Alpaca fiber, sourced from the South American camelid, is highly regarded in the textile industry for its softness, lightweight feel, and natural warmth. Because it is often compared to sheep’s wool, consumers frequently ask about its composition. A common inquiry, especially for those with sensitivities, is whether alpaca fiber contains lanolin, the waxy substance found in sheep’s fleece.
The Presence of Lanolin in Alpaca Fiber
The direct answer is that alpaca fiber does not contain lanolin. Lanolin is technically a complex wax, also known as wool grease, secreted by the skin of sheep to protect their fleece. This substance can constitute a significant percentage of a sheep’s raw fleece weight, sometimes up to 25%. While raw alpaca fiber is not entirely grease-free, the trace amounts of natural oils and sweat salts present are collectively termed suint, which is chemically distinct from lanolin. This minimal coating means the fiber is fundamentally much cleaner than raw sheep wool immediately after shearing.
Why Alpaca Fiber Differs from Sheep Wool
The absence of lanolin stems from a biological difference in the animals’ skin anatomy. Lanolin is specifically produced by specialized sebaceous glands abundant in sheep skin, which open directly into the hair follicles. These glands are highly specialized to secrete the heavy, waxy wool grease that provides sheep wool its characteristic feel and water-repellency. Alpacas possess sebaceous glands, but they lack the specialized structures responsible for producing true lanolin. Instead, alpaca fiber is coated primarily with the simple oil and salt residue known as suint. This difference in secretion chemistry and quantity explains why alpaca fiber is often referred to as a “dry” fiber, contrasting sharply with the “greasy” feel of raw sheep wool.
Consumer Benefits and Fiber Care
The lack of lanolin in alpaca fiber results in several practical advantages for both processors and consumers. Since lanolin is the primary component in sheep wool that causes allergic reactions for many individuals, the lanolin-free nature of alpaca fiber makes it generally hypoallergenic. This allows people who experience irritation or discomfort from traditional wool to comfortably wear alpaca garments against their skin. The relatively smooth surface of the fiber, which has fewer microscopic scales than sheep wool, further contributes to its non-irritating, soft texture.
The processing of raw alpaca fiber is also simplified by the absence of lanolin. Unlike sheep fleece, which requires intensive, harsh scouring—industrial washing with strong detergents and hot water—to remove the wool grease, alpaca fiber only requires a much gentler wash. This minimal treatment preserves the integrity and natural softness of the fiber, contributing to the luxurious feel of the final product. For home care, this inherent cleanliness means alpaca garments do not need frequent washing. When cleaning is required, it should involve gentle hand-washing in lukewarm water with a mild soap, followed by air-drying flat to maintain the garment’s shape and luster.