Nursing & Feeding Products The Best Nipple Creams to Soothe Your Skin By Maya Polton Maya Polton LinkedIn Maya has more than 15 years of experience in digital media and communications and specializes in writing about family, food, and lifestyles. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 07, 2022 Fact checked by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact-checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. A new baby brings so many changes to a new mom’s body. Whether pregnant, breastfeeding, pumping or a mix of all three, your nipples are likely getting way more attention than they have in the past. Depending on your situation and body, they can become dry, cracked, chapped, sore, itchy, or even bleeding. Ashley Georgakopoulos, IBCLC, and Motif Medical Lactation Director, tells Verywell Family nipple creams should include clean, organic, and food-grade ingredients as your little one will likely ingest small portions of it. We carefully considered ingredients, application, portability, and value when reviewing products. Here are the best balms and creams for sore and irritated nipples to help you survive postpartum recovery and breastfeeding. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Honest Calm Your Nip Balm at Walmart Jump to Review Best for Pregnant Moms: Motherlove Nipple Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best Lanolin-Based: Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best Non-Greasy Formula: Medela Tender Care at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Bella B Nurturing Nipple Butter at Amazon Jump to Review Best Moisturizing: Bamboobies Nipple Balm at Amazon Jump to Review Best Organic: Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter at Amazon Jump to Review Best Handcrafted: Coddle Nipple Balm for Breastfeeding at Coddle.co Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQs Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall Honest Calm Your Nip Balm 5 Honest View On Walmart View On Babylist.com View On Honest.com The Honest Calm Your Nip Balm earned our top spot because it's a natural nipple balm that uses shea butter, beeswax, coconut oil, and other natural 100% organic ingredients to soothe tender nipples and alleviate dry skin. It’s safe for both mom and baby, so there’s no need to wipe it off before a feeding. The balm is hypoallergenic, unscented, and made without petrolatum, lanolin, silicones, or synthetic fragrances, so it's soothing for even the most sensitive skin. If cracked nipples become an issue, the coconut oil lowers the yeast levels on the skin, reducing the risk for thrush, which can become quite painful and disruptive to a good feeding routine. Price at time of publication: $15 for 1.75 ounce Best for Pregnant Moms Motherlove Nipple Cream Amazon View On Amazon View On Motherlove.com Pregnant women may find their nipples becoming tender, dry, or itchy near the end of pregnancy. Look no further than this versatile cream for some relief. The award-winning, 100% organic, multi-use formula is a must-have. For breastfeeding moms, the cream is a lifesaver for chapped, itchy nipples. The unscented, plant-based formulation is not just for nipples; many women use it on chapped lips, dry skin, as a pump lubricant, and more. Reviewers love this product and find a little goes a long way, so the jar will last for a while and it can even be used as a diaper cream for tender baby butts. Since it is oil-based, some note it may stain bras or clothing that it comes in contact with. Price at time of publication: $12 for 1 ounce Best Lanolin-Based Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Carewell.com Lanolin is a well-known skin soother made from a wax secreted by sheep that can be extremely helpful and soothing. Pumping mamas may need some extra TLC since the repetitive motion of the pump can make nipples especially sore. This cream is made from thick lanolin that has been purified to ensure a pure hypoallergenic product. A medical-grade product, it’s also useful on dry skin, lips, cuticles, or anywhere else. In cold temps, the product becomes extremely thick and will need to be squeezed out and rubbed between two fingers to warm it. In warm temperatures, the product can become runny and gooey, so be sure to store it at room temperature with the cap on. If mom is avoiding animal-based products, you’ll want to skip lanolin-based creams. Price at time of publication: $8 for 1.41 ounce What Our Editors Say "My nipples went through war in the early days of breastfeeding. This was truly the only balm that helped because lansolin (the main ingredient) is such a good barrier. It protects the skin by allowing it to heal under a thick layer of product. I also applied it before showering to keep the hot water from hurting my nipples." — Lauren Levinson, Editorial Director, Verywell Family The 9 Best Nipple Shields to Help Your Baby Latch Best Non-Greasy Formula Medela Tender Care Lanolin Nipple Cream Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond Caring for your sore and irritated nursing nipples doesn't have to be messy. The Medela Tender Care lanolin-based cream glides over nipples to create a healing and protective barrier for more comfortable nursing sessions. Safe for mom and baby, you don't have to worry about wiping it off before feeding your little one. Made of a natural ingredient blend, the mess-free texture makes application a breeze. Price at time of publication: $19 for 2 ounces The Best Products for Breastfeeding Parents Who Pump Best for Sensitive Skin Bella B Nurturing Nipple Butter Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond With plant-based and food-grade ingredients, this soothing formulation is free of fragrance and lanolin, which can be an irritant for some women with sensitive