What Is Lanolin? The Natural Ingredient Your Wool Garments Love
When it comes to caring for wool, few ingredients are as powerful and protective as lanolin. Naturally occurring and deeply nourishing, lanolin has long been used in skincare, textile care, and even medical products. But what exactly is it – and why is it the hero ingredient in re:CLAIM Wool Wash? Let’s dive in.
What Is Lanolin?
Lanolin is a natural wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep. It coats their wool, acting like a water-resistant barrier that keeps their fleece soft, dry, and protected against harsh weather. Think of it as nature’s built-in conditioner – for the sheep and, by extension, for your wool garments.
Lanolin is not the same as body fat (like lard or tallow); it's a unique waxy substance that helps preserve the structure and elasticity of wool fibers. When sheep are shorn, their wool contains raw lanolin (also called wool grease), which is then extracted, purified, and refined for various uses.
How Is Lanolin Made?
The process of creating lanolin starts during wool processing:
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Shearing: Sheep are sheared, typically once a year, to harvest their fleece.
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Scouring: The raw wool is washed in hot water to remove dirt, sweat, and natural oils – including lanolin.
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Separation: As the wool is washed, lanolin is separated from the water through a filtration and centrifuge process.
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Purification: The crude lanolin is then purified to remove impurities, resulting in a golden-yellow wax that can be used in everything from cosmetics to textile care.
Lanolin production is a by-product of the wool industry, which means it’s a sustainable way to utilize every part of the fleece without harming the sheep.
Why Is Lanolin Used in Wool Detergent?
Wool garments, especially those made from merino, alpaca, or cashmere, naturally contain a small amount of lanolin. Over time, washing and wear remove these natural oils, leaving the fibers dry, fragile, and prone to shrinking or pilling.
That’s where a lanolin-infused wool detergent comes in. By gently reintroducing lanolin during the washing process, you help:
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Recondition the fibers
Lanolin replenishes lost moisture and restores elasticity. -
Preserve softness and shape
The garment retains its original feel and fit – no more itchy or stiff wool! -
Protect against damage
Lanolin adds a layer of protection against friction, static, and environmental wear. -
Enhance longevity
Regular care with lanolin helps wool garments last for many seasons to come.
re:CLAIM Wool Wash – Naturally Powered by Lanolin
At re:CLAIM, we believe that proper garment care starts with ingredients that work with nature, not against it. Our Wool Wash is carefully formulated with lanolin to deliver the gentlest, most effective clean for your wool garments – whether it's your winter sweater, merino base layer, or favorite knitted scarf.
Unlike regular detergents, re:CLAIM Wool Wash:
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Gently cleans without stripping wool of its natural properties
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Reintroduces lanolin to protect and nourish the fibers
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Prevents shrinking and helps maintain softness
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Works for handwashing and machine washing on wool programs
Who Can Benefit from Lanolin-Based Wool Care?
Lanolin-based wool detergents are especially recommended for:
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Outdoor lovers using merino wool layers
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Families washing baby wool clothes
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Anyone caring for high-quality sweaters, scarves, or wool socks
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Textile enthusiasts who want their natural fibers to last longer
If you’re investing in sustainable fashion or simply want to treat your garments with care – re:CLAIM Wool Wash is the gentle choice that gives your wool the nourishing reset it deserves.
Lanolin in a nutshell
Lanolin is a humble but powerful ingredient that’s been protecting wool for centuries – first on the backs of sheep, and now in the wash routines of people who care for their clothes. By choosing a wool detergent enriched with lanolin, you’re giving your garments the same care nature intended.
🧺 Give your wool the love it deserves – discover re:CLAIM Wool Wash today.
