Lanolin, Wool Fat Soap and why you need to try it!

Every discerning sailor needs a bar of Arthur Beale Wool Fat Soap

Our Wool Fat Soap isn't just perfect for keeping hands clean, it also has many other benefits...

Made using traditional soap making techniques, the formula has not changed much since the early 1900's. The ingredients list is minimal and ideal for sensitive skin, containing lanolin derived from wool fat.

Woollen clothing can trace it's roots in the UK back to the bronze ages, however it wasn't until 1900's that a Yorkshire pharmacist Fred Mitchell noticed that sheep shearers and wool sorters all had exceptionally soft hands, which he rightly credited to the Lanolin contained in the wool, which has emollient properties. He went on to create wool fat soap, which contained this key ingredient of Lanolin, in order to soothe skin and improve the complexion.

Where does Lanolin come from?

Lanolin is a light yellow natural oil found in the sheep's wool. It is secreted from oil glands and acts as a conditioning and water-repellent layer on the wool, as well as having many anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties to keep the sheep's skin infection free. Unrefined lanolin has been used for thousands of years in many cultures, and refined lanolin (which we use in our wool fat soap) has been used for over one hundred years in various cosmetics, lotions, creams and soaps.

The Benefits of Lanolin for Skin

When purified enough that all water has been removed, Lanolin has all the benefits of the synthetic petroleum jelly, Vaseline®, but from a natural derived source! Lanolin is occlusive and acts as an emollient, meaning it prevents the evaporation of water from the skin helping keep skin moisturised. However, Lanolin is also breathable and allows oxygen through, allowing the skin to function normally whilst also preventing moisture loss. In soap form, lanolin has been shown to have hypoallergenic properties. It also has anti-bacterial properties and acts to protect skin, so it is often used for skin problems such as eczema.

Wool Fat Soap has always been popular for those with labour intensive jobs, including farm workers, labourers, riggers and sailors!

A real bargain at only £3.95 a bar!

If you're sold on Lanolin... why not also pick up some of our Woolly Wash?

A gentle natural lanolin based washing liquid especially useful for hand or machine washing woollens! We recommend using our Arthur Beale Woolly Wash whenever you wash our Beerenberg and Erebus pullovers, or any other woollens, particularly those with oiled wool which need a little extra care when washing.

Our woolly wash is also a great gentle liquid hand soap, if you prefer liquid to bar soap. It is biodegradable, environmentally friendly and not tested on animals!
£5.36 per bottle

To get all the benefits of a sheep's wool all winter long, why not invest in one of our famous Arthur Beale pullovers!

They are made with oiled wool which still retains all the natural lanolin, giving them a water-repellent layer and that wonderful woolly smell!