Lanolin for Lips vs. Conventional Lip Balms: Why the Difference Matters

When it comes to lip care, not all ingredients are created equal.

Unfortunately, many conventional lip products promising smooth and healthy lips rely on synthetic ingredients. Not only do these ingredients pose potential toxicity risks and ingestion, but they simply sit on the surface instead of providing true nourishment. 

At Primally Pure, we think your lips deserve better. That’s why we’re shining a spotlight on one of the best-kept secrets for soft, luscious lips: Lanolin.

Using lanolin for lips is one of the most effective, natural ways to restore and protect sensitive, delicate skin. 

In this post, we’ll explore why conventional lip products often fall short – and why using lanolin for lips is a much better alternative. Plus, along the way, you’ll see how we source our lanolin ethically – without compromise. ;)

Lanolin: A Time-Tested, Ancestral Ingredient

Before diving into the benefits of using lanolin for lips, let’s uncover its origins. This magical ingredient has been a staple across cultures and centuries.

Lanolin is a waxy substance naturally secreted by sheep to waterproof and protect their wool coat, particularly from rain and winter weather. 

Historically, it’s been used by humans as a salve to protect skin in harsh climates. This natural waxy substance has been treasured across ancient cultures for its ability to soften, heal, and shield skin. It’s also been used for practical purposes, like rust-proofing and leather protection. 

Today, we continue to honor those same traditional practices – but with modern methods that ensure purity and sustainability.

How Lanolin Is Made

Much like ancient traditions, today sheep are still sheared seasonally. It’s a routine and important part of keeping them healthy and comfortable. After grooming, the wool is washed and processed to gently remove the waxy lanolin secretion. 

Once purified, the lanolin can be used in countless ways to moisturize, protect, and nourish. Similar to tallow and other animal-based ingredients, its unique structure closely resembles human sebum. This makes it the perfect biocompatible match for nourishing and protecting skin – especially delicate lips.

Why Using Lanolin for Lips Is the Superior Choice

The goal of most lip products is to moisturize and protect.

But here’s the thing: many traditional lip products on the market rely on synthetic, lab-made emollients. But what’s ironic is that most of these ingredients are known to dry out the skin over time. It’s like putting on a Band-Aid instead of cleaning and treating the wound. 

Plus, these “moisturizers” are typically derived from petroleum (yes, as in gasoline – yikes), which can pose toxicity risks. Ingredients like petrolatum, paraffin, mineral oil, or other highly processed oils are unfortunately all too common in lip products (even those that claim to be “clean”). And while some people might argue that petroleum-derived ingredients are “safe” since they’ve been “refined,” we’d have to disagree. 

“Refined” does not = safe. In fact, most often refined is a term usually indicative of:

• Damage from high-heat processing
• Chemical extraction or processing (and residue)
• Contamination with other carcinogenic/toxic ingredients like PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons)¹

At the end of the day, we don’t want anything that’s been overly processed or damaged touching our skin – or yours. ;)

→ Plus, why choose a synthetic, processed ingredient over one that does the same thing, naturally? 

Beyond potential toxicity risks, most lip products just don’t deliver. They create a surface-level “seal” without proper nourishment. It can even become a suffocating layer – leading to trapped impurities, excess oil, and bacteria in the skin. 

That’s where lanolin stands apart.

Unlike synthetic sealants, lanolin doesn’t just sit on top of the skin. It allows your skin to breathe. Since it mimics your body’s natural oils, it’s able to moisturize, protect, and support your skin’s natural repair process.

And as a sustainable byproduct of wool production, lanolin is both ethical and effective. It’s a perfect example of how ancestral ingredients can offer modern solutions. Our lanolin lip products honor that balance: pure, potent, and purposefully crafted to deliver lasting nourishment.

→ SHOP: Lanolin Lip Products

Lanolin Benefits for Skin + Lips

The secret to lanolin's effectiveness lies in its similarity to human sebum. Its unique structure allows it to penetrate deeply – working seamlessly to replenish, protect, and relieve – all at once.

Used on the skin, and especially the lips, we love its ability to: 

• Deeply hydrate + lock in moisture (absorbing up to 200% of its weight in water!)²
• Provide emollient properties 
• Naturally plump 
• Reduce water loss 
• Remain lightweight + breathable (aka, non-comedogenic)
• Support the barrier, restoring and protecting from pathogens and bacteria
• Provide anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial protection³ 
• Accelerate wound healing⁴ 
• Repair dry, damaged, and irritated skin⁵
• Provide fatty acids, lipids, AHA, and vitamins that nourish + protect against premature aging

Plus, it’s naturally free of parabens, synthetic fillers, or petroleum derivatives. Best of all, it’s safe and soothing for sensitive skin.⁶

Of course, those results depend on purity, which is why our lanolin sourcing is held to the highest ethical and quality standards.  

Primally Pure’s Lanolin for Lips: Sourcing + Integrity

As a non-toxic skincare company, we believe the purity of ingredients matters as much as the ingredients themselves. Which means there are no exceptions when crafting a non-toxic product. That’s why you’ll only find the highest quality ingredients in our entire lip (and product) line. 

So first things first: let’s address the elephant in the room. 

Over the years, wool farming has developed a bad rep for various reasons. And rightfully so. We will never condone unethical treatment of animals or wasteful production. 

One of the most common concerns lies around a practice called museling. Mulesing is a painful procedure in which sections of skin are removed from a sheep’s hindquarters. It’s usually done to prevent parasitic infections like flystrike. And while intended to reduce infection risk, it’s often done without pain relief. As you can imagine, this causes significant stress, suffering, and long-term sensitivity for the animal.

