Beauty & personal care
Vegan alternative to lanolin
Short answer
Shea butter is the best all-round replacement for lanolin — nipple balm, dry skin. 1:1 by weight.
Why lanolin isn't vegan
Extracted from sheep's wool grease.
Best vegan substitutes
| Substitute | Best for |
|---|---|
| Shea butter | Nipple balm, dry skin |
| Plant squalane (olive or sugarcane) | Facial oils |
| Cocoa butter | Rich body balms |
Conversion ratio
1:1 by weight.
Pro tip
Plant squalane matches lanolin's occlusive feel without the waxy smell.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best vegan alternative to lanolin?
- Shea butter is the closest all-round swap — nipple balm, dry skin. 1:1 by weight.
- Why isn't lanolin vegan?
- Extracted from sheep's wool grease.
- How much do I use instead of lanolin?
- 1:1 by weight.
- Any tips for getting it right?
- Plant squalane matches lanolin's occlusive feel without the waxy smell.
Not sure if a product contains lanolin?
Scan any barcode with VeggieOS for an instant vegan verdict and better swaps — 100% free, no paid plans.
Try VeggieOS free — no paid plans