Breaking Beauty Podcast Summary
Episode: "Before Beef Tallow, There Was Sheep-Derived Lanolin. Everything To Know About The Lowkey Skincare Ingredient Adored By Margot Robbie, Ancient Egyptians – and Us"
Release Date: June 25, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the Breaking Beauty Podcast, hosts Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins delve deep into the world of lanolin—a timeless skincare ingredient with a rich history and numerous benefits. Featuring an insightful conversation with Kirsten Cariol, founder of the Australian beauty brand Lano, the episode explores the origins, uses, and future of lanolin in the beauty industry.

Kirsten Cariol's Background and Story

Kirsten Cariol shares her upbringing on her grandparents' sheep farm in Lucendale, South Australia, where she first encountered lanolin.

• Childhood Experiences:
  • [06:57] Kirsten recounts daily routines on the farm: "Our mornings would consist of getting up early and walking with my grandfather to milk the cows... picking up eggs from the chicken coop."
  • [09:12] She fondly remembers the sensory memories of lanolin: "I remember the smell and the feel of lanolin as a core memory from my childhood."

Influence of Family:

• Kirsten's mother spun wool and produced lanolin-based products, embedding the ingredient into her family's daily life.
• Her father, a molecular DNA scientist, recognized lanolin's molecular similarity to human oils, reinforcing its efficacy and safety for skin care.

Lanolin: History and Uses

Historical Significance:

• [11:09] Kirsten highlights lanolin's longstanding presence: "Lanolin has been around for millennia."
• Examples include:
  • Ancient Egypt: Lanolin preserved dyes in 2,000-year-old carpets.
  • Aviation History: Found in Amelia Earhart's plane.
  • Celebrity Use: Marilyn Monroe reportedly used lanolin-based products.

Medicinal Applications:

• [16:50] Kirsten discusses lanolin's role in healthcare: "It's used in burns healing because it mimics a moist wound healing environment... safe for breastfeeding mothers to use on cracked nipples."

Founding of Lano

Transitioning from a successful career in beauty public relations, Kirsten founded Lano to bring the benefits of lanolin to a broader audience.

• Career Shift:
  • [13:00] "I was total beauty junkie... but nothing has actually properly worked like the lanolin I grew up with."
  • The idea for lanolips (now Lano) was born during a long flight home from her honeymoon, inspired by the need for effective lip hydration.

Product Development:

• 101 Ointment:
  • [23:34] The cornerstone product, Lano Original 101 Ointment, offers "101 uses" for various skin needs.
  • Emphasis on purity: "It's a one-ingredient medical-grade product... safe to use on cuts and open wounds."

Science Behind Lanolin

Kirsten delves into the scientific properties that make lanolin a superior skincare ingredient.

• Molecular Compatibility:
  • [14:44] "Lanolin mimics your oils... it absorbs because it mimics your oils."
• Moisture Retention:
  • [15:06] "It's got this amazing ability to hold onto moisture... a moisture reservoir."
• Barrier Function:
  • [15:06] "It's a breathable barrier... creates a moist wound healing environment."

Allergens and Safety

Addressing common concerns, Kirsten clarifies the allergenic potential of lanolin.

• Allergen Status:
  • [35:50] "Lanolin was named allergen, but it's safe for newborn babies to ingest."
  • [36:38] Emphasizes that while any substance can be an allergen, lanolin is generally safe and beneficial.
• Sourcing Practices:
  • [38:23] Detailed explanation of ethical sourcing from Australia and New Zealand, ensuring animal welfare and high-quality lanolin extraction.

Future of Lanolin

Kirsten discusses the sustainability and future prospects of lanolin in the beauty industry.

• Sustainability:
  • [41:37] "Wool is biodegradable and circular... lanolin is a byproduct of the wool industry."
• Against Synthetic Alternatives:
  • [41:37] "Lanolin's molecular complexity can't be replicated synthetically... it's natural and biodegradable."

Trends in Skincare

Reflecting on her extensive experience in beauty PR, Kirsten shares her insights on enduring and transient skincare trends.

• Enduring Trends:
  • [43:12] "SPFs are having a moment... Aussie SPFs are really good."
  • [45:03] Believes in active ingredients: "Single ingredient ap dear... like vitamin C."
• Transient Trends:
  • [45:03] Skeptical about the efficacy of sheet masks: "Having a sheet on your face doesn't make it go in any better."

Lano Product Development and Future Plans

Kirsten elaborates on the journey of perfecting Lano's products and the brand's future direction.

• Product Refinement:
  • [28:48] Multiple iterations to achieve the perfect texture for the 101 Ointment.
• Expansion:
  • Introduction of Sunbalm SPF 30 Tropical lip balm:
    • [29:54] "Formulated with a natural lanolin base and SPF 30... smells like summer with pineapple and coconut oil."
• Innovation:
  • Plans to continue developing new products that maintain the core benefits of lanolin while introducing fun and innovative variations.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Kirsten sharing her vision for Lano as a lasting brand that continues to innovate while staying true to the simplicity and efficacy of lanolin. Hosts Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins reiterate the exclusive promo code for listeners, encouraging them to experience the benefits of lanolin firsthand.

Notable Quotes

• Kirsten Cariol on lanolin's effectiveness:
  "Lanolin mimics your oils... it absorbs because it mimics your oils." [14:44]

• Kirsten Cariol on the history of lanolin:
  "Marshall Monroe was famously apparently using lanolin as well." [12:30]

• Kirsten Cariol on product simplicity:
  "I think in hindsight that's the magic behind it." [24:58]

• Kirsten Cariol on allergens:
  "Lanolin was named allergen, but it's safe for newborn babies to ingest." [35:50]

Further Information

For more details on Lano products and to take advantage of the exclusive promo code BEAUTY for 20% off your first purchase, visit lips.com.

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