TikTok has introduced us to plenty of hacks that some might call peculiar, from heatless curls using socks to mouth-taping and the “morning shed” routine. Just in time for winter, another one has caught our attention: using nipple cream as lip balm when temperatures take a brisk turn.
The trend comes courtesy of New York City-based content creator Emily Billings, who posted a TikTok video applying a glossy lip formula with the text overlay: “It’s now the type of cold when lip liner and nipple cream is my lip combo.” In the caption, she added, “That shine tho. Trusted duo.”
@isaidwoahhhhh that shine thoooo. trusted duo 🤝
♬ original sound – Gypsy
The comments section of her post quickly filled with reactions. Some people had follow-up questions, while others chimed in as fellow enthusiasts. “As a nicu nurse, I have at least four tubes of medela lanolin in my backpack, truck, purse, etc,” one person wrote, adding “that stuff is magic for lips.” Another wrote, “Waiiiit I have nipple cream as I’m breastfeeding but never needed it. You can use it as a lip balm too?!?!”
To answer that question, NewBeauty reached out to Phoenix, AZ dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal, who said that nipple cream “is probably better than a plain lip balm,” but still prefers “petrolatum as the best and safest.”
“Nipple cream typically contains an ingredient called lanolin,” Dr. Lal explains. “Lanolin is an emollient that comes from skin secretions from sheep that coats their wool.” He says that “while it is very moisturizing, it can also be a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis. I have seen a number of patients with reactions to lanolin around their lips and on their skin from overuse and repeated use from this trend.”
The takeaway? While nipple balm may work for some, Dr. Lal’s warning serves as a reminder to be cautious, as many people may experience allergic reactions.