13 Best Diaper Rash Creams For Babies Of 2024, Expert-Approved
Gentle solutions to soothe your baby's soft, delicate skin and put them at ease.
Shawnda Dorantes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is the founder and Master Injector at Beauty Lounge Medical Spa. She has 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and 13 years as a registered nurse. Dorantes began her career as a Beauty Advisor for Estee Lauder.
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Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Is diaper rash keeping you and your baby awake at night? The great news is that it is an uncomplicated problem that does not require a doctor’s visit. Finding the best diaper rash cream for your baby’s skin is the first step in addressing this issue.
Soggy diapers, existing skin conditions, and friction are the most prevalent causes of a diaper rash. In addition, the diaper may chafe the skin and aggravate the condition, making the infant irritable and fussy. You can also take certain precautions, such as changing nappies more often and rinsing the skin with warm water after a nappy change, in addition to investing in the best baby diaper rash creams. Another approach to avoid diaper rash is to leave some room to let the baby’s skin breathe. You can tie the diaper a bit loose around the waist. Scroll down to check out our list of the best diaper rash creams for your baby.
In This Article
13 Best Diaper Rash Creams For Babies – Top Picks Of 2024
1. Aquaphor Healing Ointment
This ointment is amongst the best diaper rash creams owing to its preventive quality. Even before the rash strikes, this cream can be used to keep the rashes at bay. It is clinically proven to restore and heal irritated and chapped skin. It contains no preservatives and is fragrance-free. It contains no allergens, thus reducing the chances of your baby’s sensitive skin getting irritated. All its ingredients are natural as well, due to which the color of the cream may vary from jar to jar, but that is nothing to be worried about. Take a look at this video featuring the tester’s experience to learn more about the product.
- Effective in 6 hours
- Hypoallergenic
- Clinically-proven
- Paraben-free
- Useful for chapped skin
- Contains mineral oil
"As a regular user of this product, I can confidently say it's a go-to solution for many skin woes. It's ideal for my kids with skin sensitivity issues. It’s a soothing option for cradle cap too. Trust me, it's a reliable choice that takes care of your family's skin needs."
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 41,378 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
2. Boudreaux’s Butt Paste
This extra-strength diaper rash cream contains 40% zinc oxide. This has 2 times more fighting power than most diaper rash creams, and creates a thick and protective barrier when applied. This ensures that your baby’s sensitive skin remains protected from any moisture or other rash causing agents. Formulated with 6 basic ingredients, it is gentle on your baby’s skin, but effective in not just preventing, but also healing diaper rash. This diaper rash cream starts healing your baby’s inflamed skin the moment it is applied, and is effective against moderate to severe diaper rash. Watch this YouTuber’s honest review to get a better idea about the product and its features.
- Trusted by pediatricians and parents for over 40 years
- Contains no dye
- Clinically-tested
- Paraben-free
- Preservative free
- Phthalate and talc-free
- May have a medicinal smell
"I've used this diaper cream from years ago on my first child, and its performance stays consistent even now. It can be a bit messy to apply, but I absolutely don't mind as it cleared a rash in two days. It has a pleasant scent and doesn't stain clothes. It even worked well when my child had a hand-foot-mouth rash. Would surely recommend it!"
Quick Tip3. Desitin Maximum Strength Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Paste
This maximum-strength diaper rash cream that works on contact and starts the healing process immediately. It contains 40% zinc oxide and provides a 5-in-1 action. This includes treating, healing, protecting, soothing, and even preventing diaper rash. It has been clinically proven to protect your baby’s sensitive skin for up to 12 hours and is gentle enough to be used daily. Its thick formula forms a protective barrier on your baby’s skin, effectively sealing out any wetness and soothing chafed skin. You may explore this product on websites like Amazon as well if you wish to read about countless positive reviews and customer testimonials.
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate free
- Dye-free
- Soap-free
- Contains talc
"I've applied this diaper rash cream on my children, a recommendation passed down from my mom. Its dense consistency forms a protective barrier, keeping my babies' sensitive skin hydrated and irritation free."
4. Triple Paste Medicated Ointment For Diaper Rash
Made with the gentlest of ingredients, this baby diaper rash cream relieves your baby of irritation and discomfort almost immediately after application. It’s proprietary formula works fast and takes quick action on raw, inflamed skin that diaper rash causes. It is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested and protects your baby from potential allergens too. It is also fragrance-free, and is of a thick consistency. This ensures better protection of the skin against wetness and moisture and other rash-causing agents. It is safe for your baby’s sensitive skin around the diaper area, and is safe to be applied generously with every diaper change.
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Prevents, treats, soothes
- Paraben-free
- Talc-free
- Contains oat extract, which some babies may be allergic to.
"This cream has a remarkable impact, clearing up rashes in a few days when consistently applied. It works well with soft diapers for sensitive skin. It has a pleasant texture and no noticeable scent, and is also easy to use as it melts nicely into the skin."
