Is Lanolin (E913) vegan?
Not vegan· E913
Lanolin is grease combed from sheep's wool. Not vegan.
Also known as: wool fat, wool grease
What it is
Waxy substance secreted by sheep's sebaceous glands and recovered from shorn wool.
Why not vegan
Sourced from sheep raised for wool — an industry vegans avoid.
Where you'll find it
- Lip balm
- Nipple cream
- Some chewing gum bases
- Vitamin D3
Vegan alternatives
- Shea butter
- Cocoa butter
- Plant-based vitamin D3 from lichen
FAQ
- Is vitamin D3 always from lanolin?
- Most is, but lichen-derived D3 is widely available — look for 'vegan D3'.
Sources
Last reviewed June 4, 2026