Diaper rash is a common skin condition that can show (no pun intended) its ugly side in the first few years of your baby’s life. While diaper rash can often be caused by skin irritation, it can also be caused by an allergic reaction or a bacterial or yeast infection. Diaper rash cream provides an effective solution to soothe and prevent diaper rash outbreaks. The best active ingredients are free from dyes, parabens, alcohol, fragrances, and other harmful ingredients.
Once you’ve found a diaper cream with safe ingredients, also consider how easy it is to use and whether it will leave any stains or odors. The latter is especially important if you plan to use cloth diapers. Take a look at our approved diaper creams, which are safe ingredients and come in a variety of prices.
Boudreux’s Butt Paste Diaper Rash Ointment
This parent-favorite product is our top pick because of its ability to provide quick relief from diaper rash. The regular formula contains 16% zinc oxide (but you can buy a 40% extra strong version to treat severe diaper rash) and is one of the thickest base creams on the market. We recommend using the regular formula for daily use and the extra strong formula for severe rashes.
Boudreaux’s Butt Paste is free of dyes, parabens, preservatives, phthalates, and talc, so you know you won’t be using any harmful substances on your child. It can be purchased in a 16-ounce can or a 2- or 4-ounce tube, depending on your preference for size and application.
Be aware, however, that Boudreaux’s hand cream is the only one that works for their kids, but be aware that this hand cream is a bit odd in color and may stain cloth diapers. This heavy formula is also difficult to wash off, but you can always use a diaper cream applicator to keep your hands from getting dirty.
Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
The best way to prevent diaper rash is to apply diaper rash cream to your baby’s butt every time you change a diaper, regardless of whether your baby has diaper rash or not. For this, Aquaphor Baby Repair Ointment Advanced Treatment Skin Protector is ideal. This restorative ointment formula can be used all over the body to relieve chapped cheeks, minor chafing, dry skin, and diaper rash, and is clear, lightweight, and breathable, making this versatile product a must-have in any parent’s medicine cabinet and diaper box.
We love this all-in-one ointment, it’s fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and perfect for sensitive skin.
Note, however, that Aquaphor is a Vaseline-based cream, so it may have a texture that is too oily and sticky for some people.
Triple Paste Medicated Ointment for Diaper Rash
When it comes to diaper rash creams, some of them have a particularly pungent smell. It can be unpleasant, and sometimes perfume can irritate sensitive skin. This is one of the reasons why many parents love this fragrance-free cream.
Triple Paste’s formula is nice and thick so it stays in place, and the brand offers a money-back guarantee. We appreciate that a can can last for a long time (due to its thickness). It is also hypoallergenic and has the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval.
But be aware that Triple Paste is a little more expensive than the other diaper creams on our list, but it cures the worst diaper rash, so it’s definitely worth the money.
Desitin Maximum Strength Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Paste
Despite your best efforts, your baby may still get a very painful diaper rash once in a while. Beyond letting them go diaperless, the best treatment for this is an extra-strength diaper rash cream like Desitin Baby Diaper Rash Maximum Strength Original Paste.
This cream contains the highest concentration of zinc oxide and can be purchased without a prescription to effectively seal out moisture. Due to the higher concentration of zinc oxide, you don’t need to use it every day, but you can use it every day if you want to, as it is one of our most affordable options.
Note, however, that due to the thicker formula and higher zinc oxide concentration, Desitin is more difficult to remove from your hands and your baby’s diaper area. You may need to use a few wipes or washcloths to remove the white marks left by the cream.
Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm
This balm is designed for those who use cloth diapers without staining the fabric or leaving it permanently (as many regular creams do). Formulated with all-natural herbs and oils, including calendula and beeswax, this cream is ideal for premature babies and small ones in the NICU.
USDA-certified organic formula free of synthetic preservatives, zinc, and lanolin. It is also EWG verified, which means it does not contain several ingredients that are harmful to humans and the environment.
But be aware that all of these natural ingredients have a strong smell that most people enjoy, but some people may feel uncomfortable. It’s also the only product on our list that doesn’t contain zinc oxide or petroleum jelly, which are the two active ingredients recommended by experts.
PINXAV Healing Cream
Sometimes, after your baby has diarrhea or diaper rash gets out of control, the skin on the buttocks can become very sensitive and even broken. That’s when you’ll need a mild diaper rash cream, but one that also heals quickly, like this one from Pinxav. The pink formula contains 30% zinc oxide and other ingredients, including aloe vera, vitamin E, and clove oil, to help relieve pain. It can be used to prevent diaper rash, cure the most severe diaper rash, and treat sunburn, acne, eczema, and other skin conditions.
Be aware, however, that although it may take a while to get used to the strong eucalyptus smell and the ointment may stain the fabric pink, this diaper rash treatment works well to compensate for these drawbacks.
Weleda Baby Calendula Diaper Cream
Weleda Diaper Treatment Cream contains a zinc oxide matrix and a host of botanicals such as calendula extract, which is blended with sweet almond oil and sesame oil to soothe very sore skin. It is free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. The rich, creamy consistency is very easy to apply, provides good coverage, and a little bit can work for a long time.
But please note that we personally love the natural scent of calendula, but the floral shade is not for everyone. The cream is packed in a metal tube, which is more difficult to squeeze than a plastic tube.
