I’ll be honest, I never thought I’d be the type of person to rave about a lip balm. Lipstick? Sure. Skincare? Absolutely. But a lip treatment? I figured they were all pretty much the same. Then I came across Lanolips, and I completely changed my tune.
I picked it up after a friend wouldn’t stop talking about how soft her lips were. Within a week of trying the 101 Ointment for the first time, I was completely hooked. Now it’s one of those products I genuinely can’t imagine my routine without.
What is Lanolips?
Lanolips is an Australian beauty brand built around one hero ingredient: lanolin. Lanolin is a naturally occurring wax derived from sheep’s wool, and it’s been used for centuries as one of the most effective moisturisers in existence. It’s deeply hydrating, forms a protective barrier on the skin, and is incredibly gentle, which makes it ideal for something as sensitive as your lips.
The brand was founded in 2009 by Kirsten Carriol, who grew up on a farm and developed a genuine appreciation for natural ingredients from a young age. Her scientist father’s knowledge of lanolin’s properties gave her the foundation to build an entire skincare line around it, and the rest, as they say, is history. Kirsten still owns the brand independently today, which I love.
The Lanolips Products I Use and Love
The 101 Ointment
This is the one that started it all for me, and it remains my absolute desert island product. The 101 Ointment is a thick, multi-purpose balm that you can use on your lips, cuticles, dry elbows, or anywhere that needs a serious moisture hit. It sounds too good to be true, but it genuinely does work on everything.
I started using it just on my lips, but my dermal clinician actually mentioned lanolin-based products to me recently when we were discussing barrier repair, and it prompted me to start using it on my cuticles too. The difference after just a few nights was noticeable.
My tip: apply a generous layer before bed and wake up to lips that actually feel soft. It sounds basic, but not many products deliver on that promise as well as this one does.
Lemonaid Lip Treatment
This one is for those days when your lips are really struggling. If you’re dealing with dry, flaky lips (winter in Melbourne, anyone?), the Lemonaid treatment is the one to reach for. It has a gentle exfoliating action that buffs away dry skin while the lanolin works underneath to lock in moisture.
The lemon scent is a really nice touch, too. It just makes the whole experience feel a bit more indulgent, which I appreciate in a product you’re using every single day.
Tinted Balm with SPF 30
This has quietly become one of my most-used everyday products. It gives your lips a subtle wash of colour, which means you can skip lip liner and lipstick on days when you want a more natural look, while still getting that sun protection built right in. For a quick school drop-off or an early morning coffee run, this is genuinely all I need on my lips.
The SPF 30 is a big deal, too. We’re so good at applying SPF to our faces, but lips are easy to forget, and they’re just as vulnerable to UV damage. This makes it effortless.
Is Lanolips Cruelty-Free and Vegan?
Is Lanolips cruelty-free? Yes. Lanolips is cruelty-free and does not test on animals.
Is Lanolips vegan? No. Because the products are built around lanolin, which is sourced from sheep’s wool, Lanolips is not considered vegan. The lanolin is collected without harming the sheep, but for those following a strictly vegan lifestyle, it’s worth knowing this upfront.
Is Lanolips organic? The brand uses natural ingredients, but the products are not certified organic.
How Do You Pronounce Lanolips?
It’s pronounced “Lan-oh-lips.” I definitely got this wrong for longer than I’d like to admit, so you’re welcome!
Where to Buy Lanolips in Australia
Lanolips is widely available across Australia. You can find it at Sephora, Priceline, and selected pharmacies. It’s also available to order online directly from the Lanolips website, which is handy if you want to browse the full range at once.
One thing I’d suggest: buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party marketplace, just to make sure you’re getting the real thing. Given how popular this brand has become, it’s worth being a little careful.
My Final Verdict on Lanolips
I came into this brand sceptically and I’m leaving as a complete convert. The 101 Ointment alone is worth every cent, but the full range is genuinely impressive for what it is. These are simple, effective, natural products that do exactly what they promise, and they come from an independent Australian brand with a great story behind it.
If you haven’t tried Lanolips yet, I’d start with the 101 Ointment and go from there. I’m pretty confident you’ll end up going back for more.
