Breastfeeding, although completely natural, is an undeniably demanding task for mothers. While you get your one-on-one bonding time with your newborn, your nipples may endure intense friction because of your baby’s latching. This can sometimes lead to dry and itchy skin. Nipple creams are a great way to help make the pain more bearable and aid in bringing back your skin’s hydration.
If you're on the hunt for the best nipple cream, you're in luck, as we have a list of our top 10 handpicked nipple creams to help you on your skincare journey. Find out more about the benefits of using nipple creams through the buying guide, reviewed by Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang. We also made a list of ingredients to watch out for to make your experience safe and effective.
Quick List - Top Nipple Creams
Earth Mama
Non-Sticky Butter Formula That Soothes and Moisturizes
Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang, MD, DPDS is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila, and achieving healthy skin is her goal in every skin journey she has with her patients. She also aims to raise awareness on healthy skin facts and skincare habits. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and is currently offering online consults for any skin, hair, and nail concerns. You can follow her on her Instagram and Facebook page to know more details about her practice!
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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The skin that makes up nipples are highly sensitive, and any excessive friction can cause it to feel itchy or sore. This is typically observed among breastfeeding moms as the baby’s latching can be intense and painful. Applying nipple moisturizers can ease the pain and bring back your skin’s healthy smoothness.
Nipple creams made of organic ingredients are designed to heal chapped skin on and around the nipples. They hydrate the skin and create a barrier to help keep the moisture locked in. In addition, some nipple creams on the market are intended to brighten the skin of the nipples. These are meant for both beautifying and moisturizing purposes.
The skin around the nipple area is thinner compared to other body areas. Irritation can damage the skin, leading to nipple eczema. This can be experienced often by lactating and breastfeeding females.
Do note, however, that any changes on the skin around the nipple may need proper evaluation because some of these skin changes may be related to underlying breast conditions. With the mentioned risk of nipple eczema, applying nipple creams can be helpful. Nipple creams are moisturizing products that maintain a healthy skin barrier.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Lanolin is a natural oil extracted from secretions of sheep's wool and is often called "woolfat." If you are feeling a little grossed out, do not worry because all the oil goes through a complex procedure before coming close to your skin, so it is 100% safe and clean.
It functions to protect and condition the wool and does the same when used in human cosmetics, skincare, and hair products which is why it is now in high demand by companies. Lanolin is also known to reduce water lost through the skin by 20-30%, so moisture is locked in for smooth, soft skin.
Lanolin is highly recommended for cracked nipples since it is safe to be used by breastfeeding mothers. Do make sure that the lanolin in your cream is 100% pure and refined to prevent any allergic reactions when ingested by your newborn. Look for terms such as "medical-grade lanolin" to help make your search easier.
Lanolin acts as an emollient that locks the moisture and helps retain moisture for people experiencing dry and dehydrated skin. Lanolin is also safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, so it is incorporated in most nipple creams. Note, however, that for people with wool allergies, it's best to avoid lanolin. It can be used once to twice a day, but for people experiencing flare-ups of dry skin, it may be applied as needed. Also, leaving lanolin overnight can help in retaining the skin's moisture.
Yours and your baby’s health and wellness are a top priority. Knowing what your nipple cream is made of is one step to a clean and safe breastfeeding time.
Since breastfeeding is done multiple times a day, the cream applied might not be completely dry in time for your baby’s next mealtime. Make sure to get creams or balms that are totally safe for your baby to ingest.
It would also be great if these products are taste- and scent-free to keep your infant’s breastfeeding experience natural. Aside from medical-grade lanolin, some ingredients that are commonly used for nipple creams include oils such as olive, coconut, cocoa, and shea butter.
Since the nipple area is exposed to your baby during breastfeeding, it may be recommended to choose plant-based ingredients. Do remember that some may also have allergies to plants or pollen, so natural may not always be better. Again, do a patch test first before directly applying the cream to the nipple area.
Although commonly used as a moisturizer for other parts of the body, petroleum jelly is one ingredient to watch out for as it is not safe for babies to ingest. Creams that are enriched with vitamin E should also be avoided as consumption of high amounts of this can be potentially harmful to infants.
Check the label for any chemicals such as parabens and preservatives. It would be best to stay away from these as they are unnatural and could cause unwanted reactions from your child. Another ingredient to keep an eye out for is numbing agents like xylocaine. These can affect a baby’s ability to suck and make breastfeeding more difficult.
