The Best Nipple Creams to Help You Find Relief While Breastfeeding

This clinically-tested, medical-grade lanolin is completely scent- and taste-free. Plus, its hero ingredient, lanolin, is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for its ability to soothe cracked, irritated nipples and is safe for breastfeeding. Made with a hypoallergenic formula comprised of ethically-sourced lanolin, many parents find that it has versatile uses outside of repairing their cracked nipples. For instance, many use it as cream on their little ones’ scratches or as a balm for dry lips.

I personally found this to be the most-effective product during the first two weeks of breastfeeding, when I experienced cracked, bleeding nipples. It created the thickest barrier on my nipples, allowing the skin to heal underneath between feeds. Pro tip: Apply it before you take a shower to keep the hot water from further irritating your sore nipples. It really helps!

This Motherlove Nipple Cream has an organic, all-natural formula that's lanolin-free and creamy, yet surprisingly lightweight and not greasy. It contains just five ingredients, including extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, shea butter, marshmallow root and calendula flower, making it perfect for those with a lanolin allergy or who prefer to avoid it. Many reviewers rave about how quickly this cream works to soothe painful nipples, and appreciate that it’s unscented to avoid any further irritation to their already-tender nipples. 

Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter is rich in hydrating botanical ingredients, and every single one is USDA-Certified organic. In fact, it was the first non-GMO verified nipple cream to hit the market, and has been a favorite among moms for years. It contains just six ingredients, including numerous hydrating butters and other moisturizers like olive oil, beeswax, cocoa seed butter, shea butter, mango seed butter and calendula. It’s also highly versatile, as it is recommended to be used on lips, cheeks, heels or anywhere else that needs some hydration.

I used this when breastfeeding both babies, and found that the consistency of the balm really melts into your nipples. I also liked using it for pumping because it creates a nice slip against the flanges.

Coconut oil has long been celebrated for its healing abilities, and it’s the star ingredient in this smooth, non-greasy formula. Many moms claim that their babies actually seem to like the taste which means they aren’t fussy about it during feedings. While the texture has a nice slip to it (helpful for pumping), it’s also not too sticky. What makes this balm different from other creams is that it contains a higher amount of oils, which can help better with healing. Specifically, the use of coconut oil is great for hydration and retaining moisture. Just note that coconut could be an allergen for baby, so you may want to proceed with caution and monitor your child after using it for the first time.

The Hatch nipple and lip balm is made with natural ingredients like pomegranate, mango butter and acai, all of which are hydrating and happen to smell great. It comes in a handy travel-friendly tube with a pump application, so you can easily apply a drop on your finger to apply to your lips on-the-go, and later, lather it onto your sore nipples. 

I actually brought this balm to the hospital for labor and delivery,  because you definitely need a lip balm in that dry environment. It felt like a little pampering product, and I loved the silky texture of it. While it doesn’t provide as strong of a barrier as a lanolin formula, it’s something I stuck with during the later months of breastfeeding when I wasn’t in pain and sought out a more casual moisturizing product.

For those with lanolin allergies, finding an effective and safe nipple cream is a must. This one from Bamboobies is made with a combination of sunflower seed oil, olive oil, beeswax, shea butter and calendula oil extract. Together, they create a hydrating, protective, lanolin-free barrier for nursing moms. Even better, a happy mom reported that a little goes a long way, and one jar can last you quite a while — or at least until you and baby have gotten the hang of breastfeeding!

Moms swear by it both before and after nursing sessions, but one mom shared that her baby had a challenging time latching when a little was left on her breast.

What’s better than one best-selling nipple cream? A two-part nipple cream system from the postpartum pros at Bodily. The plant-based set is another lanolin-free option, and it uses two nourishing formulas to combat sore, cracked nipples. The first layer, Step 1, is made with a coconut oil base, and you can follow it up with Step 2, which has two star ingredients: shea butter and olive oil. It’s not just made for nipples, either. The brand recommends using it for your belly, lips or "any other body part in need of TLC."

One downside among moms? There’s simply not enough of it. The small 0.5-ounce tubes run out fast, so keep in mind that it’s not the best bang for your buck and you’ll likely need to order more.