a person's hand extended with cream on one fingertip

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“How is it possible that your baby’s mouth can cause so much pain to your breasts?”

For some breastfeeding mothers, it comes as a surprise just how physically intense breastfeeding can be. While you may cherish the special bonding time with your little one, breastfeeding can be painful, especially in those first few weeks.

“If you decide breastfeeding isn’t for you, why not try nipple cream? Some nursing parents will benefit from using nipple creams, but others will benefit from using other relief methods.”

Nipple creams can help to soothe and heal the skin around your nipples. Because breastfeeding, for some, can lead to cracks, sores, itchiness, and even some blood in the early weeks as your body adapts to feeding your infant, any comfort can be much appreciated!

Some expecting mamas even use a nipple cream before their baby is born. If you experience dry or itchy skin on your breasts during pregnancy, nipple creams can help your skin stay moisturized and healthy.

Plus, some creams even pull double duty as lip balms, diaper creams, or skin moisturizers. Keeping a bottle in your purse or diaper bag means you’ll always have a remedy for parched skin on hand.

You should consider the following factors when choosing a nipple cream.

  • Ingredients. When comparing ingredient lists, plant-based and organic ingredients are generally considered a safe bet for both you and your baby. You’ll also want to avoid products with numbing ingredients since they can impact your baby’s ability to suck.
  • Texture. Some nipple creams are thicker or have a grainy texture that makes them more difficult to apply and may not be as soothing on your breasts. Oiler nipple creams can also leave oil stains on your clothing and bras.
  • Smell and taste. While most babies won’t avoid your breasts just because of a little nipple cream, some are pickier. To avoid potential problems, many moms choose a nipple cream that has minimal added fragrances and tastes.
  • Allergens. Like any other skin care product, what works for some people might not work for you and your baby. Be sure to read ingredient lists (claims that a product is “hypoallergenic” don’t cut it!) before purchasing. A sore chest plus an allergic reaction is a recipe for discomfort.

We picked these nipple creams based on their ingredients and reviews from parents. We found some nipple creams that stood out.

Price guide

  • $ = under $10
  • $$ = $10–$15

Best nipple cream for breastfeeding moms

Motherlove Nipple Cream

  • Price: $$
  • Organic: USDA certified organic
  • Key ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, shea butter, marshmallow root, and calendula flower

This option from Motherlove is a rich cream made with 100 percent USDA certified organic and cruelty-free ingredients. It contains marshmallow root and calendula flower, which get rave reviews from breastfeeding moms for soothing pain and quick healing.

You can apply before feeds for an added layer of protection because this formula is plant-based. Motherlove is a family-run, Certified B Corporation, and if you are interested in the business side of things, you should know that.

Pros

  • Leaping Bunny has certified the cream as organic and cruelty-free.
  • It is safe to apply before feeds.
  • The company that produces this cream is family-run.

Cons

  • Lanolin is not included in this cream for those who prefer it.
  • This is not the most budget-friendly cream.
Shop now at Amazon

Best herbal nipple cream

Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter

  • Price: $$
  • Organic: USDA certified organic
  • Key ingredients: Calendula

No need to worry about your child eating some of the organic nipple cream. The smooth texture, appealing smell, and natural ingredients of Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter have been praised.

“The herbs in the recipe take center stage because the formula doesn’t include any of the ingredients.”

It is more than a nipple cream. Fans of this product say it can be used as a lip balm, diaper cream, and skin moisturizer. It has a light scent, so keep that in mind if you are averse to fragrances.

Pros

  • The cream is certified organic.
  • It can be used as a lip balm, diaper cream, and skin moisturizer.
  • There is no need to wipe off the ingredients before nursing.

Cons

  • Some may prefer that this cream does not include lanolin.
  • It has a light scent that may not appeal to everyone.
Shop now at Amazon

Best lanolin nipple cream

Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream

  • Price: $
  • Organic: No, though an organic version by the company does exist
  • Key ingredients: Lanolin

Lactation consultants and hospitals love this 100 percent lanolin ointment as it’s free of filler or preservative ingredients. This cream is considered tasteless, so your little one shouldn’t mind having it on your breasts during feeding sessions.

