Used for centuries as a salve to soothe skin, lanolin is a sustainable, animal cruelty-free resource—and that makes it a perfect ingredient for today’s personal care products. Lanolips, an Australian company that leverages this special component in all of its skin and lip care products, is ready to expand its presence and product line in the US.

According to Lanolips Founder Kirsten Carriol, lanolin fits seamlessly into today’s personal care space.

“As we move toward all things clean and natural, lanolin is making a real comeback. Lanolin is 100% natural, animal cruelty-free—and it’s a sustainable resource, so it meets the demands of modern consumers’ socially-conscious and natural mindset.  On top of this, it has been tried and tested for over 2,000 years, which is important as consumers are becoming more suspicious of synthetics with fake claims.”

Lanolin is natural wax found on the wool of sheep that helps keep their coats protected and dry throughout the year. The wool grows continuously and if it’s not sheared annually, the fleece will become soiled - and too hot and heavy for the animal. 

“Lanolin is the animal-cruelty-free by-product of wool washing after shearing,” said Carriol, adding it is safe enough for newborn babies to digest, which makes it a natural alternative to synthetic and petroleum-based moisturizers and lip balms.  

Another bonus—lanolin is the only ingredient found in nature that is scientifically proven to mimic human skin oils, noted Carriol.

Stocked by retailers Ulta, Sephora Canada, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomindale’s, Free People and Urban Outfitters, Lanolips’ hero SKU is Lanolips 101 Ointment, which contains 100% pure, ultra-pure medical grade lanolin. 

“What makes this so special is the fact that it has over 100 uses, hence the name Lanolips 101 Ointment,” she told Happi. “First and foremost, it is the world’s most awarded lip balm that will moisturize your lips all day. But it is so much more than that – it can be used to soften dry cuticles, get dewy cheekbones, hydrate elbows, knees and heels, and even supercharge any moisturizer for maximum hydration.” 

Every product in the range contains lanolin, including its tinted lip balms, which combine pure lanolin plus pigment for a sheer, yet hydrating tint. The company also touts a Rose Gold 101 Ointment, which has pigments for a flush look on the cheeks.

Lanolips sources its lanolin from sheep farms in Australia and New Zealand.

“We feel strongly about our Australian heritage and more importantly, these are pesticide-free farms which treat their animals kindly,” said Carriol.

Brand owners like Lanolips know that when relying on natural ingredients, there can always be unexpected supply issues, and naturally, the wildfires in Australia have been on the minds, and hearts, of the entire company.

“Of course, as with anything occurring in nature, supply and demand does cause an issue at times and with the recent catastrophic wildfires blazing in Australia, the animals themselves are at risk so we are bracing ourselves for the domino effect of the impact.  However, our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with the people, farmers, and animals of Australia,” Carriol told Happi, noting that Lanolips had already donated $50,000 to the cause.  

Looking forward, Lanolips is ready to expand its product line with a new unisex balm, Minty 101 Ointment Multi-Balm. This formulation combines lanolin with vitamin E, “the gold-standard of antioxidants, and peppermint oil to refresh your lips and leave you smelling minty,” said Carriol. 

With high expectations for this new SKU to become a top-seller for spring, company officials are also looking forward to expanding the brand’s retail presence with e-commerce in North America—as well as raising lanolin’s stature in the beauty category overall.

“We are always innovating as we continue to discover new and exciting ways to use lanolin in skin care, much like argan oil disrupted the hair category,” noted Carriol.