That’s why we knew if we were going to use lanolin in our products, it needed to be derived from the most ethical, regenerative source. In particular, New Zealand is known for its high standards, and its regenerative and ethical/humane practices are non-negotiable. Their nationwide anti-cruelty laws make it the only country where mulesing is illegal. 

Beyond animal welfare, their practices naturally support the planet too. Regeneratively raised sheep help promote soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. These are key biomarkers of healthy land. When the sheep are allowed to roam freely on abundant, chemical-free grasslands, it creates a beautiful partnership that benefits the animals and the earth. 

When done with care, shearing keeps sheep healthy, comfortable, and thriving. Shearing once or twice a year keeps them from overheating in the summer and prevents matted and mangled wool from accumulating. Our supplier only shears for the animal's health, and the animals are never harmed or disrespected in the process

Once the wool is sheared, the lanolin is extracted through a minimal-processing method that honors its natural purity:

1. A warm water wash. 

This softens and naturally releases the waxy substance from the wool fibers, while retaining all its nutrients. 

2. Centrifuge.

The water/wool mixture is run through a machine that spins at high speeds to separate the pure wax from any impurities. 

3. Mild cleansing. 

A gentle purification step helps lift away natural residues while preserving the beneficial compounds that make lanolin deeply nourishing and protective.  

4. Filtered, vacuum-dried + lightly deodorized. 

These final steps thoroughly purify the lanolin, making it ready for topical applications.

This thoughtful, low-impact process ensures our lanolin remains nutrient-dense and pure. It’s a stark contrast to petroleum-based alternatives that rely on harsh chemical refinement and fossil fuel extraction. 

Lanolin for skin = skincare that’s better for your skin, and the planet.

Our Lanolin Lip Products

Every Primally Pure lanolin lip product is designed to restore, nourish, and protect – naturally. We pair our lanolin for lips with other nutrient-rich ingredients. This allows us to create a safe alternative to petroleum-based products.

From animal-based ingredients to botanicals, our formulas combine lanolin with skin-healing superfoods – allowing you to keep all your favorite lip rituals. 

 

Lip Oil 

Lightweight yet deeply moisturizing, we love this lip oil for all occasions. It delivers all the lanolin benefits with a glossy finish + subtle pink color. Its thoughtful formulation includes: 

• Lanolin – the star ingredient that deeply hydrates, locks in moisture, and revives dry or damaged skin. Rich in vitamins and AHA to protect against signs of aging.

• Tallow – another biocompatible animal-based ingredient that provides rich nourishment through its fatty acid content and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Pomegranate sterols – a plant-based replacement for petrolatum. It helps prevent moisture loss and free radical damage while also restoring lip health. 

• Castor oil – an ancient skin superfood that visibly plumps and promotes collagen production. It’s also rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, which support smooth, hydrated skin.

→ SHOP: Lip Oil

Latte Lip Oil 

Building on our original Lip Oil, this formula delivers deep hydration and lasting nourishment – with a warm, coffee-infused twist. The same lanolin-rich base is blended with antioxidant-rich coffee oils and butters, and provides a natural, earthy hue. This indulgent formula includes: 

• Lanolin – mimics your skin’s natural sebum, deeply sealing in moisture. Helps repair dryness and protect against premature aging.

• Tallow – our grass-fed, animal-based multitasker that replenishes essential fatty acids. Helps restore softness and barrier support to delicate lip skin.

• Cocoa butter – an extra creamy and moisturizing ingredient full of antioxidants and fatty acids, it infuses the skin with rich hydration and anti-aging benefits.

• Coffee oil + CO₂ extract – the star duo behind this creamy, caffeinated formula. Cold-pressed and antioxidant-rich, they help reduce inflammation, boost circulation, and smooth fine lines.

→ SHOP: Latte Lip Oil

Lip Polish 

A gentle yet effective way to prep your lips for moisture. Our Lip Polish buffs away dry, flaky skin and encourages circulation. This allows nourishing ingredients (like lanolin) to absorb more deeply. The result is a smoother, softer canvas for any of your favorite lip products. Our lip polish features:

• Green coffee bean powder – a natural exfoliant that stimulates and renews the skin’s surface. Provides a gentle polish without over-drying.

• Castor oil – rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. It conditions and strengthens delicate lip skin and supports collagen production.

• Tallow – this nutrient-dense, animal-based ingredient replenishes moisture and helps restore the skin barrier.

• Peru balsam resin oil – sourced from the balsam tree of South America, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help calm irritation, protect the skin barrier, and promote a brighter, more even tone.

→ SHOP: Lip Polish

Lanolin for Lips: Your New Nourishing Ritual

One thing is clear: lanolin benefits go far beyond basic hydration. This ancestral ingredient restores, heals, and protects lips and skin in ways synthetic ingredients simply can’t. 

By choosing lanolin products sourced with integrity and crafted with care, you’re not only supporting your lip health. You're choosing products that care for your skin – and the planet – through regenerative farming and truly non-toxic principles.

Ready to experience lanolin benefits for yourself?

Trust us, once you start using lanolin for lips, you’ll never look back. ;)

XO

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Sources: 

1. Campaign for Safe Cosmetics | Petrolatum, Petroleum Jelly
2. NZ Naturally | The Game-Changer for Skincare and Body Care in 2025 
3. PubMed Central | Apparent Paradoxical Effects of Lanolin on Induction of Skin and Lung Tumours by Topically Applied Methylcholanthrene
4. National Library of Medicine | Lanolin for the Treatment of Nipple Pain in Breastfeeding Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial 
5. National Library of Medicine | Efficacy of HPA Lanolin® in Treatment of Lip Alterations Related to Chemotherapy 
6. Wiley Library | The Effect of Daily Treatment With an Olive Oil/Lanolin Emollient on Skin Integrity in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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