- In a recent video, Kylie Jenner spoke of how she uses nipple cream on her lips.
- Nipple cream contains lanolin, a product derived from sheep’s wool.
- Experts say this substance has long been used as a moisturizer.
- It has the ability to lock in moisture and soothe irritated skin.
- It might also have antibacterial properties and protect from infections.
While it took a “squad of 15” to get Kylie Jenner glammed up for her sister Kendall’s appearance at the Schiaparelli Spring/Summer 2025 show on Day One of Paris Fashion Week, she revealed that sometimes the simplest of products can make all the difference.
In a video she posted to Instagram and TikTok on September 27, 2024, the 27-year-old reality star demonstrated a surprising product she uses to give her lips moisture and shine: Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream.
Facing the camera, Jenner went through her routine, brushing her teeth, washing her face, and moisturizing her skin.
Then she applied the cream to her lips, telling the camera, “Nipple cream for your lips, it’s like the best secret.”
However, while Jenner later looked fabulous heading to the event, does her lip care tip really work?
What is lanolin?
Dr. Anju Methil — who specializes in dermatology and cosmetology as well as serving as a medical consultant with ClinicSpots — said that lanolin is not a new thing.
“Lanolin has been around for centuries as a go-to skin moisturizer, and it’s especially popular in nipple creams,” she said.
Dr. Hamdan Abdullah Hamed — a dermatologist and the co-founder of PowerYourCurls — further explained that lanolin is a substance that comes from the wool of sheep.
It “contains many natural fats and oils,” he said. “These are very similar to what human skin makes already.”
It is this similarity that gives it its power to protect our skin and prevent the loss of moisture, said Hamed.
“Due to its special qualities, lanolin can soothe irritated skin, making it very good for people with conditions such as eczema or psoriasis,” he said. “It’s like giving your skin a warm and comfy embrace!”
How lanolin can help your lips
However, it’s not just good for soothing your skin; it can also keep your lips soft and hydrated, according to Methil.
“If you deal with dry or chapped lips, lanolin might just be the secret ingredient you’ve been looking for,” she said.
Methil added that it’s especially good for lips because it forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture.
“It also has emollient effects,” she said, “which attract moisture and hold onto it, leaving your lips feeling soft and supple.”
And, if that’s not enough, it’s possible that lanolin might also have anti-inflammatory properties, said Methil. This can help soothe red and irritated lips.
If you are dealing with severely dry or cracked lips, it could be a “game changer,” she added.
“Whether it’s from the cold, wind, or just licking your lips too much, lanolin helps to calm things down and relieve that uncomfortable feeling,” said Methil.
Other products that can provide the same benefits as lanolin
While lanolin provides many skincare benefits, there are some people who might not want to use lanolin, according to Methil.
“Although lanolin is generally safe and effective, there’s a small chance you could be sensitive or allergic to it,” she said.
If you’ve never used it before, Methil suggests doing a patch test on a small area of your skin to make sure you don’t react to it.
Symptoms of a lanolin allergy can include redness, itching, inflammation, hives, or blistering.
“[T]here are other products that can help your skin too,” said Hamed. Some of the products he suggests include:
- Petroleum jelly. “It is similar to lanolin because it keeps moisture in and shields your skin from irritants,” he said.
- Shea butter. Hamed explained that this product is derived from the nuts of the shea tree. “It helps calm dry skin and lessen irritation,” said Hamed.
- Coconut oil. While you might know coconut oil for its use in cooking, it can also benefit your skin. It might also have antibacterial properties making it a good way to prevent infections, he said.
- Beeswax. This common ingredient in many lip balms creates a layer that seals in moisture and protects your lips from irritation, according to Hamed.
- Hyaluronic acid. “This thing is like a magnet for moisture!” he said. “It pulls water to your skin, so it stays hydrated and looks full.”
Takeaway
Reality star Kylie Jenner recently revealed in an Instagram video that one of her secrets for having beautiful, soft lips is lanolin nipple cream.
However, skin experts say using it on your lips isn’t so strange. It’s been used for centuries as a moisturizer due to its ability to protect, hydrate, and soothe skin.
If you don’t want to use lanolin, there are other skincare alternatives that can provide similar benefits. These include petroleum jelly, shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, and hyaluronic acid.
