# Lanolin
Lanolin is a waxy substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep, extracted by squeezing washed wool. It's used as an emollient in skin creams, lip balms, nipple creams, leather + shoe conditioners, and as a precursor for some vitamin D3 supplements.
Because it is taken from sheep, lanolin is not suitable for vegans. Vegetarians sometimes accept it (the sheep is not slaughtered for it), but the wool industry it depends on has its own welfare issues.
Common appearances: Lansinoh + Bepanthen nipple cream, some lip balms (Carmex contains it), shoe polish, mascara, sunscreens, the most common form of vitamin D3 supplements (lichen-derived D3 is the vegan alternative).
Labelling: "lanolin", "wool wax", "wool fat", "wool grease", "adeps lanae" (the INCI name), or "lanolin alcohol". Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is usually lanolin-derived unless explicitly labelled "vegan D3" or "plant D3".