Diaper rash is the worst! I remember once going through security on an international flight with my rash-ridden baby and they confiscated my diaper rash cream because the tube was more than 3 ounces. I threw a fit (just ask my husband)! I mean, diaper rash can be very serious, and we need our babies bums to get the best care possible to beat it.
There’s also nothing worse than diaper rash cream that sucks. One that comes out too runny or separates and does nothing to soothe or alleviate the rash. It is vital that you’re getting the right balm for your baby. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the best and most trusted diaper rash creams, because, whatever the cause (from prolonged wet or dirty diapers to allergic reactions) it is unbearable watching our babies cry out in pain.
Wondering what exactly it is that makes the best diaper rash cream? “For babies/toddlers prone to diaper rash, I feel zinc oxide is essential,” says Jody Levine, MD, Director of Dermatology at Plastic Surgery and Dermatology of NYC. “Petrolatum is important for acting as a barrier but I find that the clear-colored diaper creams [those without zinc oxide] are not as effective at clearing or preventing diaper rash.” Dr. Levine also recommends applying diaper rash cream generously, and at every diaper change.
So the next time you need to soothe your baby’s bum, turn to one of these best diaper rash creams. From environmentally conscious organic picks to drugstore steals, these are the12 best diaper creams to help your little one find relief.
Best Diaper Rash Creams
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Baby Bee Diaper Rash Ointment
With 40 percent zinc oxide, Burt's Bees Baby Bee Diaper Rash Ointment ($9) is one of the most concentrated creams out there. Made with sweet almond oil, it is delicate on the skin, yet goes on thick to protect baby's sensitive skin.
Photo: Burt's Bees
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Babyganics Diaper Rash Cream
Containing zinc oxide and other natural and organic ingredients (like calendula extract, aloe and beeswax), Babyganics' non-petrolium diaper rash cream ($8.99) will protect irritated skin as well as prevent future rashes.
Photo: Babyganics
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Desitin Zinc Oxide Paste
With 40 percent zinc oxide, Desitin's thick cream formula ($5.39) forms a protective barrier on baby's skin to help heal existing diaper rash and protect against further discomfort. It's hypoallergenic, and great for overnight relief.
Photo: Desitin
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Boudreaux's Paste (Natural) Diaper Rash Cream
Boudreaux's petrolatum-free rash cream contains zinc oxide to keep baby's skin well protected, as well as gentle aloe vera and other natural oils to sooth the skin.
Photo: Butt Paste
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California Baby Calming Diaper Rash Ointment
This lanolin-based diaper rash cream ($11.79) creates a soothing barrier on baby's skin in order to prevent new diaper rash from occurring. And yes, it contains zinc oxide.
Photo: California Baby
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Triple Paste
Not the most natural of the bunch, Triple Paste ($8.79) has a high concentration of zinc oxide as well as white petrolatum, corn starch, and lanolin so it goes on thick (and stays on thick).
Photo: Triple Paste
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Weleda Calendula Diaper Rash Cream
Weleda's sweet-scented diaper rash cream ($14) is all natural, featuring the anti-inflammatory benefits of calendula flower extract, as well as other natural extracts and oils, plus zinc.
Photo: Weleda
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Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
Although Aquaphor ($10.99) contains no zinc, it is a multi-purpose petrolatum-based ointment that acts as a barrier for protecting skin from future diaper rash.
Photo: Aquaphor
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Seventh Generation Coconut Care Diaper Cream
Seventh Generation is a great brand, and this diaper rash cream ($9.99), which contains zinc, organic coconut oil, and lots of other yummy things like jasmine extract and orange peel oil, goes on gently to help shield against trapped moisture while soothing baby's delicate skin.
Photo: Seventh Generation
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Era Organics Honeybuns Diaper Balm
With lots of natural and organic oils and extracts, Era Organics Honeybuns Diaper Balm ($29.99) is not only great on rashes, but eczema and cradle cap.
Photo: Era Organics
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Cetaphil Baby Diaper Cream
Cetaphil diaper rash cream ($5.99) contains zinc as well as nourishing vitamins and oils that work to calm and soothe baby's irritated skin.
Photo: Cetaphil
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Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm
Many moms swear by the all-natural Earth Mama brand, and Angel Baby Bottom Balm ($12.99) gently soothes baby's skin while allowing it to breathe, unlike most zinc-based creams that create a barrier.
Photo: Earth Mama