Is it vegan? Ingredients
Is lanolin vegan?
Quick answer: No. Lanolin is a grease extracted from sheep’s wool, so it is not vegan; it is also the usual source of vitamin D3.
Also called: wool wax, wool grease, wool fat, adeps lanae, lanolin alcohol, cholesterol from lanolin
Why it isn’t vegan
Lanolin is a waxy substance produced by the oil glands of sheep and extracted from shorn wool. It is used in lip balms, nipple creams, moisturisers and some chewing gums.
It is also the most common raw material for vitamin D3: the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements notes that vitamin D3 is typically produced from 7-dehydrocholesterol from lanolin. That is why fortified foods and supplements containing “vitamin D3” are often not vegan.
What to look for on the label
- lanolin, lanolin alcohol
- wool wax, wool fat
- adeps lanae
- vitamin D3 / cholecalciferol (often lanolin-derived)
Where it’s found
- Lip balm and nipple cream
- Moisturisers
- Vitamin D3 supplements and fortified foods
Vegan alternatives
- Shea butter, cocoa butter, plant oils
- Vitamin D2 or lichen-derived D3
Frequently asked questions
Is lanolin vegan?
No. Lanolin is a grease extracted from sheep’s wool, so it is not vegan; it is also the usual source of vitamin D3.
Sources
- Animal-Derived Ingredients List — PETA
- Vitamin D: fact sheet for health professionals — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Checked on 31 October 2026. Ingredients and recipes change, and the same product can differ between countries — always check the current label. This page is general information, not allergy or medical advice.