You can’t take a break from breastfeeding when you have damaged nipples, so getting relief is really important! Here is information about how to use nipple cream, the different types (lanolin vs no lanolin), and a list of the best nipple creams out there for you to choose from.
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Why, When, and How to Use Nipple Cream
Nipple creams can help relieve the pain associated with dry, sore nipples. It can be especially helpful in the first few weeks of breastfeeding when you and your baby are still working on latching, and your breasts are getting used to the breast pump.
To use it, you apply the cream to your nipples after nursing or pumping and as needed.
Most nipple creams (including all of those listed below) are petroleum-free, safe for babies, and do not need to be washed off prior to breastfeeding. Make sure to confirm this is the case for any nipple cream that you’re considering before you buy it.
Types of Nipple Creams
Most nipple creams and balms are fairly similar – they come in a tube or in a jar, and you use them the same way.
The main difference between the different nipple creams that you can buy are:
- Ingredients (lanolin or no lanolin, organic or not),
- Scent (some people prefer no scent)
- Texture (some creams are smooth, others are grainy), and
- Thickness (a thicker balm can provide more protection but be harder to apply).
Lanolin or Lanolin Free Nipple Cream?
You may see some nipple creams state that they are “lanolin free” – what does lanolin free mean?
Lanolin is a wax secreted by sheep and other wool-bearing animals, and it is a common ingredient in nipple creams. It is thick, waterproof, and protects skin. Purified lanolin in nipple creams is safe for babies and does not need to be removed prior to nursing or pumping.
So why would some creams market themselves as “lanolin free”? There are a few reasons.
First, some studies that have been done have not shown lanolin to have any impact on healing. For example, in this study, the control group (which applied no nipple cream) actually healed faster than the group that applied lanolin.
Also, there are no organic lanolin options available, as the sheep that the lanolin comes from are often treated with pesticides.
Finally, people who are allergic to lanolin will want a lanolin-free option.
So there’s nothing wrong with lanolin, but some people might prefer a nipple cream without it.
6 Best Nipple Creams
Below are six of the best nipple creams available:
Motherlove Nipple Cream | ✅ Easy to spread on, is not thick and sticky | ||
Lanolin Nipple Cream | ✅ Free from preservatives or fragrances | ||
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter | ✅ Made with organic beeswax and herbs traditionally used to soothe and moisturize nipples and dry skin | ||
Medela Tender Care | ✅ Easy to apply and goes on smoothly | ||
Mommy Love Organic Nipple Balm | ✅ Works as a lubricant for pumping in addition to help heal sore nipples | ||
Bella B Nipple Butter | ✅ Goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly |
Here is some more information on each of these, along with the pros and cons.
1. Motherlove
The ingredients in Motherlove nipple cream include extra virgin olive oil, shea butter, beeswax, marshmallow root, and calendula flower.
Pros:
- Easy to spread on, is not thick and sticky
- Very soothing to dry and sore nipples
- A lot of moms like the chapstick-like consistency
- Some moms noted it also helped them treat their babies’ cradle cap
Cons:
- Consider a different option if you have an allergy to ragweed; contains calendula (which is in the same plant family)
- Some moms noted an olive oil smell that they or baby did not like
2. Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding
The only ingredient in Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream is lanolin.
Pros:
- Free from preservatives or fragrances
- Cream is thick and moisturizing
- Can use as lip balm (bonus!)
Cons:
- Some women with eczema may have an allergy to lanolin
- Some women found it to be *too* thick and difficult to get out of the tube
3. Earth Mama Organics
Earth Mama Nipple Butter contains organic olive fruit oil, ethically sourced organic beeswax, organic cocoa seed butter, organic shea butter, organic mango seed butter, and organic calendula flower extract.
Pros:
- Can put on pump flanges if that makes pumping more comfortable for you
- Very thick and protective
- No petroleum and lanolin free
Cons:
- Consider a different option if you have an allergy to ragweed; contains calendula
4. Medela Tender Care
The main ingredient in Medela Tender Care nipple cream is lanolin.
Pros:
- Easy to apply and goes on smoothly
- Very soothing
- Sold at a lower price point than some other options
Cons:
- Some women with eczema may have an allergy to lanolin
- May stain, so be sure to use breast pads
- Some women did not like the smell
5. Mommyz Love Organic Nipple Balm
Ingredients in Mommyz Love Organic Nipple Balm include coconut oil, sunflower oil, beeswax, olive oil, shea butter, calendula oil and aloe.
Pros:
- Works as a lubricant for pumping in addition to help heal sore nipples
- Can also be used for treating diaper rash
- Easily absorbed into the body
Cons:
- Consider a different option if you have an allergy to ragweed; contains calendula (which is in the same plant family)
- Some moms found that their babies didn’t like the taste
6. Belly B Nipple Nurture Butter
Belly B Nipple Butter’s ingredients include shea butter, olive oil, avocado oil, and cocoa butter.
Pros:
- Not greasy and absorbs quickly
- A little goes a long way; a tube lasts a long time
Cons:
- May stain, so be sure to wear with nursing pads
- Can be difficult to get the nipple cream out of the tube (if this is an issue for you, you can microwave the tube for 45 seconds and let it cool completely while standing upright, and then try again)
Other Options Besides Nipple Creams
There are a few other options besides nipple cream when you’re experiencing breast dryness and soreness.
Breast Milk
In the study I referenced above, moms who applied hindmilk (breast milk expressed at the end of a nursing or pumping session) to their breasts after breastfeeding healed more quickly than those that used lanolin or who used nothing.
This option is also great because it’s free!
Coconut Oil
Many women in our Facebook group apply coconut oil to their breast shields before pumping as well as on their breasts afterwards to moisturize dry nipples.
More information on using coconut oil for sore nipples here.
Homemade APNO
APNO is an invention of Dr. Jack Newman and stands for “all purpose nipple ointment.”
More information on the prescription version is at the above link, but you can also make a homemade version with over the counter creams. Here is a tutorial on OTC APNO.
What nipple creams have you tried? Let us know your thoughts on what you’ve tried and the best nipple cream in the comments!
References- Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. “Helping patients who are allergic to lanolin and parabens” https://dtb.bmj.com/content/9/6/22
- Mission of Motherhood. “All-Purpose Nipple Ointment (APNO) – OTC Recipe.” https://missionofmotherhood.com/all-purpose-nipple-ointment-apno-otc-recipe/
- Mohammadzadeh A, et al. “The effect of breast milk and lanolin on sore nipples.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16127520
- Newman, Jack, MD. “All Purpose Nipple Ointment (APNO).” https://ibconline.ca/information-sheets/all-purpose-nipple-ointment-apno/
Comments & Chitchat
Meredith says
Huh, that’s so funny about Motherlove … I have hayfever but used it throughout my pumping/breastfeeding journey (2 years) with no real allergy issues!
I did notice that baby didn’t love the taste though, so I made sure to wipe it off when I was done pumping.
Haley says
I really like Earth Mama nipple butter!