Not exactly sure how I became the last person to jump on the Lanolips bandwagon but I’m glad I did. The 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm is just phenomenal. While I always maintain that Australians deliver the best sunscreen formulas I’ve ever used, I am officially adding this gem to the list of winners that originate Down Under. Totally enamored with a tube that arrived as part of a super thoughtful care package from my beauty blogging friend Simon, I am on the verge of hoarding the stuff. It’s THAT good.
What is lanolin?
Before you get all PTA crazy–trust me, I LOVE fur covered anything with a heartbeat–lanolin is actually a cruelty free animal byproduct. Covering the super soft coat of sheep, it is a waterproof substance that keeps the animals dry and offers protection from the environment. Fun fact: a sheep’s coat grows continuously and needs regular sheering, which is precisely how this amazing ingredient gets extracted. From an unharmed sheep. After it’s shorn. Relax.
Why Lano?
As with everything else in the world, and *especially* with regard to skincare ingredients, not all lanolin is created equal. The patented cleansing process for the lanolin used in every Lano solution makes it gentle and effective enough to qualify as exclusively ‘ultra’ medical grade. Read: safe to use on newborns. Surprisingly non-greasy, this nourishing and magically healing compound is a godsend for chapped lips, cuts, burns, or skin irritations. For something almost basic, this is one of the most decadent products in my stash.
Exactly what does it do…?
Ok, here are some essentials from the Lano website. After all, when it comes to straightforward formulas, the accompanying details are critical.
“1. The molecular structure of lanolin mimics the lipids in the skin, making it the most skin-compatible ingredient around and to a greater extent than any natural or synthetic ingredient in skincare.
2. It is semi-occlusive and semi-permeable – meaning it allows the skin to self-hydrate from within.
3. It is a moisture reservoir, holding up to 400% its weight in moisture.”
Favorites:
While known for the superhero ointment, Lano extends its powers to a couple of hand creams and a handful of various lip treatments, including a banana flavored gloss aka ‘shine’, lemonade, peach and strawberry ‘fruities’.
Personally, I find the hand creams extremely user friendly and superb in performance. The slim tube allows for portability, so clearly that means one for the bag one for the car. The original multipurpose salve cannot be beat. Free of parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrance and color, the lush balm works on my lips and irritated nostrils during a cold. It also makes for an excellent healing spot treatment after I wreck my skin attempting to pop or squeeze something better left to work itself out.
Available at net-a-porter.com.
