During the first few years of your baby’s life, diaper rash is a typical skin ailment that is likely to manifest itself in an unpleasant way (1). While skin irritation may be the most frequent reason for diaper rash, it can also be brought on by allergic responses, bacterial or yeast infections, or allergic reactions.
There are a variety of creams that can be used to treat and stop diaper rash outbreaks. The best creams are those that are made with pure, effective chemicals that are free of colors, parabens, alcohol, perfumes, and other potentially dangerous substances (2). By using these types of creams, you can help to ensure that your child’s diaper rash is quickly and effectively treated.
As mothers, we know firsthand that not all creams are effective for all diaper rashes. We’ve talked to medical professionals, parents, and other caregivers and spent many hours investigating the causes of diaper rashes and all available treatments. We know that different types of rashes respond to different treatments, so we’ve compiled a list of the best diaper rash creams for different kinds of diaper rashes.
Our Top Picks
- Best Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Cream: Desitin Maximum Strength Baby Diaper Rash Cream
- Best Organic Diaper Rash Cream: The Honest Company Diaper Rash Cream
- Best Ointment For Everyday Use: Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
- Best Diaper Rash Cream For Eczema: CeraVe Diaper Rash Cream
- Best Diaper Rash Cream For Cloth Diapers: Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm
- Best Antifungal Diaper Rash Cream: Baza Moisture Barrier Antifungal Cream
- Best Diaper Rash Cream For Sensitive Skin: Babo Botanicals Soothing Baby Diaper Cream
- Best Diaper Rash Cream For Broken Skin: PINXAV Healing Cream
- Best Diaper Rash Cream For Severe Rash: Boudreaux’s Butt Paste
- Best Diaper Rash Cream Spray: Diaper Rash Cream Spray by Boogie Bottoms
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Diaper Rash Creams Picks
Desitin Maximum Strength Baby Diaper Rash Cream – Best Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Cream
- It is very strong
- Fast acting
- Spreads easily
- 12 hour relief
- Not the best scent
Crafted with 40% maximum-level zinc oxide, this rich, thick lotion not only prevents and treats diaper rash pain, but also protects chafed skin caused by diaper rash. This formula is specially designed to soothe and relieve skin discomfort, making it ideal for little ones with sensitive skin.
Clinical testing by dermatologists and pediatricians reveals that Desitin maximum strength diaper rash paste offers up to 12 hours of protection against diaper rash (3). What’s more, this hypoallergenic solution is free of parabens, phthalates, colors, and soap, making it gentle enough for everyday use.
The Honest Company Diaper Rash Cream – Best Organic Diaper Rash Cream
- Very thick
- Lathers on well
- Does not build up on the skin
- Organic ingredients
- If you don’t use it often the oils separate and it’s not easy to shake it so you have to massage the tube
This specially formulated cream features a potent blend of zinc oxide to prevent and reduce redness and shorten the duration of diaper rash, while organic shea, jojoba, tamanu, and coconut oils deeply nourish and hydrate the skin.
This cream is dermatologist-tested and NSF certified, ensuring that it meets the highest standards for health and safety. It’s fragrance-free, non-toxic, and gentle on delicate skin, making it an ideal choice for parents who want to avoid harmful chemicals. Plus, it’s free from parabens, mineral oil, lanolin, and dyes, so you can feel confident using it on your baby’s skin.
Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment – Best Ointment For Everyday Use
- It is soothing for sure
- Keeps the skin soft and moisturized for long
- No allergic ingredients
- No parabens or dyes in it
- Uses a tub instead of a tube
This ointment is formulated to treat a range of skin problems, such as dryness, cracking, and chafing. It’s also perfect for diaper rash because it contains 41% Petrolatum, which helps protect and nourish the skin by allowing oxygen to circulate.
This baby ointment is fragrance-free, and preservative-free, and has been recommended by pediatricians to meet all of your baby’s skincare needs. Each component has been rigorously tested for safety and quality, ensuring that you can trust this product to care for your baby’s sensitive skin.
