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

It’s packed with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and panthenol, plus occlusives like petrolatum and lanolin that seal all the goodness in, Dr. Spizuoco says. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 18 Mar. 2025

For centuries, terrestrial animal fats—beef tallow, lard, and lanolin—were staples in skin care. —Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 14 Mar. 2025

If your goal is hydration, Kopelman recommends occlusive products that include ingredients like lanolin, petrolatum, and beeswax, like Aquaphor and Vaseline. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2025

Its star ingredient is lanolin, which is known for its major soothing abilities. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 14 Jan. 2025

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