In any type of nipple cream, it is best to check the ingredients to ensure if it is safe to be used during pregnancy. Petroleum jelly and vitamin E in creams are relatively safe to be used. However, if they are accidentally consumed by your baby while feeding, it may have effects on him or her. Hence, remember to wash off the nipple cream before breastfeeding or before pumping to ensure safety.
To ensure the maximum effectiveness of the cream, you will need to leave it on for long hours every day. This means it could get on your bra or shirt.
Finding a cream that is easy to rinse off can make cleaning the laundry less of a hassle. Be wary of using nipple creams that contain high amounts of oil to avoid the formation of hard-to-remove oil stains.
The formulation of nipple cream is usually heavy for it to seal in moisture. The choice of which formulation to choose will differ based on personal preference and also environmental factors. It is best to find a nipple cream that you are comfortable applying on.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream | ![]() | Natural Nipple Cream Safe for Baby and Relief for Mommy | |
2 | Medela Purelan™ Lanolin Cream | ![]() | Replenishes and Corrects Your Skins' Moisture Balance | |
3 | Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter Breastfeeding Cream | ![]() | Non-Sticky Butter Formula That Soothes and Moisturizes | |
4 | Buds & Blooms Nipple Nurse | ![]() | Rejuvenate and Recover In-Between Feedings | |
5 | Mustela Nursing Comfort Balm | ![]() | A Vegan Nursing Balm That Restores Skin Wellness | |
6 | Orange & Peach Natural Nipple Balm | ![]() | Aims to Assist Mothers With Breastfeeding | |
7 | Biolane Nursing Balm | ![]() | Safely Moisturizes Before and and After Nursing | |
8 | Motherlove Nipple Cream | ![]() | An Herbal Solution to Help Ease Nursing Discomfort | |
9 | Pigeon Nipple Care Cream | ![]() | Protects Dry and Cracked Skin for Better Healing | |
10 | MQT Organic Nipple Care and Rescue Balm | ![]() | Breast Balm Made From All-Organic Ingredients |
Breastfeeding moms truly deserve an award for the hard work they endure. With Lansinoh's rich and thick lanolin nipple cream, you can get round-the-clock soothing and relief. Don't worry about having to wipe it off before feeding, as it is safe for your baby to ingest. This also lets you feed comfortably for longer periods.
Lansinoh uses ethically sourced Lanolin from New Zealand, guaranteeing only the safest and purest. It also contains no other ingredient aside from lanolin, so you don't have to worry about additives or chemicals reaching your precious newborn.
You can begin using this nipple cream even during pregnancy to relieve dryness and keep your skin supple and soft. This can also be used in other parts of the body, such as your lips, elbows, and knees, as a moisturizer.
The first few days and weeks of postpartum could be the most difficult with not only adjusting to your own body but also having a newborn to take care of. Let Medela's Purelan nipple cream give you fast relief from dry and sore nipples. This cream creates a protective layer which the skin absorbs deep within to heal from the inside out.
They make use of the purest medical-grade lanolin tested using the highest standards so you can rest easy and worry-free. This formulation is free of parabens, preservatives, additives, and fragrances, making it totally safe for your little one.
If you are looking for a non-sticky nipple cream with a smooth consistency, then Earth Mama's nipple butter is perfect for you. This product is proudly the first Non-GMO project verified nipple cream which guarantees ingredients are sourced from only the most natural plants.
This nipple cream utilizes beeswax, which is widely used in skincare products thanks to its antimicrobial agents. It also does not contain any petroleum, parabens, or lanolin.
This butter is dermatologist tested and clinically tested for irritation to ensure only the best possible relief. Ideally, this butter is applied after nursing as its texture could make it difficult for your little one to form a good latch.
Help your nipples recover in-between feedings. As your baby's sucking and pulling can get a little harsh on your skin, apply some of Buds & Bloom's nipple nurse to give your body its much-needed break.
This cream contains berry extract, which is packed with antioxidants that help you heal deep within. They promote cell regeneration and prevent skin aging. It also helps make your nipples tighter and more firm making them less prone to getting cracked.
It also contains virgin coconut oil, which contains lauric acid, which is known to have a beneficial effect on collagen production. Collagen is what makes the skin firm and elastic and is ideal for reconstructing chapped nipple skin.
