10 Best Nipple Creams for Breastfeeding Mothers Reviewed in 2024
Ana
Angeline Mirenda
Not only does breastfeeding increase the level of bonding between you and your baby, but it also provides several health benefits to you both as well. However, breastfeeding can be difficult for some women and many women experience sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples. As you begin to breastfeed, it is normal to have some pain and tenderness. Don’t ignore the pain, it is not something that you have to put up with in order to feed your baby. Finding a good nipple cream will provide you with the relief you need to enjoy feeding time with your baby. We created a list of the 10 best nipple creams to help narrow down your search. Whichever cream you decide on, we’re confident that after applying a few dabs, you and baby can comfortably enjoy feedings again.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 18 hrs of research
100 percent certified by the USDA to be completely organic
Contains all-natural ingredients that moisturize, heal and protect the nipples
Goes on smooth and doesn’t leave a sticky residue when dry
A little of the nipple cream goes a long way and is quite effective
10 Best Nipple Creams Reviewed
1. Motherlove Organic Salve
100 percent certified by the USDA to be completely organic
Contains all-natural ingredients that moisturize, heal and protect the nipples
Goes on smooth and doesn’t leave a sticky residue when dry
A little of the nipple cream goes a long way and is quite effective
Comes in a jar that has no safety seal and is quite small
MotherLove’s award-winning and all-natural Nipple Cream is USDA Certified Organic and guaranteed to bring you relief (or your money back). This cream is lanolin-free so it’s safe to put on and keep on--no need to wipe down before feeding! It’s also cruelty-free (certified by Leaping Bunny) and can be used directly on your nipples or as a pump lubricant. Olive oil, beeswax, shea butter, calendula, and marshmallow work together to soften and nourish skin in a natural, comforting manner.
Read moreIngredients
Composed of all-natural ingredients, this cream has been 100 percent USDA-certified organic and certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny. This formula is a mixture of olive oil, marshmallow root, beeswax, shea butter, and calendula flower. It’s fragrance-free so you won’t have to worry about your baby developing an aversion to the smell.
Effectiveness
The ingredients work together to soften skin, thus reducing pain. The cream instantly provides relief and immediately begins healing your cracked skin. While one ounce may not seem like a lot, a little dab of this cream goes a long way. In fact, you will be able to enjoy it for quite a while before needing to buy more.
Ease of Use
With the ingredients being all-natural, you don’t have to worry about washing off the cream before feeding. The light consistency of the cream allows it to easily absorb into the skin. Packed in a glass one-ounce jar, you can easily pack this cream in your purse or leave it at home.
2. bamboobies Organic Lanolin-Free
Eases the discomfort of painful breast and promotes healing for chapped cracked breast
Contains all safe natural organic ingredients
Has a smooth texture which is simple to apply to skin
Contains beeswax as one of its main ingredients which means although it’s organic it’s not vegan.
Bamboobies’ Boob-Ease is as effective as it is quippy. This nursing balm is natural and organic, completely lanolin-free, and non-toxic. It soothes and restores cracked skin irritated from nursing. The formula consists of extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, marshmallow root, and calendula flower. It’s more of a balm than a cream, and super easy to put on. Plus, it’s safe for babies, so you can leave it on even when you’re breastfeeding!
Read moreIngredients
The product is created using only the finest in organic natural ingredients. These five ingredients include olive oil, shea butter, and beeswax.
Effectiveness
This nipple cream also lives up to its claim of working fast to provides women with soothing relief from the sore painful breast. Also, creates a safe non-toxic shield to help protect the sensitive skin of the tender nipples from chafing. It can also help promote fast healing during the times when the nipple has become chapped or cracked.
Ease of use
A natural nipple cream that will give a woman relief from sore dry nipples during pregnancy and after. Designed to assure that it will be safe if ingested by a newborn. A woman can be reassured that the product is organic because it has been certified by the USDA. It will also be great to use on kids with eczema issues. Furthermore, the smooth texture of the cream makes application easy.
