The Secret Behind Sheep's Skin: Why Lanolin Works So Well. Bee Happy Lip Balm and SURR Lip Balm
- Kate
- Feb 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 4
What Is Lanolin, Exactly?
Lanolin is a substance secreted by sheep's sebaceous glands. It isn't technically a fat but a complex wax made of high-molecular-weight esters of fatty acids and alcohols, sterols, and related compounds. This structure makes it chemically stable and capable of retaining water.
Lanolin closely resembles the natural lipids in human skin's outer barrier. Because of this similarity, skin accepts it not as a foreign film, but as a temporary patch to help restore its own protective barrier.
How It's Processed
Raw wool contains lanolin that smells and looks unpleasant. Through careful cleaning, washing, deodorizing, and distillation, it becomes a purified, nearly odorless, viscous wax suitable for skin applications.
Lanolin vs. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly mainly prevents moisture loss by forming an occlusive layer, but it doesn't actively help repair the skin barrier. Lanolin, on the other hand, not only reduces moisture loss but also supplies sterols and fatty alcohols that help rebuild the skin's lipid structure and bind water more effectively.
Common Uses
Lanolin is widely used for protecting and healing cracked nipples in breastfeeding women, moisturizing dry and cracked lips, (Bee Happy Lip Balm and SURR Lip Balm)treating dry rough areas like cuticles, elbows, and heels, and supporting barrier recovery in damaged skin.
Safety Notes
Highly purified lanolin is generally safe for most people, though a small percentage may have sensitivity - often those with chronic dermatitis. Doing a patch test is advisable if irritation is a concern.
Key Points
Lanolin is a wax-like skin ingredient derived from sheep wool.
Its composition resembles natural skin lipids, aiding barrier repair.
It improves moisture retention and speeds healing of cracks and dryness.
Compared to petroleum jelly, lanolin contributes actively to barrier restoration, not just occlusion.
If something is dry, cracked, and painful - sheep already came up with a solution. That's the idea behind Bee Happy Lip Balm and SURR Lip Balm - protective barrier formulas built for both winter and summer conditions. https://www.beehappylipbalm.com/online-store/Lip-Care-c114096707
Tested in the Colorado climate. Proven to work.
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