CeraVe Diaper Rash Cream – Best Diaper Rash Cream For Eczema
- No zinc oxide like most diaper rash creams
- Smooths on easily
- Washes off hands easily
- No scent
- Not for severe rashes
CeraVe’s versatile cream is not only for treating diaper rash, but it’s also been given the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, so it’s excellent for battling eczema as well. With a mix of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and petroleum jelly, this cream will work to create a barrier between the skin and moisture, so you don’t have to worry about irritants.
What’s even better is that CeraVe’s cream is free of any substances that could potentially harm your baby’s delicate skin, like lanolin, parabens, phthalates, colors, gluten, sulfates, or perfumes. While it may not be the solution for more serious cases of diaper rash, this versatile ointment can effectively heal and prevent lesser occurrences.
Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm – Best Diaper Rash Cream For Cloth Diapers
- Smells great
- Goes on clear and a very thin film
- Cloth diaper safe
- A little goes a long way
- Expensive for a tiny jar
If you’re looking for a natural diaper cream that doesn’t contain petrolatum or zinc oxide, this is a great option. It protects your baby’s skin from moisture while still allowing it to breathe, thanks to its all-natural ingredients. Plus, it won’t leave any residue on your cloth diapers.
Additionally, the ointment contains herbs that are antibacterial and antifungal, which might aid in the treatment and prevention of yeast rashes. It is also free of some of the most common allergens, including lanolin, mineral oil, beeswax, and petroleum, and has been dermatologist tested and certified.
Baza Moisture Barrier Antifungal Cream – Best Antifungal Diaper Rash Cream
- Perfect for a mild rash
- Great for prevention
- Works as an anti-fungal
- Affordable
- It has a strong scent
Although this cream wasn’t specifically designed for newborns, many parents have found that this cream can be an effective substitute for diaper cream when their kids are dealing with yeast infections.
The ointment contains petrolatum, which creates a barrier between your baby’s skin and moisture from the diaper. The antifungal component helps prevent yeast growth.
Since diaper creams don’t include an antifungal, you should see your doctor before putting this medication on your child to ensure that you have their approval. If they do, though, having this in your medicine cabinet is a good idea since you may use the diaper cream to treat fungus.
Babo Botanicals Soothing Baby Diaper Cream – Best Diaper Rash Cream For Sensitive Skin
- Great natural ingredients
- Nice consistency
- Great scent
- Works well as a standard diaper cream
- A tad expensive for something that doesn’t last that long
This premium diaper rash treatment offers a protective moisture barrier to safeguard your baby’s sensitive and delicate skin from irritation and discomfort. It contains colloidal oatmeal, which is specially formulated to nourish and soothe the skin of your little one. In addition, non-nano zinc oxide with a high 25% concentration provides added protection to keep the diaper area dry and comfortable.
This formula features natural and gentle ingredients like shea butter and cocoa butter, which are specially formulated to soothe skin irritations and reduce redness. The pediatrician-tested and hypoallergenic composition minimizes the possibility of an allergic reaction, and it’s also free of allergens like nuts, peanuts, soy, dairy, and gluten.
PINXAV Healing Cream – Best Diaper Rash Cream For Broken Skin
- Works great on diaper rashes
- It sticks to the skin and creates a good barrier
- It spreads over the skin so easily
- The easy-to-squeeze tube comes safety sealed and has a convenient pop-up top
- It’s not the greatest smell but it works
PINXAV’s specially crafted formula features a unique blend of natural ingredients that work together to alleviate discomfort and heal broken skin. At the heart of its recipe is 30% non-nano particle zinc oxide, which helps to reduce skin inflammation and shield against unwanted moisture.
Additionally, to soothe discomfort, this cream contains clove, wintergreen, and menthol oils, all known for their local anesthetic properties. Aloe, Vitamin E, and eucalyptus are also added to help restore and nourish the skin.
Boudreaux’s Butt Paste – Best Diaper Rash Cream For Severe Rash
- Very thick coverage
- Easy to spread
- Just a little goes a long way
- High zinc oxide content
- Leaves grey residue
Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Brand, created by a pharmacist and father of four, offers a creamy preventive diaper rash ointment with a whopping 40% zinc oxide, making it one of the strongest in the market. The cream helps keep your little one’s bottom dry, soothes upon contact, and creates a moisture-proof barrier that prevents further irritation.
