Soothe & Protect: Best Nipple Creams for Pumping and Breastfeeding

Pros:

• Organic, lanolin-free formula
• Great for any dry areas

Cons:

• Grainy texture (applies better when slightly warmed)
• Light smell
• Some people report it stains clothing

There are a few factors that go into choosing a nipple cream—you want something that’s safe, effective and not too messy. The Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter checks all of those boxes. It was my go-to pick in my own breastfeeding journeys, and countless Babylist parents raved about how it was one of the most helpful products in our Best Baby Products survey. One parent called it a “lifesaver and a complete game changer.”

It’s made with skin-nourishing ingredients that include olive oil, beeswax and cocoa, shea and mango butter. It also contains calendula extract which is known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help skin heal. The smooth consistency makes it easy to apply, which is important because the last thing you want to do is rub something thick and sticky on when your nipples aren’t feeling great. It’s not just for breastfeeding parents either: “I use it all the time to make pumping more comfortable and can’t live without it,” a Babylist parent shared. Beyond your boobs, this nipple butter is also multipurpose; it can be used as a lip balm, diaper cream and moisturizer for dry skin.

Emily Spaeth, an IBCLC, also recommends this to her clients who are looking for a nipple cream, noting that it helps with pain and healing.

Babylist parents did mention a few things they don’t love about this nipple butter. A few reported that the nipple butter stained their clothes, so you might consider wearing nursing pads. Another prime complaint is about the texture—the formula contains beeswax, which can make it feel grainy at first (especially when cold). One parent in our survey noted they thought the consistency was “horrible”. If it bothers you, you can remedy this by warming it up in the jar with your finger a bit before applying. If you’re not familiar with using herbal or plant-based products, they do often have a light scent. This one smells a bit like olive oil but it’s not something that many parents found to be an issue.

Real Parent Reviews

“Hard (i.e., hard to get any out) when you first start using it but softens up after several uses. Works very well [and is] easy to apply. [It] smells like olive oil [but that] doesn’t bother me. Non-greasy. Also works great on chapped skin & lips.” — Liz M.

“The first time I tried this, it was a little scratchy, but the second time I tried, I warmed the balm on my fingers a bit to melt any crystals, so it went on nice and smooth. I use my old jar from my first kiddo as heel moisturizer now and my new jar for sore nipples and dry lips, even to moisturize sore noses after a cold.” — Ariel

“I had to share how amazing this nipple butter is! I had been dealing with some persistent and painful nipple blisters. I was dreading nursing, tried resting that breast and wearing Silverettes 24/7 with no improvement. After 2-3 applications of this nipple butter, they were completely gone. Seriously magic! I will be using this after every feeding from now on!” — Catherine

Pros:

• Lanolin-free
• Plant-based ingredients
• Smooth formula

Cons:

• Pricey
• Thin consistency
• Doesn’t stay on long

It was tough to choose between this nipple cream and Earth Mama’s as our best overall pick so know that they’re both really great options. The main differences are the consistency—this one is thinner, and the price—this cream is more expensive (though a little goes a long way).

Motherlove is organic and made with soothing plant-based ingredients like calendula, marshmallow root, and extra virgin olive oil, which work wonders for moisturizing dry, cracked nipples. It’s also lanolin-free, making it a good choice for those who’d rather steer clear of the ingredient for the reasons mentioned above. It’s also safe for baby to ingest; you don’t need to wipe it off before feeding or pumping.

And it’s a true multitasker—you can use this cream for more than just soothing sore nipples. “It works so well on chapped anything. I love applying it to my little one’s dry winter cheeks!” one Babylist parent said.

The consistency is smooth and easy to apply, but I do want to point out that it’s very thin. Because it has a more oily texture, it won’t offer the same barrier protection a thicker cream would (particularly a lanolin-based option). For example, if your nipples are so sore that shower water or your nursing bra causes discomfort, you might want something that’ll layer on thickly and create a barrier. Some parents also say it doesn’t last very long and they find themselves reapplying frequently.

Real Parent Reviews

“As a mom and certified lactation counselor, this is a product I can get behind. I have tried just about every nipple cream and this is the best on the market. Not only does it work to relieve any cracks, dryness or pain when breastfeeding, but once you begin pumping, I highly suggest rubbing a thin layer on the flanges to make pumping smooth and pain-free. The ingredients are all-natural and so good, so there is never any worry about nursing after use. I [can’t] suggest this product enough.” — Christina G.

