Overview
Lanolin isn't one-size-fits-all. Choosing the right kind—pure, deodorized, and free of additives—can make all the difference for your wool and your skin. Here's how to pick the best.
Key Points
Why pharmaceutical-grade lanolin is best
Differences between solid, liquid, and deodorized types
What to avoid (fragrance, additives)
Choosing lanolin for different wool care goals
Where to buy high-quality lanolin
Choosing the Right Lanolin for Your Wool
Not all lanolin is created equal. Some are sticky, smelly, or packed with additives that do more harm than good—for both your wool and your skin. When it comes to lanolizing, you want purity, performance, and peace of mind.
Here’s what to look for (and what to avoid) when choosing lanolin for wool care.
Purity Matters
At Bumby, we use pharmaceutical-grade lanolin. That means it’s purer than cosmetic grade, with fewer impurities and a gentler feel. It’s safe enough for your baby’s bum and works beautifully on wool.
Avoid lanolins with added fragrance, colorants, or other ingredients meant for cosmetics. These can interfere with emulsification, reduce waterproofing, and leave behind residue.
Deodorized vs. Smelly Goo
Let’s talk smell. Unprocessed lanolin can have a strong, sometimes off-putting scent. Deodorized lanolin goes through a purification step to remove that sheepy smell—without using harsh chemicals. The result? A clean, golden balm that’s easier to use and store.
Our Super Deodorized Lanolin has no weird smells and melts like butter. It’s ideal for anyone with sensitive noses, babies, or multi-purpose uses (like hand balm or lip repair).
Solid vs. Liquid Lanolin
Lanolin typically comes in:
Solid form (the most versatile for wool care and emulsions)
Liquid lanolin (more often used in cosmetics or leave-on applications)
We recommend solid lanolin for making emulsions and soaking wool, since it blends better and lasts longer.
Lanolin for Different Needs
For diapering: Choose pure, solid lanolin with no additives
For emulsifying: Use lanolin with a soap that helps it blend (like our Emulsion Block)
For skin care: Use a clean, mild version that’s safe enough for direct use
For convenience: Try our Ready-to-Wear Lanolin Service for pre-lanolized wool
Still Not Sure?
Start with our Super Deodorized Lanolin Jar and you’ll never look back. One jar goes a long way, and you can use it for wool, balm, and more.
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