The present invention provides a highly tolerable, hydrating lanolin containing foamable composition for administration to the skin, body surface, body cavity or mucosal surface, e.g., the mucosa of the nose, mouth, eye, ear, respiratory system, vagina or rectum. The foamable composition includes lanolin, a surface-active agent, about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of at least one polymeric additive selected from the group consisting of a bioadhesive agent, a gelling agent, a film forming agent and a phase change agent, water, and a liquefied or compressed gas propellant at a concentration of about 3% to about 25% by weight of the total composition.