If you are vegan and want your child to only use plant-based products as well, then this is the perfect balm for you. Mustela's utilizes olive oil, known for its nourishing properties, to bring back your skin's softness.
It also contains glycerin which is a natural moisturizer perfectly safe for you and your little one. Sucrose stearate and sucrose laurate are added to create a melting texture that is meant to aid breastfeeding. Furthermore, Mustela boasts that the formula is dermatologist tested and follows ingredient safety policy.
This natural nipple balm from Orange & Peach is made from virgin coconut oil and other natural ingredients. This product is lanolin-free, perfect for mothers and babies who might be allergic to it.
Coconut oil is full of fatty acids like linoleic acid, which helps the skin retain moisture, and lauric acid, a compound with natural antibacterial properties.
Coconut oil is sourced from coconut trees, unlike lanolin which comes from animal by-products. If you would much prefer a plant-based approach or animal cruelty-free products, then this is perfect for you.
This nursing balm from Biolane is made in France and is highly acclaimed by doctors and dermatologists. It is formulated with pure lanolin meant to restore the natural level of skin lipids which in turn helps heal and protect dry and sensitive skin.
Before nursing, this can be applied to soften and prepare the breast for the baby's latch. It also reconstructs the skin, helping it soothe and repair itself after breastfeeding. This balm can be used on other areas of the body, too!
You'll also be pleased to know that it contains no alcohol, soap, parabens, and phthalates, so it is completely organic. Furthermore, if you are allergic to or sensitive to gluten, this product is one of your best bets.
Motherlove's solution for cracked nipples heals your skin while also healing the Earth. Their facility runs on solar power and produces zero waste, ensuring a better world for your little one's future.
Their nipple cream formula is made of all certified organic ingredients, with olive oil as one of the main components. Olive oil is rich in vitamins A, D, K, and E. It also has high antibacterial and moisturizing properties, perfect for you and your little one's overall wellness.
Breastfeeding is done for 10-15 minutes every 1-2 hours, which does not leave enough time for your nipples to relax. Help your nipples recover from the heavy pulling and sucking with Pigeon's nipple care cream.
It is made from ultra-pure lanolin and contains no fragrances and other additives, making the formula completely natural. In addition, this can be used pre- and post-pregnancy to give your nipples the ultimate care they need.
This organic balm is made mainly of virgin coconut oil from the brand MQT. Virgin coconut oil aids the skin's natural skin barrier, trapping moisture within and keeping it supple and well-hydrated. This ingredient also has anti-inflammatory properties to fix chapped skin.
It is ideally applied before and after pumping or direct latching of your baby. Preferably, you should wipe off the balm before breastfeeding. Since it is made with food-grade ingredients, it is completely safe to be left on your skin in case you forget to remove it with a towel.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web, answered by Dr. Jarischce Lao-Ang!
Nipple eczemas can be due to common irritation, but some may be related to underlying breast conditions, such as breast cancer. Hence, early detection is important.
Nipple creams are recommended to be applied after breastfeeding. It is more hygienic and lessens the risk of the cream being fed to the baby. After feeding, clean the area with plain water before applying the nipple cream. This method can help maintain a healthy skin barrier over the area.
There's no standardized amount as the size of the nipple area differs person-to-person. As a guide, apply enough amount to cover the nipple area.
Nipple creams are recommended to be applied after every feed, right after shower, and before going to bed. This can assure the replenishment of the hydration of the skin in the area and lessen friction/irritation after breastfeeding. For moms who are pumping milk, it is also recommended to apply nipple cream after pumping.
If you are not able to have a separate nipple cream, your regular body cream may be used as a nipple cream. If there are changes on the skin around the area, it is best to be seen by a doctor for assessment and proper management.
Other nipple care tips include the following:
As mothers, your little ones are the most precious humans you will ever hold, this means they only deserve the best. Don't wait till the last minute to prepare for your baby's arrival. Here are a couple of articles listing down the top items you and your baby would need before and after the big day.
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Author: Roxanne Beatriz Angeles
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Lansinoh|Lanolin Nipple Cream
No. 2: Medela|Purelan™ Lanolin Cream
No. 3: Earth Mama|Organic Nipple Butter Breastfeeding Cream
No. 4: Buds & Blooms|Nipple Nurse
No. 5: Mustela|Nursing Comfort Balm
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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