skin. The all-natural ingredients include a blend of cocoa, shea, and mango butter that are combined into a soothing cream that can be used before or after feedings to ease sensitive nipples. Many women find the soft cream much easier to apply than other products and appreciate the tube packaging rather than a tub since it’s a cinch to squeeze out the right amount. Price at time of publication: $10 for 2 ounces Best Moisturizing Bamboobies Nipple Balm Amazon View On Amazon For those that appreciate natural products, this formulation is made with olive oil and only four other ingredients. It spreads on very smoothly, without needing to be wiped off prior to feedings. Without lanolin or other synthetic ingredients, Boob-Ease is USDA certified organic. Reviewers note that the olive oil and coconut-based oil formula can stain clothing or bras, so best to use a washable or disposable nursing pad with this balm. Price at time of publication: $12 for 1 ounce The 10 Best Nursing Pads of 2023 Best Organic Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter Breastfeeding Cream Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Buybuy BABY A favorite of hospitals, lactation specialists, and mamas, this lanolin-free, non-sticky, and ultra-moisturizing nipple butter is well-loved for many reasons. This product is the first non-GMO Project Verified nipple cream and doesn’t need to be wiped off before feedings. Many moms appreciate that once this takes up residence on a nightstand, it can be used for dry skin, chapped lips, or even diaper rash. The 2-ounce product will feel like a never-ending tub of skin relief. Price at time of publication: $13 for 2 ounces What Our Editors Say "I kept this within arms reach in the early days of breastfeeding before my nipples toughened up. The organic formula is non-greasy and didn't transfer on my nursing bras and tanks or cause staining. And since there's no lanolin in the cream, you won't have to worry about wiping it off before baby feeds again." — Ashleigh Morley, Editorial Director of Verywell Health Commerce Best Handcrafted Coddle Nipple Balm for Breastfeeding Coddle View On Coddle.co Handcrafted in small batches by a Black-owned business, the specially formulated nipple balm is part of their postpartum self-care collection. The soothing balm is made with carnauba wax and other natural ingredients so it’s safe and digestible for babies. The plant-based, lanolin-free, vegan, and gluten-free formulation is packaged in zero waste food grade jars that are easily recyclable or reusable. Price at time of publication: $23 for 2 ounces What to Look for in a Nipple Cream Quality Ingredients Take a look at the back label of your potential nipple cream purchase and read through the ingredients. Ashley Georgakopoulos, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and Motif Medical Lactation Director, says to check if the list includes clean, organic, and food-grade ingredients as your little one will likely ingest small portions of it. It is also helpful to ensure that you are choosing a product with antifungal properties as well like coconut oil, she says. Ashley Georgakopoulos says that these ingredients can help heal painful cracked skin on and around your nipple to prevent infections. Portability Since nursing and the pain related to it can happen while you're on the go, Georgakopoulos recommends finding a nipple cream that’s easy to tote around. Whether you're nursing at home or while running errands, having a travel-friendly nipple cream will ensure that you always have relief at your fingertips. Skin Nourishing For dry, cracked, and irritated nipples, highly nourishing ingredients are important. Ingredients such as calendula, extra virgin olive oil, and vitamin E help to restore the skin's moisture and ease nursing-related irritation. Consistency Depending on your personal preferences, choosing a consistency that won't stain your clothes while also feeling good on your skin is essential. From balms and butters to creams and ointments, there is an option to suit your preference. Also ensuring that the product easily glides onto your skin while also acting as a lubricant and skin barrier will help with pain while nursing and pumping. Frequently Asked Questions Is nipple cream safe when breastfeeding? Using a nipple cream is safe when breastfeeding, but it doesn’t hurt to double-check that the product is made with clean, food-grade, and antifungal ingredients.If you’re having problems breastfeeding, Georgakopoulos says an IBCLC “can help navigate issues or practices that may be contributing to sore, chafed nipples, as well as assist in choosing the right product for your needs as they change.” Can I use nipple cream during pregnancy? Due to major hormone fluctuations during pregnancy, nipples can become dry, chapped, and irritated. Georgakopoulos suggests using nipple creams before the baby arrives to help protect nipples from issues associated with cracked or damaged skin and help maintain soft, supple skin. Why Trust Verywell Family? Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. When she used nipple cream, she stuck with lanolin products, mostly because she didn’t know how many other great products existed. She was always frustrated that it stained her clothes and still has a favorite nightgown with two oddly placed stains. 4 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA organic. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Calendula. Taheri M, Amiri-Frahani L. Anti-inflammatory and restorative effects of olives in topical application. 2021;9927976. doi:10.1155/2021/9927976 Keen MA, Hassan I. Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(4):311-315. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.185494 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit