Lanolin Alcohol

Lanolin Alcohol molecular structure

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Lanolin Alcohol?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 3 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Lanolin Alcohol is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies when used in topical products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

For babies 6–12 months old, lanolin alcohol is usually okay but can cause skin allergies in some infants. Most babies will be fine, but those with very sensitive skin, eczema, or a known wool/sheep allergy are more likely to react.

What to Do

Before using a product with lanolin alcohol, do a small patch test on your baby’s inner forearm and watch for 48 hours. Use only a small amount on clean, unbroken skin. Prefer products labeled as purified or specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Stop use and contact your pediatrician if you see redness, itching, swelling, blistering, or worsening eczema.

⚠️Warnings

Safety reviews from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review show strong evidence of allergic skin reactions—watch for redness, itching, swelling, or hives. A government review (Environment Canada) lists it as a medium human health priority, and some industry guidance restricts concentrations or requires purification. Avoid if your baby has a known wool or lanolin allergy, and avoid applying to broken skin or active rashes.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: Lanolin alcohol is known to cause allergic reactions. A safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) found strong evidence it can act as a human skin allergen, and allergy/immunotoxicity is rated at a moderate level. That means it can trigger immune responses such as contact allergy in some people.
Irritant: This ingredient can cause skin irritation like redness, itching, or rashes, especially on sensitive or baby skin. The CIR review identifies it as a human skin toxicant/allergen, which supports a risk of irritation on topical use.
Eczema: Because lanolin alcohol is a documented skin allergen, it can trigger or make eczema and similar dermatitis worse in people who are sensitive to it. The marked allergy risk in the CIR assessment explains this link.
Organ Risk: Government health assessment classified non-reproductive organ toxicity for this ingredient as low-to-moderate and gave it a medium human health priority. This means that with repeated or high exposures there is some concern for effects on organs, though the evidence is limited.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Lanolin Alcohol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

lanolin alcoholLANOLIN ALCOHOLWOOL WAX ALCOHOLALCOHOLS, LANOLINLANOLIN ALCOHOLSLANOLIN ALCOHOL; LANOLIN ALCOHOL; LANOLIN ALCOHOLS

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Lanolin Alcohol

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Lanolin Alcohol or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Lanolin Alcohol

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Lanolin Alcohol safety and effects.

Common Questions About Lanolin Alcohol

Can older babies safely use Lanolin Alcohol?

Yes, Lanolin Alcohol is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies based on current research.

What are the immune system risks of Lanolin Alcohol for older babies?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the irritant risks of Lanolin Alcohol for older babies?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the eczema risks of Lanolin Alcohol for older babies?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of Lanolin Alcohol for older babies?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Lanolin Alcohol?

Lanolin Alcohol is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

Is this appropriate for older babies to using products with Lanolin Alcohol?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 6-12 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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