3. Lansinoh 100% Natural Lanolin
Comes in a squeeze tube that can last up to three months
It is ideal for use while breastfeeding or using a breast pump
Safe to use and hypoallergenic
Deeply moisturizes the nipples and keep them from drying or cracking
Due to the thick consistency of the product, it can sometimes be difficult to squeeze it out of the tube.
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream comes from the #1 Recommended Brand by doctors and moms alike. This cream is safe, natural, and hypoallergenic. It’s free from preservatives, parabens, fragrance, or taste, and it’s okay to leave it on when nursing your little one. This cream is designed to be close to the makeup of our skin’s own natural moisture. This pure lanolin cream is filtered to remove detergents, pesticides, and trace amounts of other harmful impurities.
Read moreIngredients
Lansinoh is another fine quality nipple cream that is created from 100% natural lanolin. Since lanolin comes from the fleece of sheep it is natural. This one is hailed as being completely hypoallergenic and free of unnecessary preservatives. The lanolin used in this product goes through a special filtration process that removes any impurities from it. The process also removes the unpleasant scent that can be associated with lanolin leaving this product virtually unscented Because of this process that this company is known for their lanolin is non-toxic and doesn’t need to be removed before breastfeeding.
Effectiveness
This is an ideal nipple cream for women who exclusively pump to express milk as it deeply moisturizes the nipples to prevent them from cracking. Although even with actual breastfeeding this product has been tested and proven safe with newborns.
Ease of Use
It also comes in a convenient tube which makes this cream ideal to use at home or for travel.
4. Earth Mama Organic 2-Fluid
Completely organic and free of any harmful preservatives such as petroleum
Has been tested by dermatologists to assure that it won’t cause further irritation
Moisturizes dry nipples and protects them from further damage
Can be used while breastfeeding and while using a breast pump
Will feel a bit grainy inconsistency when first coming out of the jar but this will dissolve once applied to the skin.
Earth Mama is another quality nipple cream that is totally organic.
Read moreIngredients
The main ingredients found in this one is olive oil and calendula flower extract. It is also free of unwanted preservatives. For those who also are looking for a nipple cream that contains no lanolin, this one is also ideal. This is a natural totally organic nipple cream that works and is totally vegan.
Effectiveness
But not to worry even though it is lanolin free is still has all that is needed to moisturize and soothe the nipples during breastfeeding.
Ease of Use
The nipple cream that is most commonly used in hospital Neonatal units because of its natural properties and ability to still get the job done.
5. Medela Tender Care Lanolin
Come in a convenient to use a tube that is 2 ounces in size
Safe for use by mother and not harmful to the baby
Unscented and glides on easy during application
Good for moisturizing the nipples and can also be used to moisturize other dry skin areas of the body.
Can leave oily stains on clothing
Medela Tender Care is a Lanolin-based nipple cream that both soothes and protects nipples. Use this for soreness, chafing, and more. It’s hypoallergenic and made from all-natural ingredients so it’s safe for both moms and babies. It’s easy to apply and goes on smoothly. Latching can be an uncomfortable process; take care of yourself! Your body deserves all of the support and pampering you can manage and Medela Tender Care is a low-maintenance way to provide a little extra relief throughout the day.
Read moreIngredients
The main ingredient in the nipple cream is lanolin which is combined with other natural ingredients such as Oat Beta Glucan.
Effectiveness
It will moisturize and protect the skin while providing a simple lanolin solution. Unlike other products containing lanolin, this one doesn’t need to be warmed with the fingers before application but can be applied instantly.
Ease of use
The product is totally hypoallergenic and is safe for not just the mother to use but also for her newborn baby. Which means that there is no need to remove before breastfeeding where further irritation and soreness can occur. The nipple cream comes in an easy to use no mess tube with a glide on an applicator.
6. Dr. Lipp Original 15ml
Fragrance-free
No chemicals or harmful additives
Multi-purpose
Convenient travel size
Thick consistency
Contains lanolin, which is an allergen
Dr. Lipp’s Original Nipple Balm is a versatile little weapon to have lying around. This balm is great for nipples, lips, eyelash conditioning, brow shaping, dry cuticles, and more! It comes in a sleek little tube and is a Bronze Award recipient from the 2018 Skincare Awards. It contains just one ingredient: lanolin. It’s extracted from unpainted Australian sheep’s wool, meaning it’s free from fragrances, dies, and other harmful chemicals.
