What Is Lanolin?
Sheep in New Zealand by Donnie Ray Jones
You’ll often hear me reference the moisturizing properties of eNZees Foot Soother lambwool, which can be great for dry calluses and corns on your feet. But what is it that makes wool moisturizing? We’re certainly not adding anything to it! eNZees Foot Soother is moisturizing because of the lanolin found naturally in wool.
You might have heard it called “wool fat” or “wool wax.” Sheep produce lanolin through their sebaceous glands. Its waxy, waterproofing qualities help protect the sheep’s wool and skin from the environment – wind, rain, and sun – and aid in hygiene.
Humans have used lanolin for centuries as a moisturizer, at no harm to the sheep. It is extracted from the wool after the sheep has been sheared, typically once or twice a year. There’s an old adage that shepherds have soft hands… and it’s because of lanolin! Whether you knew it or not, lanolin is quite often used in beauty products like moisturizers, lip balms, and other cosmetics.
The lanolin found in eNZees Foot Soother has two direct benefits: not only does it moisturize calluses, it also helps prevent blisters by soothing dry skin. I’ll wear eNZees on a daily basis as a moisturizer, whether or not I’m expecting a blister!