Nipple Balm Review

A typical ingredient in Nipple balm is lanolin. So here is a little information about this common ingredient.

Lanolin is a greasy yellow substance made from secretions (sebum) from the skin glands of sheep to condition their wool. It is a natural, animal derived product harvested from shorn wool. Despite being a common ingredient in a number of products marketed to help heal eczema, burns, scrapes, raw nipples and post procedure skin, lanolin allergy is rapidly increasing. A recent study of more than 1,000 children with eczema found that 66% of them reacted to lanolin.

Lanolin has been found to contain traces of insecticides. Sheep’s wool is soaked in insecticides to remove parasites such as lice. Most chemicals used to treat external parasites bind to the wools grease rather than the fibre itself which is where the lanolin comes from. There are actually holding periods in between treated sheep and when wool can be harvested to satisfy Australian environmental requirements.

Cosmetic grade lanolin can be contaminated with carcinogenic pesticides such as DDT, dieldrin, and lindane, in addition to other neurotoxic pesticides.

Lanolin and related materials may contain additives and contaminants. These include detergents and the antioxidants BHT and alpha-tocopherol. Chlorophyll, pesticides from the fleece, and trace metals such as copper, nickel, and chromium might also be present.(As per CIR website)

Products like pharmaceutical-grade lanolin are highly purified and refined lanolin (Lansinoh). It’s purified to the point that pesticide and detergent residues are removed and the natural free alcohols reduced to below 1.5% to improve safety and reduce the allergic potential. If choosing to use lanolin, choosing pharmaceutical-grade is better but it is highly processed. Many solvents can be used to extract Lanolin in its liquid form. Ie: Lanolin Oil.

Organic lanolin would be the best option as it is unsprayed and untreated.

Remember the cosmetic industry is the least regulated Industry, so there is no pre market safety testing.

Recommended brands

Available from chemists
@moogooskincare Nipple balm
@gaiababy_au Pure Pregnancy Nipple Balm

Available at specialty stores, or online
@lansinohaustralia Organic lansinoh over the original
@willowbythesea_ sea Nipple balm
@asiki.eco Nipple healing balm

@natureschildorganicbaby child nipple balm
@being_skincare being boobie balm
@thephysicgarden Natural & Vegan Soothing Breastfeeding Balm
@aromababyofficial barrier balm