This Nipple Cream is actually Best for Your Lips (and other body parts)

Whether it's the cold, harsh winter or the dry heat of summer, dry, cracked lips can happen at any time. And it's more important than ever to treat any sore or cracked skin sooner rather than later to prevent infection.

But instead of reaching for your 'old standy' like carmex or some off-brand in the check out line, a new discovery has a lot of people praising its effects. Putting nipple cream on your lips--yes, your lips.

Originally, whether pregnant, breastfeeding, pumping or a mix of all three, your nipples are likely getting way more attention as a mom. Depending on your situation and body, nipples can become dry, cracked, chapped, sore, itchy, or even bleeding. This is why so many women go for some much-needed relief before, during, and after feedings, by applying a soothing nipple cream.

Now, experts are saying this same nipple cream that was created for the breast is even much more effective on your lips.

"Nipple creams are super-hydrating," says New York City dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD, author of Skin Rules. "You only have to dab a small amount to get your lips fully covered, and it doesn't just sit on top of your lips, but penetrates it."

Since the main purpose of these creams is to soothe the nipples of breastfeeding moms, they're completely safe to have near your mouth. The formulas are usually clear with a thick consistency that's heavier than Vaseline, Dr. Jaliman adds.

The main reason why it works is largely due to one ingredient: lanolin—a waxy oil. It's found naturally in sheep’s wool that’s traditionally used to treat nipples that are dry and cracked from breastfeeding. The kind of lanolin used in this cream is highly purified, modified (HPA) lanolin, which means residual chemicals—like pesticides and detergents—from the production process have been removed to maximize safety and ensure the cream is hypoallergenic.

The cream is more like an ointment, with a consistency that is similar to petroleum jelly products but a little thicker and waxier. It has absolutely no fragrance or taste, nor does it burn at all, as many fragranced lip products do. And a tiny bit really goes a long way. You can use about a pea-sized amount to cover my lips and around my nose that tends to get dry. If you have any leftover, you can also use it for the little creases in between your fingers.