“I had a tough time breastfeeding at first and my struggles were complicated by bad nipple creams until I was gifted this pot of gold. I’ve used this every morning after the shower for over a year of breastfeeding and it has taken me through various changes, always keeping my nips healthy and comfortable. When my little one started feeding aggressively at night it helped me recover quickly, when he started teething and biting as well. I couldn’t recommend this product more. I’ve given it to every pregnant friend as a gift.” — Emily F.

“I applied this cream after each feeding for the first two weeks of breastfeeding. It was essential for soothing and helping to repair my sore nipples as they acclimated to their new job.” — Michelle V.

Pros:

• 100% natural lanolin
• Affordable

Cons:

• Potential allergen
• Too sticky for some parents
• Can stain clothing

There’s a reason you might get a sample of this Lansinoh nipple cream in the hospital when you deliver. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends medical-grade, purified lanolin (among colostrum and breastmilk) as an effective option to treat cracked nipples, and Lansinoh in particular has been the go-to for decades, long before other companies thought about breast care.

Lanolin is derived from sheep’s wool and is much thicker than Earth Mama’s nipple butter, meaning it’ll create a sort of protective layer over super sore nipples. The consistency creates a barrier and stays put. I found this option to be helpful when I experienced blisters from a poor latch while we were still getting the hang of things. Or when my nipples felt sensitive to everyday touch (from things like my nursing bra, water pressure in the shower or my scratchy towel).

You may have heard lanolin isn’t ideal for everyone, though. It can irritate anyone with a wool sensitivity; Spaeth adds, “While some moms and babies tolerate [lanolin] well, others experience irritation or even an allergic reaction.” So if you’re someone with a wool allergy or want to avoid animal products you won’t want to add this option to your stash. Spaeth also says she’s had clients report things like clogged pores or “babies refusing to latch possibly due to the taste or smell.” If you notice your baby isn’t a fan, try wiping it off first or giving creams like Earth Mama and Motherlove a try if you need an alternative.

Due to its thick consistency, we recommend using nursing pads with this one to prevent stains. If that does happen, Lansinoh recommends treating it like any other grease stain before throwing it in the wash. Pro-tip: Dawn dish soap works wonders!

Real Parent Reviews

“I had really dry and cracked nips with my first and using this stuff really helped them heal.” — Hannah

“This was originally provided for me in the hospital immediately after delivery, but I purchased more for home. Very soothing and crucial to have those first few weeks of breastfeeding. It’s better to start using it preventatively right away instead of waiting for your nipples to be sore.” — nikkyc5

“The first few days of breastfeeding are especially tough. Especially on the nipples. I found this nipple cream to be a lifesaver. I applied it after each feeding with my daughter and soon enough, they weren’t so cracked and hurting anymore.” — tiffani_fisher

Pros:

• Great texture
• Multi-purpose
• Giftable

Cons:

• Pricey
• Can stain clothing

In the postpartum period, you have to find the little glimmers in your routine that make you feel good. And sometimes, that’s a spendy product with nice packaging. But what sets Nemah’s Nipple + Lip Balm apart is that it not only looks pretty, it works so well.

Many parents love that this formula spreads well without feeling too greasy. They also note it keeps their nipples hydrated and comfortable while pumping (it’s got a nice “slip” to it since it’s not thick and goopy). And with moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil, mango butter and calendula, it works well for everything from chapped nipples and lips to dry elbows. It has a light olive oil and rosemary smell (two of the ingredients), but it’s not overwhelming. And it’s safe for breastfeeding so there’s no need to wipe this one off before you go to feed your baby.

While it isn’t the most affordable nipple cream on the list, Nemah’s high-quality natural ingredients work well and feel a bit more indulgent when applied. You can even sign up for “subscribe and save” to save some money when it’s time for a new jar. We do recommend wearing nursing pads as some parents noticed stains on their clothing.

Real Parent Reviews

“I’ve tried several nipple balms and this is my absolute favorite. It’s not greasy and makes pumping a breeze. I love the ingredients, too. Plus, I use this balm anywhere I have dry skin. It’s amazing!” — Shannon Z.

“I love this nipple/lip balm and used it after breastfeeding. It really helps heal the dry & tenderness and I love that it’s not sticky.” — Caroline H.