This is no doubt a small thing, but any cork grease recommendations out there? I’ve done some digging in this forum and elsewhere and there seems to be a consensus that natural (non-petroleum) products are better…though that also seems to not be unanimous. In any event, are there specific brands that people recommend? Thanks!
I use the D’addario cork grease, which I see they’re now marketing as “organic.”
I like the natural ingredients because I also use it to rub a little around the embouchure hole after a long practice session. It avoids that dried-out look of the wood around the embouchure hole, and may help prevent cracking since that’s one place cracks often show up. Since my mouth is in contact with the area it’s good to have neutral, non allergy causing ingredients. Works fine as cork grease too.
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Thanks for that reply. 
I ended up getting one called Cork Shield from Instrumentclinic.com. It’s billed as all natural. Seems to do what it says on the can…
I’ve been using the cork grease from Doctor. Doctor Slick™ Cork Grease – Doctors Products
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Second to comments from Conical_bore and JOBDC. The “Cork Shield” brand came with my most recent Olwell.
I put the cork grease on with a finger tip as I think the warmth melts it a little and provides better coverage. Plus I rub the residual around the embouchure BEFORE playing as a moisture barrier for the wood.
L
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Just thought I add an update here: I have been using the Cork Shield to good effect. Recently, however, it was not available in the three packs I had been getting, so I decided to try another brand.
Based on limited research and reviews, I purchased Libretto cork grease. I was surprised by how different it is from the Cork Shield. The Cork Shield is an almost clear/neutral color akin to Vaseline or Acquaphor and is a similar thickness to those, perhaps a bit thinner. The Libretto by contrast is an almost chalky white and noticeably thicker than the Cork Shield. It doesn’t look white when rubbed in, but does when first applied. The thickness makes it a little harder to apply and also it gets on the wood more for some reason. Perhaps it oozes out a bit because it is thick and is pushed out when assembling the flute.
I’m sure there are reasons for the Libretto formulation. It is touted as having ingredients “imported from Japan”. But I prefer the Cork Shield.
I think Libretto is designed for band instruments like the clarinet or saxophone. For all I know, so is Cork Shield. But seems a better fit for the Irish flute than Libretto. I see the Irish Flute Store carries Cork Shield.
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