For parents who want a powerful solution without compromising on safety, Boudreaux’s maximum strength version is free of talc, parabens, colors, and preservatives. Plus, the brand also offers an innovative brush applicator to keep your hands clean during application.
Diaper Rash Cream Spray by Boogie Bottoms – Best Diaper Rash Cream Spray
- Easy to use,
- Not messy
- Smells great
- Cheap
- The formula is thin/watery so it doesn’t stay on or work as well as creams
This professional-grade, calming diaper rash ointment comes in a spray format, making it incredibly convenient to use. The spray creates a protective barrier of zinc oxide that keeps moisture out, protects sensitive skin, soothes chafed skin, and helps speed up recovery.
It contains concentrated 25% microfine zinc oxide, which has tiny particles that can fit into skin fissures and cover a larger surface area to reduce irritation. Additionally, the barrier made of 20% dimethicone is transparent, thin, and breathable, helping the zinc oxide adhere to the skin and reducing skin irritation caused by moisture and friction.
How To Choose The Best Diaper Rash Creams?
- Ingredients: You should avoid using products that contain preservatives, alcohol, colors, scents, and other dangerous substances that could irritate your baby’s skin.
- Cloth Vs. Disposable Diapers: If you are using disposable diapers, you don’t need to worry about diaper creams impairing the function of the diapers. However, if you are using cloth diapers, some components in lotions or ointments (such as petrolatum or zinc oxide) might clog the fibers and reduce the absorbency of the material. In this case, it is best to avoid using diaper creams or to use a disposable liner.
- Container: Cream for diaper rash often comes in a jar or tube. Using a spatula can help to ensure that the cream is evenly distributed. When you use your fingers, it’s easy to accidentally put too much cream in one area or not enough in another. A spatula can help to ensure that the cream is applied evenly.
- Rash: If your child has a sore bottom, you should pick a conventional diaper cream or ointment. If your child has a yeast rash, you’ll need an antifungal cream because conventional items won’t work.
- Type: An ointment, lotion, or paste can be your best option for preventing or treating a rash. An ointment can calm the skin and protect it from further irritation. A lotion might calm the skin as you treat an existing rash. Additionally, if your infant has a really bad rash, an extremely thick paste may be able to protect and cure the skin.
- Scent: You want a cream that is unscented or has a very mild scent. This is because strong fragrances can irritate your baby’s skin.
What Is Diaper Rash Cream?
Diaper rash cream is a type of topical cream or ointment that is specifically designed to protect and heal the skin of infants and young children who are prone to diaper rash. This type of cream typically contains ingredients like zinc oxide or petroleum jelly, which act as a barrier to protect the skin from moisture and irritants.
How To Apply Diaper Rash Cream?
First, you’ll want to make sure the diaper is clean. You can do this by wiping the area with a clean cloth or using a bidet. Once the area is clean, apply a pea-sized amount of cream to the cloth. Gently wipe the cream onto the area, making sure to cover the entire rash. You can also apply the cream directly to the rash, but be sure to use a clean finger.
If you don’t have a cloth, you can apply the cream directly to the area. Again, use a clean finger and apply a pea-sized amount of cream. Gently rub the cream into the rash until it is fully covered.
Once the cream is applied, you can put a clean diaper on. Be sure to check the rash regularly and reapply the cream as needed.
Should I Use Diaper Cream At Every Change?
There’s no need to use diaper cream every time you change your baby’s diaper. In fact, using it too often can lead to skin irritation. However, if your baby has particularly sensitive skin or you notice that they are starting to get a rash, then using diaper cream can help prevent and treat the rash. Just don’t use creams that contain boric acid, camphor, phenol, methyl salicylate, or a compound of benzoin tincture (4).
Is Cream Or Ointment Better For Diaper Rash?
Creams and ointments both have their benefits when it comes to treating diaper rash. Creams are typically lighter in consistency and easier to apply, while ointments are usually thicker and provide a barrier to protect the skin.
