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Medela Purelan Lanolin Nipple Cream review: 100% natural, hypoallergenic and fragrance free
One of the more expensive options in our guide to the best nipple creams, Medela Purelan Lanolin Nipple Cream offers fast relief for sore, cracked nipples and is 100% natural thanks to being pure lanolin - but how does it feel to use day to day? Breastfeeding mum Bethan put it to the test.
By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Apr 17, 2024
Price on writing: £11 for 37 g | Buy now from Amazon | Buy now from Medela | Buy now from Boots
Excellent for sensitive skin
Highly moisturising
Quick absorbing and soothing qualities
Very thick consistency can make it tricky to squeeze out of the tube, particularly if it's cold
Bethan had to warm the cream up between her fingers in order to apply it easily
Price on writing: £11 | Remove before breastfeeding? No | Type: Cream | Size: 37g
Read next: Find the best breast pumps including the top manual pumps and wearable options with our bespoke guides.
How we tested Medela Purelan Nipple Cream
Parent-tester Bethan, a mum-of-one currently breastfeeding a newborn, tested a selection of Mumsnet's top-rated nipple cream samples over a period of several months. During this time she took rigorous notes on each cream's effectiveness, ease of application, feel and value for money as well as her overall verdict on each nipple cream.
Discover how Medela Purelan Nipple Cream compared with other Mumsnet-favourite best nipple creams, including Lansinoh Lanolin, Bennetts Nipple Cream, Weleda Nipple Balm, Mama Mio Keep Calm Nipple Balm and My Expert Midwife No Harm Nipple Balm with our in-depth reviews.
Medela Purelan Nipple Cream: first use
The Purelan cream comes with instructions printed both on the box and the tube itself. Bethan said that this cream is 'a balm texture' which was 'the heaviest and thickest of all those I've tried.'
Related: Find more solutions to sore nipples with our guide to the best nipple shields
How easy is the Medela Purelan to apply?
'I found it a little hard to apply, particularly when cold,' reported Bethan. 'The product is 100% lanolin which can stiffen in cold temperatures, so it was harder to apply when I'd left it out in the car or carried it around outside. It doesn't take long to warm up between my fingers though.'
It’s quite sticky and could have the potential to drag the nipple if cold. I tend to warm it up a little between my fingers and then apply. Once applied it sinks in very well.
Read next: Find more soothing solutions with Mumsnet's guides to the best nappy rash cream and top stretch mark cream
Buy now from AmazonThe Purelan cream feels deeply moisturising and soothing. It also feels the most protective out of all the products I’ve tried and can be felt still on the nipple a long time after. It takes away any tight feeling and feels very soothing. It also feels quite healing.
Related: Discover the best baby feeding bottles, sippy cups and changing bags according to real mums
Does Medela Purelan Lanolin cream have an odour?
As the product is 100% lanolin, it doesn't have an odour.
Can the cream be used elsewhere or just on nipples?
'I have used the Purelan cream on my chapped lips and of all the nipple creams, this one was my favourite to use on my lips. It soothes them instantly and feels as though it keeps working for a long time. I use it at night and by the morning my lips are much happier.'
Read next: Find more parent-recommended feeding essentials with our guides to the best sterilisers, nursing chairs and highchairs
Medela Purelan Lanolin Nipple Cream: Overall verdict
It’s expensive for a nipple balm but knowing the benefits of lanolin and that you’re getting 100% natural lanolin, I think it’s good value for money. I’ve also found it’s the one my baby is happiest with me using. It doesn’t seem to bother him at all if any product remains on my nipples before a feed, but obviously that can depend totally on the baby!
Medela Purelan Lanolin Nipple Cream
Buy now from Amazon'This is definitely the heaviest feeling balm,' Bethan added. 'It's pure lanolin. I would recommend it to other breastfeeding mums.'
About the author
Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor for Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising pregnancy, baby care and general parenting-related content. As a parent of three primary school-aged children, Jenny is passionate about making Mumsetters' lives easier through rigorous research of all items recommended in reviews, features buyers' guides.
She regularly reviews a wide range of parenting and lifestyle products for Mumsnet, from breast pumps to kettles, board games and cribs.
About Mumsnet Reviews
All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real people after weeks of research and testing – this includes recommendations from the Mumsnet Talk boards. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.
All prices correct at time of publication