How to Use HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream Correctly

Quick answer

Squeeze a small rice-grain amount of Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream onto a clean fingertip and smooth a thin layer over the nipple and areola after every feed or pump session. You do not need to remove it before breastfeeding, and a pea-sized amount is usually enough for both sides. Reapply as often as needed until soreness settles.

Start with clean, dry skin

Wash your hands before touching your nipples, then let the skin air-dry for a minute or pat it gently with a clean tissue. Applying cream to damp skin dilutes the lanolin and makes it slip off instead of forming a protective layer. If you have just showered, wait until the nipple area is fully dry. There is no need to wash your breasts with soap before each application; plain water is enough, and frequent soaping can strip the natural oils that help skin repair.

Use the right amount and technique

A rice-grain to pea-sized amount covers one nipple and areola. Warm it between your fingertips first, then press and smooth it on rather than rubbing hard. The aim is a thin, even film, not a thick paste. If the cream feels greasy or visible, you have used too much. For cracked or very sore skin, apply a slightly thicker layer at night when you are not feeding as often. Because the cream is 100% natural lanolin with no preservatives or additives, it stays stable in the tube and does not need refrigeration.

Apply before or after feeding?

The most common routine is to apply after feeding, so the cream stays on the skin between sessions. You can also apply a thin layer before feeding if your nipples are already tender, because Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream is safe for your baby and does not need to be removed first. Some parents prefer to apply it before a feed to reduce friction as the baby latches. Either order works; the important part is consistency. If you are pumping, apply after each pumping session and before you put your bra back on.

Build a simple breastfeeding nipple care routine

Soreness usually peaks in the first week or two, so treat nipple care as part of every feed rather than a reaction to pain. Keep a tube wherever you usually feed, apply after each session, and let your nipples air-dry for a few minutes before dressing. Change breast pads often so moisture does not sit against the skin. If one side is much sorer, check your latch and positioning with a midwife or breastfeeding supporter rather than just adding more cream. Cream protects skin, but it cannot fix a shallow latch.

When to use silver cups alongside cream

If nipples are cracked or you need a break from fabric friction, Lansinoh Silver Nipple Cups can be worn between feeds or pumping sessions. They are made from pure 999 silver and moulded with a curved peak so air can circulate over the nipple. Use them on clean, dry skin, and apply your lanolin cream at a different point in the routine so the cups are not sliding on a greasy surface. Many parents apply cream after feeding, then wear the cups until the next feed.

Your step-by-step nipple cream routine

1. Wash hands and dry the nipple area: Clean hands prevent introducing bacteria to cracked skin. Pat the nipple and areola dry with a clean tissue or let them air-dry for a minute. Checkpoint: skin should be dry to the touch before you apply anything.
2. Squeeze a rice-grain amount onto a fingertip: Warm the cream between your fingers for a second so it spreads easily. A pea-sized amount is enough for both nipples in most cases. Common mistake: using a thick layer, which wastes cream and can stain clothing.
3. Smooth a thin film over nipple and areola: Press and smooth rather than rubbing. Cover the base of the nipple and the areola, where friction during latching is highest. Checkpoint: you should barely see the cream once it is worked in.
4. Apply after every feed or pump session: Consistency matters more than quantity. Reapply after each session for the first week or two, then reduce as soreness settles. You do not need to remove the cream before the next feed.
5. Let skin breathe before dressing: Give the cream a minute to settle, then put on a clean breast pad or bra. Change pads often so moisture does not trap against the skin. If soreness worsens after several days, get your latch checked rather than only adding more cream.

Product facts that affect how you use it

• HPA® Lanolin Nipple Cream: Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream is made from an ultra-purified grade of lanolin, is 100% natural without preservatives or additives, and is naturally hypoallergenic and approved by the British Allergy Foundation. You can leave it on during breastfeeding without wiping it off, and it is a reasonable choice if you have sensitive skin or allergy concerns.
• Silver Nipple Cups: Lansinoh Silver Nipple Cups are crafted from pure 999 silver and moulded with a curved peak to let air circulate over the nipple. They are a between-feed option for protecting sore or cracked nipples, and the airflow design means they can be worn comfortably under a bra.
• Everything Breastfeeding Bundle: The Everything Breastfeeding Bundle includes the iconic purple tube nipple cream, a gentle breastmilk collection pump, leakproof storage options, and breast pads, with a 10% discount on standard RRP. If you are starting out and want the cream plus the supporting items in one purchase, this bundle covers the routine without buying each piece separately.