Lanolin vs mineral oil: Which should you choose?

What is the difference?

An occlusive is an ingredient that slows water evaporating from the skin. An emollient fills rough spots to make skin feel smoother. These jobs overlap: both lanolin and light mineral oil can soften skin, and both can help retain water. Neither ingredient name tells you everything about the finished moisturizer, which is inconvenient for a comparison hoping to finish at the label.3

Which one suits your skin?

Lanolin is an option for dry skin when you tolerate it and want stronger moisture retention. For skin affected by eczema, wounds or other barrier damage, a lanolin free moisturizer is a reasonable starting choice because sensitization to lanolin is more likely on compromised skin. A mineral oil moisturizer can fill that role, but its other ingredients still matter: fragrances and preservatives can also cause contact allergy.124

For either ingredient, creams are usually easier to use during the day, while greasy ointments suit very dry or thickened skin and nighttime use. Lotions spread easily over hairy areas but are less moisturizing. Pick a texture you will use regularly, because an impressive moisturizer does very little while sitting untouched.567

Moisturizer is a marketing term rather than a precise medical category. A useful formula can combine water, ingredients that attract water such as glycerin, and ingredients that hold it in. Choosing between two oils is not the same as choosing between two complete moisturizers, which makes this a less tidy contest than the title suggests.137

How do you use lanolin oil?

Use lanolin oil as a leave on moisturizing product, following its own directions. The steps below are general emollient guidance, not a product specific dose, and also apply to mineral oil moisturizers.1

1. 1Wash your hands. For products in tubs, use a clean spoon rather than your fingers.
2. 2Apply after bathing or washing, as soon as you have gently patted the skin dry. Oils help hold in water rather than supply it.
3. 3Smooth the moisturizer gently in the direction of hair growth rather than rubbing vigorously.
4. 4Reapply when skin feels dry or tight. Slight dryness can need only a light moisturizer at night; more persistent dryness needs more frequent application.

Expect smoother skin and less dryness with regular use. Moisturizers' benefits are greatest during the first six hours after application, so one application is not necessarily enough for the day. If you use a prescription skin treatment, leave 20 to 30 minutes between it and your emollient, and ask your doctor which goes first.45

When should you stop?

Stop a product that causes an itchy, sore rash, swelling or blistering. Lanolin allergy can develop after previous trouble free use, with a delayed reaction appearing 48 to 72 hours after exposure. A dermatologist can investigate suspected allergy with patch testing. Seek advice for persistent burning, inflamed follicles or worsening acne, or severe dryness needing more than moisturizer. Keep emollient contaminated clothing and bedding away from flames and cigarettes.256