Read moreIngredients
This multi-purpose cream has only one ingredient: lanolin. There are no additives or additional oils.
Effectiveness
It can be utilized on chafed nipples, dry patches of skin, or lips. Use it to prime, to soothe burns, to repair dry, damaged cuticles or add highlight to your cheeks--the choice is yours.
Ease of Use
It comes in a convenient travel-sized bottle and is free of fragrances, parabens, mineral oils, sulfates, and petrolatum. It is a thicker consistency, so if that’s not your speed, look elsewhere. But if it gets tacky, simply hold it up to your body to raise the temperature. As it warms, it will dispense with greater ease. Pack this one in your purse and tote it around for all kinds of relief.
7. The First Years Lanolin Free
Organic, hypoallergenic, unscented and paraben free
Goes on smooth and doesn’t leave any stains on clothing
Lanolin free which makes it ideal for new moms who are allergic to wool and lanolin products.
Helps numb the pain in sore breast and will help to promote healing.
Not recommended for someone with a severe nut allergy since it contains Almond oil.
If lanolin isn’t your thing, consider The First Year Nursing Care Nipple Butter. This plant-based alternative contains essential milk proteins to help you heal stronger and faster. It’s made from 100% food-grade ingredients and is free from harmful toxins and chemicals. It does stain clothes so be mindful, but it’s a great contender and can even be used to relieve eczema!
Read moreIngredients
A nipple cream made from natural milk proteins. All the ingredients are completely natural so there is nothing that a new mother needs to be concerned about. There are no harmful preservatives such a parabens, or mineral oil in this product. It is completely natural and guaranteed to be made from 100% hypoallergenic ingredients. So, it is safe and non-toxic.
Effectiveness
An excellent nipple cream for any new mother who desires to avoid lanolin for one reason or another. This one may not contain that commonly used product but is just as effective.
Ease of Use
It is also unscented which is another huge bonus for it. A woman does have to worry about the scent bothering or the baby.
8. Bella B Nipple Nurture Butter
Plant-based, composed of all natural ingredients
Perfect for taking on the go
Application is easy & the butter will stay where it is applied
Ingredients moisturize skin and prevent cracking
Some mom’s found it difficult to squeeze out of the tube
May stain clothes
Bella B Nipple Nurture Butter is another plant-based alternative to lanolin. It’s fragrance-free and flavor-free, and made with all-natural, edible ingredients so it’s safe for moms and wee ones. Cocoa, shea, mango, and avocado oil work together to create a nourishing, hydrating effect for breastfeeding moms. It’s easy to apply and there’s no need to wipe it off, making it a good low maintenance choice.
Read moreIngredients
Composed of a plant based formula, this remedy is all natural. It is free from petroleum, lanolin, and parabens. Not only is it safe for you but also safe for your baby, so you don’t have to worry about wiping it all off before feeding. The formula in this 2-ounce tube is composed of shea butter, avocado oil, olive oil, and cocoa butter.
Effectiveness
The shea butter and olive oil will keep your skin moisturized. The Avocado oil and cocoa butter help keep your skin strong and maintain elasticity, thus preventing your nipples from cracking and feeling sore.
Ease of Use
The thick consistency of the butter guarantees that will stay where you apply it. The application is easy. Simply unscrew the top, squeeze a little on your finger, and then rub the butter on your body. The size of this tube makes it super easy to transport. Feel free to toss it in your purse and take it on the go. The screw top will keep the lotion from spilling out in your bag.
9. Palmers Cocoa Butter 1.1 oz.
Safe for your breast and baby’s mouth
Dermatologically-tested
Moisturizing
Faint, pleasant chocolate smell
Less likely to leave residue and stains
Only one-ounce container
Palmer’s Nursing Butter is a classic choice when it comes to nipple creams. This combination of cocoa butter and panthenol is soothing and helps to restore skin and relieve soreness, chafing, and cracking. It’s been on the market for a long time and moms rave about it thanks to its nourishing properties and the faint cocoa smell.