A lot of nipple creams are lanolin-free these days as some parents are wary of their child having a wool allergy. Lanolin allergies are rare, however, and if you’re concerned you can always wipe it off before feeding.

If you end up using this cream, be aware that it can leave spots on your clothing, so you should use a nipple pad after applying.

Pros

  • This is one of the cheaper nipple creams.
  • It is not tested on animals.
  • The ointment does not contain any ingredients that are used in making food.
  • It is a good choice for those who like the option ofolin.

Cons

  • This cream can leave stains on clothing.
  • If you are worried about wool allergies, you should avoid this cream.
Shop now at Amazon

Best nipple cream for sensitive skin

The Honest Company Calm Your Nip Balm

  • Price: $$
  • Organic: Made with organic ingredients
  • Key ingredients: Canola oil, shea butter, aloe, coconut oil, and jojoba seed oil

A smooth and thinner cream, this one gets points for being non-sticky and easy to apply. It’s also made with ingredients like organic shea butter and coconut oil, which are safe for babies to consume.

This cream is tested for skin problems. It is made without synthetic fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin.

“One problem you might run into is that this cream is not sold in many different stores. Some parents don’t like that the formula includes canola oil.”

Pros

  • The cream is tested for skin problems.
  • It is not sticky.
  • It can be left on during breastfeeding.

Cons

  • This cream is hard to find because it is not widely available.
  • Some parents may not like it.
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Best nipple cream for pumping moms

Bamboobies Boob-Ease Organic Pumping Lubricant

  • Price: $
  • Organic: USDA certified organic
  • Key ingredients: Coconut oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, and beeswax

If you have a lot of pumping, you may be interested in something that makes the process more comfortable. This coconut oil-based cream is a lubricant and can be used to ease the pain of pumping.

Moms say this USDA Certified Organic cream works well as a nipple aid. It is best to use a nipple pad to prevent clothing stains since it is made with coconut oil.

Pros

  • The lubricant is not tested on animals.
  • It does not include synthetic fragrances. This product is great for those with wool allergies because it excludes the soothing substance, Lanolin.
  • It can be used to treat nipples.

Cons

  • Coconut oil can leave greasy marks on clothes, so you need to be aware of that.
  • This product is designed to be a lubricant, which means it is runnier and greasier than other options.
Shop now at Amazon

Best nipple cream for cracked nipples

Handmade Heroes Free the Nips Nursing Balm

  • Price: $$
  • Organic: No
  • Key ingredients: Calendula extract, mango butter, shea butter, and cocoa butter

Looking for some hydration? The Handmade Heroes balm is said to deliver.

On the plus side, this non-sticky blend of natural ingredients like mango butter, shea butter, and cocoa butter help to moisturize painful, cracked nipples. It is also unscented.

of the ingredients are organic. The container size is small, weighing in at just 2 ounces, so it might not last as long as some of the other products that come in larger containers.

Pros

  • The cream is not colored.
  • It is made without synthetic chemicals, parabens, or Preservatives.
  • The cream is not made with animal products.

Cons

  • This cream is not made with organic ingredients.
  • The cost may add up if you buy it more frequently because the container is small.
Shop now at Amazon

Best organic nipple cream

Bamboobies Boob-Ease Organic Nipple Balm

  • Price: $$
  • Organic: USDA certified organic
  • Key ingredients: Shea butter, extra virgin olive oil, marshmallow root, calendula flower, beeswax

“This cream is easy to apply and doesn’t have a scent. The balm uses marshmallows root and calendula to soothe pain and heal your breasts. It is safe for your child to eat and is USDA certified organic so you won’t have to worry about it being wiped off.”

“Most people are fans of this product, with a few mentioning that they use it for a variety of things. One reviewer warns that if you have an allergy to calendula, this product isn’t for you.”

