Health Guide

Wool

Wool, in the context of health and supplements, refers to **Lanolin**—a wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals, primarily sheep. While we often think of wool as a textile, Lanolin is a complex mixture of fatty acids and esters. In the health world, it is most commonly found as a purified derivative called **Anhydrous Lanolin** or **Medicinal Grade Lanolin**. It is prized for its incredible ability to lock in moisture and mimic the skin's natural oils. While not a 'nutrient' you eat in large quantities, its role in topical healing, nipple care for breastfeeding mothers, and skin barrier repair makes it a staple in natural health circles.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Healing Efficacy on Cracked Skin

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Healing Rate (Relative)

Treatment Type →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Intense Moisture Lock: Acts as an occlusive barrier, preventing water loss from the skin.
Wound & Crack Healing: Accelerates the healing of skin fissures, such as cracked nipples or dry heels.
Bio-Identical Lipids: Contains cholesterol and other sterols that help restore the skin's lipid barrier.

Deep Dive

Lanolin is unique because it is one of the few natural substances that closely resembles human sebum (the oil our skin produces). This allows it to penetrate the stratum corneum (the outer layer of skin) effectively. For nursing mothers, medical-grade lanolin is the gold standard for preventing and treating sore, cracked nipples. Unlike petroleum-based products, lanolin is natural and safe for the baby, requiring no removal before feeding. It also serves as a protective layer for minor scrapes and burns, creating a moist environment that speeds up tissue regeneration.

Natural Food Sources

Wool Wax (Lanolin) is an animal secretion, not a plant fruit or vegetable. It is harvested from sheep's wool. However, if you are looking for lipids and fatty acids similar to those in lanolin to support skin health from the inside out, consider these foods:

Food	Amount	% DV (Omega-3s/Vit E)
Avocado	1 medium	High (Healthy Fats)
Walnuts	1 oz	High (Omega-3 ALA)
Salmon	3 oz	High (EPA/DHA)
Sunflower Seeds	1 oz	High (Vitamin E)

Supplementation

Topical Application Only.

Usage: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin or affected area. Allow it to absorb.
Who should use it: Breastfeeding mothers, individuals with extremely dry/cracked skin, or those with eczema (patch test first).

Top Food Sources

Sheep's Wool (Raw)

Source of crude Lanolin

Avocado

Internal lipid support

Walnuts

Internal lipid support

Salmon

Internal lipid support

Sunflower Seeds

Internal lipid support

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, medical-grade lanolin is safe for infants. It is widely used by breastfeeding mothers and does not need to be wiped off before nursing.

They are essentially the same thing. 'Lanolin' is the wax; 'Wool Fat' refers to the fatty acids within the wax. Both are used interchangeably in cosmetics.

Yes, but it is very heavy. It is best used as an overnight treatment for very dry skin, or to protect the skin barrier in harsh weather.

It is considered moderately comedogenic. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, use with caution or avoid using on the T-zone.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety Profile: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for topical use.

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Pure Lanolin is derived from sheep's wool. Individuals with a known wool allergy (contact dermatitis) should strictly avoid lanolin, as it will cause a severe skin reaction. Always look for 'Medical Grade' or 'Ultra-Purified' lanolin to minimize impurities. It is not intended for internal consumption as a supplement.

Scientific References

[1]Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016: 'Lanolin for treating cracked nipples.'
[2]J Dermatolog Treat. 2017: 'Efficacy of lanolin in maintaining skin moisture.'
[3]FDA: Topical Drug Products Containing Medicinal Grade Lanolin.