Read moreIngredients
There are only three ingredients: USDA-grade petrolatum, cocoa seed butter, and Panthenol (Vitamin B). The beauty of such an uncomplicated product is that besides helping to soothe and relieve pain, you know exactly what is going onto your body and into your baby’s mouth.
Effectiveness
Enjoy the moisturization while floating in a sea of chocolate.
Ease Of Use
The cream goes on smooth and clear and smells faintly of cocoa butter (which some mothers mentioned helped to entice babies towards the second nipple if they were stubborn and fussy and abusing the first).
10. Lansinoh Soothies 2 Count
Mobile
Can be worn with bras and shirts without staining
Cooling action; can be put in the refrigerator
Reusable for up to seventy-two hours
Odorless and sans chemicals or oils
Guard against leaks
Cannot be used in conjunction with other balms
Finally, if creams, butters, and balms just aren’t doing it for you, don’t fret--there’s another option! With many nipple creams running the risk of staining clothes, it can feel like a hassle to find time to soothe your skin. You can’t wear it when you’re out and about, so when? For moms on the go, the Lansinoh Soothies Cooling Gel Pads provide immediate relief. They can be reused for up to 72 hours and are safe to wear under bras and clothes without worrying about stains.
Read moreIngredients
With these pads there are no secret ingredients. The pads each last for seventy-two hours or until saturated, and come with storage trays that you can put in the refrigerator for added relief. This product is not meant to be used in combination with nipple balms and creams as they will saturate the pad faster than would otherwise naturally occur, so always make sure you are applying to clean, dry nipples.
Effectiveness
A cooling pad will help provide a layer of relief, while the cotton exterior protects the nipples from rubbing against bras or shirts and further chafing. Soothies also help guard against leaking.
Ease of Use
These soothing gel pads are no different than the rest of their lines. Simply peel away the backing and adjust the cup to sit around sore nipples. When you’re ready to breastfeed, simply remove the pad, rinse your breast with warm water and pat it dry. Return the pad to your breast after feeding and go about your day.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Ingredients
Breastfeeding a baby can come with several unique challenges for the mother of a newborn that she may not have anticipated. Unfortunately, nipple irritation is one of these factors, so a quality nipple cream to use during the breastfeeding stage of a child's life is essential. There is a reason that women are given nipple creams at baby showers and why hospitals also provide them. However, there are several different kinds of nipple creams on the market and a new mother may find it hard to narrow down the search to find the one that will work for her. When creating our list, we wanted to look for factors that a new mother would also want to take into consideration and this created the criteria for our list. When it comes to nipple cream the safety and toxicity of ingredients were taken into consideration. The ingredients in the cream have to be safe and nontoxic. They had to have been tested and proven not to be harmful to the skin. Also, most importantly, the ingredients should have proven not to be harmful if ingested by the infant. If the nipple cream is nontoxic, a new mother doesn’t need to worry about whether she should remove it before breastfeeding.
Effectiveness
Finding a nipple cream that is soothing to the sore breast is definitely important. The cream has to be able to relieve the pain that a woman is experiencing. It also needs to be able to give relief to skin that is irritated and also needs to help promote healing. Protection is another reason why women use nipple cream. In many ways, these are similar to the diaper rash cream we purchase for the baby because it provides a protective barrier shield. This protective barrier will lock out the moisture that causes more irritation to the skin.
Ease of Use
Dry cracked nipples can be extremely painful. Not only did we want the creams on our list to be safe and effective but we also wanted them to be easy to use. We paid attention to the consistency of the cream, the application process, and whether or not you would have to rinse it off before breastfeeding. Creams that came in travel size containers were a huge plus because we knew it would allow you to carry it around on the go and use it when needed.
Ingredients Effectiveness Ease of Use 
When showering, only wash your breasts with water. Soaps and shower gels can strip your breasts of their natural oils and cause more irritation when breastfeeding.
