Nursing & Feeding
Top Nipple Creams for Breastfeeding Relief
We carefully select products based on research conducted by our editors and the experiences shared by parents in the BabyCenter Community. All prices and details are accurate at the time of publication. We may earn a commission through shopping links.
Breastfeeding can be a learning process, often accompanied by discomfort. As your nipples become more involved than ever before, they may experience irritation. A quality nipple cream can help alleviate pain while providing moisture to heal or prevent dry, cracked, sore, or bleeding nipples during the initial weeks of breastfeeding.
While traditional nipple creams contain lanolin, modern variations include a variety of soothing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil.
How we selected the best nipple creams for breastfeeding
We consulted Leslie Owens, a Georgia-based RN and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), to guide us in choosing the best nipple creams. According to her advice, the creams on this list:
- Contain moisturizing and emollient ingredients such as medical-grade lanolin, coconut oil, shea butter, or olive oil
- Are free from vitamin E oil, which can cause allergic reactions and isn’t safe for babies to ingest
- Received positive feedback from two moms on the BabyCenter editorial team about their personal experiences with nipple cream
- Were recommended by the 4 million members of BabyCenter’s Community
The creams below have garnered exceptional reviews for their:
- Soothing properties
- Light or minimal fragrance
- Portable packaging
- Value
- Ease of application
Best Overall Nipple Cream
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream
Lanolin, derived from sheep’s wool, is the only ingredient recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for nipple pain. Lansinoh’s affordable nipple cream is made solely from purified lanolin, making it safe for your baby to ingest without the need to remove it before nursing.
Moms appreciate that Lansinoh’s cream is easy to apply after warming it up a little in your hand. It forms a barrier that prevents breast pads or nursing bras from sticking to your sore nipples. However, some moms note that it can leave residue and yellowish stains on undergarments. A small amount goes a long way, and using just a dab a few times a day is effective.
“I used the Lansinoh cream religiously when I started breastfeeding,” says Sarah Darby, BabyCenter Senior SEO Content Strategist. “It helped immensely with soreness and cracking.” She also found that it worked as a hand moisturizer and lip balm.
Heads up: Lansinoh also offers a mini version that fits easily in a go-bag, while the full-sized tube stays at home.
Moms say:
- “Lansinoh lanolin has been a godsend for me. I tried Medela’s nipple cream first, but it was too sticky. Lansinoh is much better, in my opinion.”
- “I use the Lansinoh nipple cream! It’s a lifesaver!!”
- “Use Lansinoh nipple cream early, your nipples will thank you once the baby starts nursing.”
Specs
- Emollient ingredient: Lanolin
- Size: 1.41 oz or .25 oz
Best Organic Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter
Earth Mama’s organic nipple cream is free from lanolin and gluten (important for those with allergies). It contains beeswax, shea, cocoa, and mango butter to hydrate sore, cracked nipples, as well as calendula, which helps reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Many moms on BabyCenter swear by Earth Mama’s cream for easing their breastfeeding journey.
“I used Earth Mama with my first baby, and continued using it once I started exclusively pumping,” says Karen Sly, Senior Finance Manager at Everyday Health Group. “I didn’t experience much pain, but I used it daily to prevent any soreness or cracking.”
Moms love that Earth Mama’s cream spreads easily and has a subtle, chocolatey smell. It offers a smoother texture than lanolin-based creams, staying on the skin longer without absorbing too quickly. Like other creams, it’s safe to leave on while breastfeeding.
Heads up: Some users report inconsistencies in texture, sometimes finding it smooth, other times grainy.
Moms say:
- “Earth Mama nipple butter is AMAZING! It helps keep my nipples moisturized and prevents cracking and bleeding.”
- “The only thing that has worked for me is Earth Mama nipple butter. My nipples cracked and bled with my second baby, and this healed them.”
- “I’ve been using it since day one, and haven’t had any cracked nipples.”
Specs
- Emollient ingredients: Olive oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, shea butter, mango seed butter
- Size: 1 oz or 2 oz
Best Coconut Oil Nipple Cream
Honest Company Calm Your Nip Balm
Coconut oil is a popular choice for soothing sore nipples, but it can be greasy and hard to carry around. Honest Company’s nipple balm combines coconut oil with other ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, and jojoba extract. This balm is hypoallergenic, unscented, and made with USDA organic ingredients that are safe for nursing babies.
Moms rave about how easily this balm spreads from the tube with a simple squeeze, offering a rich, lotion-like texture that soothes and moisturizes.
Heads up: While it’s unscented, some users report detecting a slight chemical odor.
Moms say:
- “I’ve been using the Honest nipple balm and it has saved my nipples!”
- “I used the Honest Company nipple balm, and it was a lifesaver. Breastfeeding was painful until I started using it, and my nipples healed.”
Specs
- Emollient ingredients: Canola oil, coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, jojoba seed extract, soybean oil
- Size: 1.75 oz
Best Nipple Cream for Cracked Nipples
Motherlove Breastfeeding Nipple Cream
Motherlove’s nipple cream is highly praised for its ability to heal cracked nipples quickly. It includes organic calendula and marshmallow root, both known for their anti-inflammatory properties, along with moisturizing olive oil, beeswax, and shea butter. Many BabyCenter moms claim that Motherlove was a game-changer for cracked, chapped nipples.
“I used Motherlove when my nipples were cracked, and it helped them heal quickly,” says one user. It’s also free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fillers, and has a silky texture that most moms prefer over grainy creams.
Heads up: This cream is generally only available for purchase online.
Moms say:
- “Motherlove Nipple Cream is what everyone in my nursing group loves. It healed my cracked nipples fast.”
- “Motherlove worked better than lanolin for me.”
- “It healed my cracked and bloody nipples in two days.”
Specs
- Emollient ingredients: Olive oil, beeswax, shea butter
- Size: 1 oz or 2 oz
Easiest to Apply Nipple Cream
Munchkin Milkmakers All-Natural Nipple Balm
Munchkin’s balm comes in a twist-stick applicator, making it easy to apply without getting your hands messy. This balm has a buttery texture that helps soothe sore nipples and creates a barrier to prevent further irritation. It’s made with coconut oil, shea butter, and other plant-based ingredients, making it safe for use while breastfeeding.
Heads up: The stick form is great for application but may be less portable compared to a tube.
Specs
- Emollient ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, rice bran oil, sunflower seed wax, sunflower seed oil
- Size: 1 oz
Do You Need Nipple Cream?
If you choose to breastfeed, your nipples may become sore or cracked, making nipple cream a helpful remedy. However, it’s essential to consult with a doctor or lactation consultant first to ensure you’re addressing the right issue. Nipple pain can have many causes, and applying cream without solving the underlying problem could cause further complications.
Once cleared to use nipple cream, it can help hydrate the skin, reduce irritation, and protect your nipples from further damage. Many moms find it beneficial to apply the cream before and after nursing. Nipple creams can also be helpful for those who pump.
What to Look for in a Nipple Cream
- Ingredients: Lanolin is the AAP’s recommended ingredient for nipple pain, but alternatives like coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil are great options for those with allergies or preferences.
- Texture: Nipple creams vary in thickness, from light lotions to thicker balms.
- Packaging: Choose packaging that suits your needs. Tubes or sticks are great for direct application, while jars can be a bit messier.
Is Nipple Cream Safe for Breastfeeding?
Some nipple creams need to be wiped off before nursing, as they may contain harmful ingredients. Others, however, are perfectly safe to leave on. Always check the label and consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
