Is Lanolin Vegan?

Vegan status: Not Vegan

Also known as: Wool fat, Wool grease, Wool wax, Adeps lanae, Anhydrous lanolin

Source

A wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals (primarily sheep). Extracted from raw wool during the sheep-washing process.

Commonly found in

Lip balms, lipstick, moisturizers, nipple creams, shoe polish, leather conditioner, some Vitamin D3 supplements.

Vegan alternative: Shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter, carnauba wax.

Notes

While lanolin extraction doesn't kill sheep, most vegans avoid it as it's derived from animals that are farmed under conditions many consider exploitative. Very common in nipple creams — specifically relevant for vegan breastfeeding parents.