Air-dry your nipples or dab them gently with a towel
Other Factors to Consider
Annoyance Factor
On average, most women don’t want a nipple cream that has a strange odor or a heavily perfumed scent. Not only is this not what the product is designed for but it also can cause issues to the baby who may not like the odor of the cream. So, a quality nipple cream should either have a very light scent or be unscented.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: How long does a woman need to use nipple cream?
Generally, a woman should only have to use a nipple cream for no more than two weeks when first breastfeeding. This is mainly due to the fact that the nipples need to get used to the process. Some women, however, may need to continue to use one a bit longer.
q: Can breast milk be used as a way to heal the breast?
Yes, breast milk can actually be used to help heal the nipples. A woman can basically work some of the breast milk into the breast after nursing. It can also be used in conjunction with a quality nipple cream such as the ones we have listed here. The thing to remember though is the make sure that nipples are dry before applying the nipple cream.
q: Is nipple cream containing lanolin really safe to use?
There has been much concern over nipple creams containing lanolin. There have been reports that these contain pesticides. Also, there are those who believe that lanolin-based products such as nipple creams can cause cancer.
Now, it is understandable that new mothers would be concerned by this. But there is another side to this argument that contends that the lanolin used in nipple creams goes through a proper filtration process. The few nipple creams on our list above that contain lanolin certainly have been properly tested to be safe.
These creams also have received rave reviews online for not just being beneficial to the mother but not being harmful to a newborn. One important concern to take into account when choosing a nipple cream that contains lanolin-based ingredients is that if a woman is allergic to wool, she should avoid these products since lanolin is sheep’s wool.
The best advice for a new mother who has concerns about lanolin-based nipple creams is to choose instead one of the many organic natural alternatives that work just as effectively.
q: Does nipple cream expire?
Like any over-the-counter product that has been opened, yes nipple cream does expire. Usually, they have a shelf life of up to one year.
If the product comes with a date of expiration stamped on it great, if not then look at the date on your calendar as to when the cream was opened and take the time to write the date down on the label of the nipple cream. This will tell you that one year to this date the cream should no longer be used.
q: Can nipple cream be used on other areas of the body?
There is some proof that nipple cream that contains lanolin is also good to use on chapped lips. It takes only a small amount placed on the lips but turns out that this actually works effectively.
Also, as stated above, it also can be used for diaper rash on the baby. The cream will actually create a protective barrier and also help the skin to heal. These types of creams can also work as a moisturizer for extremely dry, chapped skin.
q: Can nipple creams cause an allergic reaction?
As stated above, even if these creams are natural, there is always the possibility that a woman could be allergic to certain ingredients such as lanolin and even the organic ingredients used.
So, it is important to either find the ingredients for the product online or to even read the product while in the store to see the ingredients listed. If a woman knows she is allergic to something that could be in the product she should avoid using it.
q: Are these nipple creams really safe for baby?
Even with all-natural organic ingredients, there is still always a concern of allergic reaction. Another thing to keep in mind is that some vitamins, such as E and A, may not agree with a baby’s delicate digestions, which could be ingested while breastfeeding. At that age, the breast milk provides all the nutrition the baby needs where vitamins and minerals are the concern.
These are things to keep in mind, but it’s also not advisable to continually wipe off the nipple cream before breastfeeding because this can cause more damage to the breast. So, a concerned mother could consult the obstetrician about what nipple cream they would recommend and feel isn’t going to cause any issue for the baby.
q: What if the soreness persists or gets worse while using a nipple cream?
It is always best to consult with your obstetrician or primary care physician if the breast doesn’t seem to be getting any relief from the nipple cream. If the soreness or chapping persist, this could be the result of another underlying problem.
Another good piece of advice is to get their input about the best nipple cream to use while breastfeeding. Some of these could cause allergic reactions in the nursing mothers and even the newborns, and a physician could be of help in determining which one is best-suited to your needs.
Sources
- , 13 great uses for nipple cream, Online Article
- , Exclusively Pumping and Nipple Pain, informative article
- , 10 ways to prevent and treat sore nipples, Online Article
- , Nipple care for breastfeeding mums , Online Article
- , Can I Use Nipple Cream If I'm Breastfeeding?, Informative Article