Remember5. Weleda Baby Calendula Diaper Cream
A certified natural diaper rash cream that contains calendula extracts, beeswax, and chamomile extracts, its gentle formula ensures that your baby’s sensitive diaper area is well taken care of. It soothes inflamed skin and helps in reducing redness caused by a diaper rash. Suitable even for highly-sensitive skin, it is devoid of any synthetic preservatives. Its rich natural formula and creamy consistency protect your baby’s skin from wetness and moisture, ensuring no rashes can trouble your baby. It is enriched with sweet almond, sesame seed, lavender, rosemary, and orange oils, making it a moisturizing cream. This video sharing the reviewer’s experience will give you a better insight into the product.
- Fragrance-free
- Colorant-free
- Dermatologically-tested
- Protects against dampness
- May not offer immediate relief
"This diaper cream is excellent in reducing my little one's persistent diaper rash. The non-greasy and lightweight texture isw easy to apply and clean up. It gets absorbed well into the skin and made a noticeable difference in just a few uses. The calendula is a soothing touch, truly resonating with their plant-rich baby care tagline. A reliable choice for sure!"
6. The Honest Co. Honest Diaper Rash Cream
This natural diaper rash cream is made of ingredients derived from organic plants and minerals. It is a gentle, non-nano zinc oxide formula that reduces and prevents symptoms of diaper rash. A protective layer is formed on your baby’s skin upon application. It relieves and calms irritation, while also healing the inflamed area. The organic shea butter, jojoba, tamandua, and coconut oils soothe and moisturize your baby’s skin, while the zinc oxide protects and heals. This cream contains no harsh or harmful chemicals.
- Paraben-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Plant-based
- Non-greasy
- Petroleum-free
- NSF-certified
- Cruelty-free
- Some may find the formula slightly runny
"I have used this diaper cream for my baby and is quite pleased with its non-greasy texture. It soothes well, even helped with my sunburn! Most importantly, it's kind to my baby's sensitive skin, using cleaner ingredients and offering protection overnight. Almost perfect!"
Pro Tip7. Pinxav Diaper Rash Ointment
Brought to you by a family-owned business, this natural diaper rash cream has been around since 1927. The formula for this ointment works in 3 stages. The 30% non-nano zinc oxide helps reduce inflammation and creates a protective barrier, shielding the skin from further wetness. Next, the natural oils kick in. These include clove oil, wintergreen, and menthol which act as a natural local anesthetic to reduce the pain. This is followed by aloe, vitamin E, and eucalyptol, which help in healing the affected areas. It is a multi-use cream and is as effective for adults, as it is for babies.
- Natural ingredients
- Fast-acting
- Can be used for other skin issues like scrapes, burns, acne etc.
- Effective against allergic reactions
- Great for jock itch
- May stain clothes
8. Balmex Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Cream
This diaper rash cream acts to reduce redness and rashes as quickly as 3 hours from the time of application. It creates a protective barrier that keeps wetness away from your baby’s skin. It is also highly effective against chafing, as it reduces friction caused by the diaper on your baby’s skin. With proven botanicals like evening primrose as part of its ingredients, this cream neutralizes rash-causing irritants quite effectively. Vitamins B5 and E are also part of the ingredients and they soothe irritated skin effectively.
- Easy to remove
- Recommended by pediatricians
- Mild scent
- Clinically-proven
- Dermatologist-tested
- Some may find the texture slightly grainy
"I discovered this cream when my baby had a severe diaper rash and it cleared up quickly. It's thick but spreads well and stays put. I noticed its hydrating element helps prevent skin dryness. Mixing it with a more liquid cream works better I feel."
9. Mustela Diaper Rash Cream
This natural baby diaper rash cream is composed of 98% plant-based ingredients. All its ingredients are biodegradable and include avocado perseose, zinc oxide and sunflower oil among others. The zinc oxide protects and the sunflower oil repairs, while other ingredients soothe your baby’s inflamed skin, giving your baby relief and comfort. It is mild and a good diaper rash cream for newborn infants as well. This cream is backed by scientific research, and is developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals. Not to mention, it is clinically-proven to reduce skin irritation and redness.
- Easy to apply and wipe off
- Long-lasting
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Some may find it slightly greasy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 2,294 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
10. CeraVe Baby Healing Ointment
Developed in collaboration with dermatologists, this diaper rash cream soothes and protects your baby’s delicate skin. Its silky lightweight formula moisturizes the skin and is enriched with hyaluronic acid. It also helps seal out moisture and wetness, thus protecting chafed skin. Free of any harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and added fragrances, this cream is suitable for sensitive skin as well. The 3 main ingredients of this cream include petrolatum, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.
- Lanolin-free
- Rich, occlusive texture
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Accepted by National Eczema Association
- Contains mineral oil
"This cream is a lifesaver for my granddaughter's diaper rash and my son's eczema. The tub might seem stiff initially, but the body heat makes it easy to apply. It is considerably effective and a tiny dab goes a long way, leaving skin soft and smooth. It's a good moisture balm and great at healing."
11. Burt’s Bees Diaper Rash Ointment
Burt’s Bees Diaper Rash Ointment is a safe and effective way to treat those nasty diaper rashes. The treatment is infused with zinc oxide and sweet almond oil, which helps treat those rashes by creating a barrier. This cream uses natural ingredients like shea butter, lavender oil, and jojoba seed oil to help heal and revitalize your baby’s soft skin without causing further damage. It is proven to be clinically safe and effective against diaper rashes.
