Why We Removed Lanolin from our hemp Hand Protection Cream

A Natural Ingredient With a Hidden Risk

Lanolin — the waxy substance derived from sheep’s wool — has been used in skincare for decades. Known for its intense moisturising and protective properties, it’s long been considered a go-to for dry, cracked skin.

Our original hemp Hand Protection Cream formula used it too.

But as we deepened our commitment to ingredient transparency and skin safety, we began to question whether lanolin was truly the right fit for our customers — especially those with sensitive or compromised skin.

Not All Lanolin is Created Equal

The issue isn’t with lanolin itself, but how it’s sourced.

In large-scale wool production, sheep are often treated with pesticides and parasiticides to control mites and other pests. These chemical treatments can leave trace residues in the wool — and in turn, the lanolin extracted from it.

Unless the lanolin is ultra-refined, medical-grade, and properly tested, it may carry contaminants that don’t belong in clean skincare. For customers with sensitive skin, allergies, or eczema, even small residues can trigger irritation or reactions.

That Wasn’t a Risk We Were Willing to Take

So, around seven years ago, we made the decision to remove lanolin from our formula. It was a tough call — lanolin works well, and many people tolerate it just fine. But in our case, we wanted a product we could fully stand behind, for all skin types.

What We Use Instead (And Why It Works Even Better)

Rather than simply drop lanolin, we replaced it with a purposeful blend of plant-based actives that match — and in some ways improve on — lanolin’s barrier benefits:

• Allantoin – known for calming and repairing dry, irritated skin
• Hyaluronic Acid – helps draw moisture deep into the skin
• Olivem 1000 – a plant-derived emulsifier that reinforces the skin’s barrier function

This shift also made our hand cream vegan-friendly — a bonus we welcomed!

A Formula You Can Feel Good About

We’re proud of the product we make now. It’s cleaner, safer, and more compatible with sensitive skin, and it's built around ingredients we trust — no compromises, no greenwashing.

Your skin deserves that clarity.