Pros

  • Leaping Bunny has certified the cream as organic and cruelty-free.
  • It is safe to apply before feeds.
  • It can be used for a variety of conditions.

Cons

  • Lanolin is not included in this cream for those who prefer it.
  • Some women have had allergic reactions to the calendula.
Shop now at Target

Product Cost Organic Lanolin Other considerations
Motherlove Nipple Cream $$ yes no – certified cruelty-free
– doesn’t need to be wiped off for nursing
– made in the USA
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter $$ yes no – can be used as a lip balm, diaper cream, or skin moisturizer
– doesn’t need to be wiped off for nursing
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream $ no yes – no animal testing
– no preservatives or fillers
– you’ll want to avoid if you or your baby are allergic to a wool
The Honest Company Calm Your Nip Balm $$ yes no – hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested
– no animal testing
– not sold in as many stores as some other options, so it can be harder to get
Bamboobies Boob-Ease Organic Pumping Lubricant $ yes no – no animal testing
– made in the USA
Handmade Heroes Free the Nips Nursing Balm $$ no no – no animal testing
– natural ingredients, like sunflower seed oil
Bamboobies Boob-Ease Organic Nipple Balm $$ yes no – no animal testing
– uses natural ingredients, like beeswax

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Here are some tips to make using a nipple cream as easy as possible.

  • If you feel burning or stinging after applying a nipple cream, you should stop using it. It is possible that you are having an allergic reaction.
  • “Most creams can be applied before or after breastfeeding. They can be applied continuously. When you are unsure, talk to your child’s doctor.”
  • It is recommended to apply nipple cream after breastfeeding to make sure the vitamins are absorbed into your skin before your baby is born. Extra lubrication may be applied before milk is expressed.
  • “A nursing pad can keep clothing from getting stained. It won’t help your nipple heal if you have a wet pad for a long time.”
  • Take full advantage of the nipple cream. You can keep a tube in your purse or diaper bag. Many creams can be used as a skin care product, as well as offering relief for sore and cracked nipples.

What are the benefits of nipple creams?

Nipple creams can help heal the skin around your nipples. Some nipple creams can be used as lip balm, skin moisturizer, or diaper cream. If your breasts are dry or itchy, nipple creams can be used.

Is it safe to use a lanolin nipple cream?

Lanolin nipple creams are safe to use. Lanolin does not need to be wiped off before breastfeeding.

Lanolin nipple cream can cause an allergic reaction or skin irritation. If this happens, you should clean off your skin and not use any nipple creams with lanolin. If nipple pain persists, talk to a doctor or a lactation consultant.

Are nipple creams safe to use directly before breastfeeding?

Most nipple creams are safe to use. It is recommended to apply nipple cream after feedings to give the vitamins a longer time to reach the skin before your baby starts to cry.

There are exceptions. Applying a cream or lubricating the pump can make the process more comfortable.

Make sure to check the directions from the manufacturer and talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant if you are unsure.

What does organic mean for nipple creams?

Nipple creams are made without any organic ingredients. Some nipple creams will advertise that they are made with organic ingredients, but won\’t have the label “organic” on them. The cream as a whole is not usually considered to be organic.

It is not usually necessary to wipe off the nipple cream before breastfeeding. An organic nipple cream with a simple ingredient list may be a good option for mothers and babies with skin sensitivities.

When it comes to nipple creams, simple may just be best! You may not need any sort of creams for your nipples, to begin with. If you do decide to try nipple creams, make sure that the one you use has ingredients you’re comfortable with and a scent or flavor your baby approves of.

“Many women choose to use their own breast milk as a nipple cream, and it’s not only store-bought. If you prefer to save money and go to the store, your breasts can be soothed by breast milk, which is antiseptic and healing to the skin.”

If sore or cracked nipples persist, you may want to also check in with a lactation consultant who can make sure that your baby is latching well and no other problems exist.