- 100% Natural
- No phthalates
- No parabens
- No SLS
- No petrolatum
- Cruelty-free
- Clinically-proven
None
"I've trusted this cream for my three children over the last eight years with no adverse side effects. It worked wonderfully for a dry skin issue and also a diaper rash. It applies thick, spreads well, and I appreciate its natural ingredients. I love its fragrance-free nature. A reliable choice for baby care indeed."
12. Baby Bum Diaper Rash Cream
An ultra-gentle, plant-based skin care product, this might just be the cream you are looking for to relieve your baby’s diaper rash. It contains highly-hydrating ingredients like shea butter and cocoa butter. Coupled with natural aloe vera, these ingredients ensure that your baby’s skin is not just moisturized, but also soothed and nourished. Its natural zinc oxide creates a moisture barrier, so your baby’s bum doesn’t get exposed to unwanted wetness. This cream is specifically formulated for kids, toddlers, and babies.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Silicone-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- May not be as thick as expected
13. Grandma El’s Diaper Rash Ointment
Good for use along with cloth diapers, this cream doesn’t leave a white paste in the diaper. It is an effective cream that starts working immediately after it is applied. It prevents, protects, and heals mild to severe diaper rash. Made with mild ingredients, it allows your baby’s skin to breathe and soothes any inflammation that may be present. It is suitable for sensitive skin as well.
- Hypoallergenic
- Recommended by pediatricians
- Multi-use cream
- Also helps with sunburn
- Yellow color of the cream may be misleading and lead you to believe that your baby has soiled the diaper.
"This ointment provides a durable, fragrant barrier. It even helps eczema patches and doubled as a lip balm. It got a bit greasy at times and the texture was slightly thick, but it has worked wondered over the years, even on the worst diaper rashes."
When your baby’s skin breaks into a diaper rash, what the skin needs is a protective barrier; one that will keep the moisture out, and prevent further friction or chafing. Shawnda Dorantes, a skin care specialist, says, “Each baby’s skin is unique, so it’s important to consider specific sensitivities when choosing a diaper rash cream. Finding a cream that contains zinc oxide as an active ingredient is recommended, as it forms a protective barrier on the skin to protect it from irritants, moisture, and friction. It also has mild antiseptic and astringent properties, which will heal the irritated skin. The ingredients which are best at doing this are zinc oxide, aloe, calendula, and lanolin. Make sure at least a couple of them, if not all of them, are present in the baby diaper rash cream that you pick up. But is there something that shouldn’t be in your diaper rash cream? The ingredient that tops the list is talc, and heavy fragrances. Both are allergens and can contribute to aggravating your baby’s already suffering, sensitive skin.
The Bottom Line
If your baby is unable to sleep due to skin conditions, you must address it immediately. Your baby’s skin is very precious! Diapers can cause unnecessary rashes and red inflammations on the skin, but these can be removed with the help of diaper rash creams. There are many creams that will cater to your child’s skin and keep it from getting irritated. Try the Aquaphor Healing Ointment to prevent rash from recurring on irritated skin. The Triple Paste Medicated Ointment For Diaper Rash offers quick relief and protects the skin from allergens while the Balmex Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Cream is effective against chafing. However, you should definitely avoid rash creams that come with added preservatives and give off an overpowering smell. It is also suggested to opt for doctor-recommended creams that are gentle on the skin. And, always remember to do a patch test before topical application to prevent possible allergic reactions on the sensitive baby skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Krati Darak, is a skin care enthusiast and loves creating informative content for her readers. She knows finding a rash on your baby’s soft bottoms can be distressing and has found an ideal solution for her readers. She compiled a comprehensive and detailed list of the top diaper rash creams after surveying every product specification and use review. A diaper rash cream creates a barrier that keeps moisture from getting inside the diaper and prevents friction and chafing while soothing inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes diaper rash?
Diaper rash is most commonly caused by wet diapers, which haven’t been changed on time. Sometimes, irritants present in your baby’s poop and pee may also be responsible. Even the ingredients present in bath products, or your baby’s diaper could be the culprit. It is mostly caused by a combination of excessive moisture, and friction that causes chafing and rashes.
Is a diaper rash cream antifungal?
If your baby diaper rash cream contains zinc oxide, it is antifungal. Zinc oxide has antifungal properties and is generally prescribed as a multi-purpose medicine in combination with miconazole.
Does a diaper rash cream help with itching?
Yes, a diaper rash cream definitely helps with itching. Many of its ingredients are anti-inflammatory and help soothe irritated skin.
Should diaper rash cream be used every time?
Yes, you may apply diaper rash cream with every diaper change. It is better to be safe than sorry, especially with babies.
How long does diaper rash cream take to work?
Diaper rash cream takes 3-5 days to work to provide visible results.
How long does diaper rash last?
Diaper rash usually goes away within 2-3 days with proper care at home.
Is diaper cream good for dry skin?
Yes, diaper creams have a moisturizing effect on babies’ skin.
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