However, there are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to use cream or ointment for diaper rash. For example, if the rash is already open and bleeding, you’ll want to use an ointment to help protect the area and promote healing. If the rash is milder, you may be able to get away with using a cream.
Do You Need To Wipe Off Excess Diaper Rash Cream?
You might need to wipe off excess diaper rash cream if it’s causing your baby’s skin to become red or irritated. Diaper rash creams can help soothe and protect your baby’s skin, but sometimes too much can actually be harmful. If you’re not sure how much cream to use, consult your pediatrician.
In most cases, diaper rash will go away on its own within a few days. But if the rash persists or gets worse, be sure to call your doctor.
What Causes Diaper Rash?
There are a few different things that can cause diaper rash. One common cause is wet or soiled diapers (5). If a diaper is not changed often enough, the moisture from urine and stool can irritate the skin, leading to a rash. Another possible cause of diaper rash is chafing. This can happen when the diaper rubs against the skin, causing irritation. Diaper rash can also be caused by infection, such as a yeast infection or bacterial infection.
What Types Of Diaper Rashes Are There?
- Irritant: If your baby’s skin is coming into constant contact with feces or urine, they may develop this type of diaper rash. This is the most typical kind of diaper rash, and it is characterized by pink or red spots on the skin where the diaper has touched it. If diapers are not sufficiently absorbent or are not changed frequently enough, this can occur.
- Yeast Infection: This particular kind of diaper rash is caused by a fungus that lives naturally in your infant’s digestive system. A rash from a yeast infection often resembles glossy, vivid red or pink areas with distinct borders. In some (rare) cases, there may also be pink lumps, ulcers, or even cracked skin. Babies often develop yeast infections, which can be caused by moisture exposure (6).
- Bacteria: This is one possible cause of diaper rash, and can occur if diapers are not cleaned thoroughly. Staph and strep are two common types of bacteria that can cause diaper rash. Treatment for bacterial diaper rash generally includes the use of topical antibiotics. Although less often, bacterial infections can happen if diapers are not thoroughly cleaned.
- Allergy: Sensitive skin is a common condition in infants. Your baby’s skin may react to things like perfumes or particular substances in diapers, wipes, or lotions. Symptoms of sensitive skin can include redness, itching, and swelling.
How Do You Treat Diaper Rash?
One of the most common questions parents have is how to treat diaper rash. The good news is that there are a few simple things you can do to help your baby feel better.
- Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to clean the area around the rash.
- Pat the area dry instead of rubbing it.
- Apply a barrier cream or ointment to the rash.
- Make sure your baby’s diapers are clean and dry.
- Let your baby go without a diaper for a little while each day to allow the area to air out.
Are Baby Wipes Bad For Diaper Rash?
Wipes are not always bad for diaper rash, but they also might not be the best option. Rinsing your baby’s bottom with warm water after a diaper change is the best approach to clean them if they have diaper rash. Use a tub, sink, or water bottle. Choose a brand of baby wipes that is alcohol-free and gentle on your child’s skin if you want to use them to treat diaper rash. Additionally, stay away from using wipes that have harsh chemicals, colors, or perfumes in them.
How Long Does It Take To Get Rid Of Diaper Rash?
The duration of diaper rash varies depending on the severity of the rash. For a mild diaper rash, it usually takes just a few days to clear up. However, for a more severe rash, it may take up to two weeks for the rash to completely go away. If the child is very young, the diaper rash may also take longer to heal.
What Heals Diaper Rashes The Fastest?
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) has recommended using petrolatum and zinc oxide as the best ingredients for treating diaper rash (7). Petrolatum helps to create a barrier on the skin to protect it from moisture, while zinc oxide helps to soothe and protect the skin.
One of the best things you can do to treat and prevent diaper rash is to create a barrier between your baby’s skin and urine or feces. This can be accomplished by using a rash cream, ointment, or baby powder, which will form a barrier that will protect the skin and help it to heal.
If your baby has a diaper rash that is caused by an infection, your doctor may suggest using an antibiotic ointment. This can help the rash to heal quickly. infections that can cause diaper rash include staph and candida.
