Silverette vs. Lanolin: Which Nipple Care Option Is Right for You?
One is a reusable silver cup, the other is a lanolin cream you reapply as needed — here's how they compare on price, daily use, convenience, and what each option is best suited for.
Choose Silverette if...
You'd rather avoid reapplying cream between feeds, want a reusable option, and prefer a simple wear-and-remove routine.
Choose Lanolin if...
You want a lower upfront cost, a familiar nipple-care cream, and the convenience of applying it directly to the skin.
Lanolin is one of the most established nipple-care products for breastfeeding mothers. Lansinoh's version is made with 100% ultra-purified lanolin and is designed to soothe and protect sore, delicate skin.
Silverette takes a completely different approach. Instead of applying a cream, you wear reusable sterling-silver nursing cups between feeds.
Price & Product Snapshot
Reusable sterling-silver nursing cups designed to be worn between breastfeeding sessions.
Check Silverette Price →100% natural, ultra-purified lanolin nipple cream for soothing and protecting sore, delicate skin.
Check Today's Amazon Price →Price note: The Lansinoh price shown above is a reference price based on the Amazon listing checked for this comparison. Amazon prices can change due to promotions, sellers, availability, and location. Check Amazon for today's price before purchasing.
Silverette vs. Lanolin: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Silverette | Lansinoh Lanolin |
|---|---|---|
| Price |
$69.99 One-time purchase |
~$21 Amazon reference price for 1.41 oz |
| How it's used | Worn between feeds | Applied directly to the nipple area after feeding or as needed |
| Reusable? | Yes — designed for repeated use | No — the cream is consumed as it is applied |
| Needs reapplication? | No cream reapplication | Yes — apply after feeds or as needed |
| Remove before breastfeeding? | Yes — remove the cups before nursing | No — Lansinoh states that its purified lanolin does not need to be removed before breastfeeding |
| Main convenience | No sticky cream and no repeated application | Simple, direct application with no separate cup to wear |
| Best suited for | Moms who prefer a reusable, low-maintenance routine | Moms who want an affordable, familiar topical nipple-care option |
| Allergy consideration | Check the product's materials if you have known metal sensitivities | Avoid if you have a known lanolin or wool allergy |
Where Silverette Has the Edge
Silverette Pros
- Reusable: you don't continually purchase more cream as you use it.
- No repeated cream application: useful if you dislike sticky products or don't want another step after every feed.
- Simple routine: put the cups on between feeds and remove them before nursing.
- Long-term use: the cups are designed to be reused rather than consumed.
Silverette Trade-Offs
- Higher upfront cost: $69.99 is substantially more than a tube of lanolin.
- Must be removed before nursing: unlike lanolin, the cups cannot simply stay in place during feeding.
- Requires wearing cups: some mothers may prefer applying a cream instead.
Where Lansinoh Lanolin Has the Edge
Lanolin Pros
- Lower upfront cost: you can try a tube without committing to a $69.99 reusable product.
- Easy to apply: simply soften a small amount between your fingers and apply to the nipple area.
- No need to remove before breastfeeding: Lansinoh states that its purified lanolin can remain on the skin before nursing.
- Widely available: Lansinoh is sold through major retailers and Amazon.
Lanolin Trade-Offs
- Needs reapplication: you use more product as you continue breastfeeding.
- Consumable: unlike Silverette, the tube eventually runs out.
- Texture: some mothers like the protective texture, while others may find creams sticky or heavy.
Which One Is Cheaper?
The answer depends on whether you're looking at upfront price or repeated purchases over time.
Silverette costs more initially, but the cups are reusable. Lanolin, on the other hand, is a consumable product, so the tube eventually needs to be replaced.
That means there isn't a universal long-term cost winner for every breastfeeding journey. How long you breastfeed, how frequently you use lanolin, and whether you continue using Silverette all affect the overall value.
Which Should You Choose?
| If your priority is... | Better Fit: Silverette | Better Fit: Lanolin |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest upfront cost | — | ✓ Lanolin |
| No repeated cream application | ✓ Silverette | — |
| Reusable product | ✓ Silverette | — |
| Simple direct application | — | ✓ Lanolin |
| No need to remove before nursing | — | ✓ Lanolin |
| Avoiding sticky cream | ✓ Silverette | — |
Lanolin is the easier low-cost starting point. It's straightforward, widely available, and doesn't require wearing or removing a separate product.
Silverette is the more reusable, low-maintenance option. It's much more expensive upfront, but you aren't repeatedly consuming a cream and reapplying it after feeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Silverette and lanolin together?
Silverette is designed to have direct contact with the skin, so applying a cream underneath the cups may interfere with that contact. If you want to use both products, it's more practical to use them at different times rather than layering them together.
Is Lansinoh lanolin safe if my baby swallows some?
Lansinoh states that its purified lanolin does not need to be removed before breastfeeding. The product is made with 100% natural lanolin and contains no added fragrance or preservatives. If your baby has a specific allergy or you have individual safety concerns, consult your healthcare professional.
Which one works faster?
There isn't enough evidence here to claim that one product consistently works faster for every mother. Comfort and healing can depend heavily on the underlying cause of nipple soreness, including latch, positioning, or pumping technique.
Does Silverette cost more than lanolin?
Yes, the upfront purchase price is significantly higher. Silverette is listed at $69.99, while the Lansinoh price used in this comparison is approximately $21 as an Amazon reference price. Amazon pricing can change, so check the current listing before buying.
Do I have to wash Lansinoh off before breastfeeding?
No. Lansinoh states that its purified lanolin does not need to be removed before breastfeeding. Always follow the instructions for the specific product you purchase.
Which is better for sore or cracked nipples?
Both products are used by breastfeeding mothers for nipple comfort, but neither should be treated as a substitute for addressing the cause of persistent pain. If cracking, bleeding, or significant pain continues, consider getting help from a qualified lactation professional or healthcare provider.
Silverette Nursing Cups
$69.99
Official price reference. Price may change.
Check Today's Silverette Price →
✓ Reusable
✓ Made in Italy
✓ Designed for repeated use
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream
~$21
Amazon reference price for 1.41 oz. Price may change.
Check Today's Amazon Price →
✓ 100% natural lanolin
✓ No need to remove before breastfeeding
✓ 1.41 oz / 40 g
Affiliate disclosure: We're an affiliate for Silverette and may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through our Silverette link. The Lansinoh link is an Amazon affiliate link, meaning Dealnoran may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases.
Our Take
If your priority is keeping upfront cost low and having a simple cream you can apply directly, Lansinoh Lanolin is the easier starting point.
If you'd rather make a larger one-time purchase and avoid repeatedly applying cream, Silverette offers a reusable alternative.
Check Silverette → Check Lansinoh on Amazon →Prices shown are reference prices and may change. Amazon prices can vary based on seller, availability, promotions, shipping, and location. Always check the retailer's current listing before purchasing.