə-lən 

: wool grease especially when refined for use in ointments and cosmetics

Examples of lanolin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This drugstore darling is a versatile medicine cabinet staple for its mix of petroleum jelly, mineral oil, glycerin, and lanolin that acts as an all-in-one humectant, emollient, and occlusive to ensure your skin stays soft and plump. —Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 6 Dec. 2024

Its star ingredient is lanolin, an oil from sheep’s wool that’s often used in skin care products to moisturize and relieve itchiness. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 4 Nov. 2024

Those prone to allergies might opt for this one, as alpaca wool is hypoallergenic, having only traces of lanolin compared to sheep’s wool. —Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 11 Oct. 2024

But for those who are more sensitive, anything of mammalian origin is off the table: dairy, wool, gelatin, lanolin, and even more obscure products such as magnesium stearate, a fat derivative often found in pills and drug capsules. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin lana wool + International Scientific Vocabulary -ol entry 3 + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lanolin

noun

lan·​o·​lin ˈlan-ᵊl-ən 

: the fatty coating of sheep's wool especially when purified for use in ointments and cosmetics

Medical Definition

lanolin

noun

lan·​o·​lin ˈlan-ᵊl-ən 

: a yellowish sticky unctuous mass of refined wool grease that can be absorbed by the skin, contains from 25 to 30 percent incorporated water, and is used chiefly in ointments and cosmetics

called also adeps lanae, hydrous wool fat