The 9 Best Diaper Rash Creams

Cloth Diaper Compatible: No

The Triple Paste Ointment is our favorite diaper cream and winner of our top Editor's Choice Award. Adding to its credibility, it has been verified by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). This means that the EWG rigorously tested it and found it to be transparent in its disclosure of ingredients, free from chemicals and other contaminants linked to health harms, and allergen-friendly. This is an effective product that contains a triple-action formula (Glycerin/oat/beeswax) designed to prevent diaper rash before it begins. “I feel safer using this formula on my baby's sensitive skin,” one user mentioned. Users also report it is one of the most effective products at healing diaper rashes.

On the downside, this product contains petrolatum and lanolin, which some prefer to steer clear of. One tester remarks, “I just prefer not to use petroleum-based products on my baby.” If you are looking for a product with no petrolatum, the Honest Company Diaper Cream is also an impressive zinc oxide cream, free of many potential irritants, that goes on smooth, even over irritated skin. Overall, Triple Paste is hard to beat and historically has been one of the most effective against bad rashes or persistent flare-ups.

Cloth Diaper Compatible: No

The Honest Company Diaper Cream can help aid firey tushies. Compared to competitors in our test, this product is one of our favorites. The Honest formula combines zinc oxide (14%) and their trademarked, soothing Phyto-Blend of other natural inactive ingredients. Testers say, “I think this cream is mid-thickness but melts into a smooth, oily texture once applied. I preferred this over the thick paste of some other zinc oxide products, and it was easier to wash off.” This cream offers several properties to help sensitive, dry skin heal from irritation. It's fragrance-free, eczema-certified, and not tested on animals. With no petrolatum, synthetic fragrances, or preservatives listed, this cream includes no concerning ingredients, and we feel good about using it on our babies.

We couldn't find many negatives in this product, but it isn't EWG Verified if that is important to you. As one user stated, “I just prefer using a product that I know is Verified by the Environmental Working Group.” If you fall into this group, we highly recommend checking out Triple Paste Ointment, which did earn a Verified stamp from EWG despite using refined white petrolatum. These two diaper creams were so similar in scores that we couldn't help but give them both an award. Their main concern seems to be the ingredient called
Zinc Carbonate and the EWG says the concerns arise from:

It also has a hard-to-open lid. While not a deal breaker, it can be hard to do with one hand when holding a baby with the other. Overall, we like the smooth texture and easy spreadability of the Honest cream and the effective ingredients it includes.

Cloth Diaper Compatible: No

Need a budget-friendly solution for your little one's diaper rash? The Aquaphor 3-in-1 is a value-priced option in our lineup of diaper rash creams. This cream uses two active ingredients, zinc oxide (15%) and Panthenol, to protect your baby's skin and seal out wetness. During testing, we felt this cream achieved this feat effectively. It's also hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. We appreciate that Petrolatum is not an ingredient, and testers said, “I think it spreads well and washes off easily.”

The only negative ingredient we found in this product was mineral oil, but if you are someone who prefers a more natural and/or organic product, this may not be the choice for you. The Honest Company Diaper Cream is a great alternative that doesn't contain mineral oil, is only a couple of dollars more, and is found in the majority of the same stores as the Aquaphor cream. If, however, you are on a budget or just looking for a simple product that will be safe for your baby, the Aquaphor 3-in-1 is a great option to help soothe and prevent diaper rash.

Cloth Diaper Compatible: Yes

The Motherlove Diaper Balm will soothe and moisturize your baby's bum with only a few ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, Oregon grape root, myrrh gum, yarrow herb, and calendula flower. This formula is free of zinc oxide and Petrolatum, making it suitable for cloth diapering families. Also, it does not contain soy, gluten, or parabens if you avoid these ingredients. One parent tester said, “I love that it doesn't contain any known irritants in its ingredient list.” The balm has a barely-there scent from the beeswax and olive oil. While testing, we noticed that a little goes a long way to create a thin barrier on delicate skin, and when wiped away, it left the skin soft and hydrated. It also comes in a glass jar, a welcoming alternative to plastic and a perk that may interest families who aim to limit plastic.

As an oil-based product, it might stain fabric. One lab tester stated, “I discovered this balm stained the cloth diapers during testing.” Also, the cream's cost versus quantity is a factor to consider, especially since some reviewers reported their ointment came in a plastic container. We received the expected glass container, but there are reports of some plastic containers. Despite these minor drawbacks, this antibacterial and antifungal product can be used as a preventative measure or is combat-ready to treat a diaper rash. If you are a cloth diaper user and enjoy a product with a bit of scent, the Earth Mama Diaper Balm is a great alternative and EWG Verified. Overall, however, we think the Motherlove Diaper Balm is worth considering if you prefer a product with few ingredients, plus one without zinc and petroleum for the top-ranked cloth diapers.

Cloth Diaper Compatible: Yes

The Earth Mama Diaper Balm is a green, mean, diaper rash-fighting machine. Yes, this salve-like product is green-colored, but don't let that be a turn-off. This formula is free of zinc, petroleum, lanolin, and parabens, making it a cloth-safe option. It has a more intense yet pleasant scent - with lavender and tea tree notes. We noticed a thin coating of this salve helps encourage healing, making it a helpful diaper rash preventative when you first see signs of a diaper rash. One tester remarked, “I was off-put by the color at first, but I fell in love with how well it worked.”

With any flower or leaf oil, such as lavender and tea tree, the possibility of an allergic reaction increases, so we suggest spot testing before applying liberally to your baby's skin. One tester says, “If my little one had particularly sensitive skin, I think I'd approach this balm with an abundance of caution.” Motherlove Diaper Balm is also a natural-based product that could be a better alternative if you want less scent. Also, this product doubles as a skin salve, making it versatile. We recommend this slightly more aromatic balm as a diaper rash preventative for cloth and disposable diapering families.

Cloth Diaper Compatible: No

If you need to bring out the big guns to treat your baby's fiery bum, the Boudreaux's Butt Paste Max Strength is one to consider as it contains a high quantity of zinc oxide (a whopping 40%. This formula is free from dyes, parabens, preservatives, and talc. During testing, the cream's consistency appeared thicker than most competitors, and a little goes a long way. To tackle severe diaper rashes, testers noticed that an application before bedtime helps protect bums, especially from wetness, as diaper changes can be less frequent overnight than during the day. One mom tester said, “I like the idea of protecting the skin overnight with a thicker layer since the diaper is worn for longer.”

The formula uses ingredients that may cause repelling issues and inhibit the absorption of cloth diapers, and this list includes zinc oxide, mineral oil, paraffin, and Petrolatum. Therefore, we believe this cream is not cloth diaper compatible. Our test reports, “If you have cloth diapers, I'd look elsewhere instead of risking the absorption factor of the cloth.” However, this issue should not be a problem if you use disposables. Also, as a max-strength cream, it uses a high amount of zinc oxide, which can help treat and reduce a severe diaper rash. But, as a preventative measure, it may be overkill. Weleda Calendula Diaper Rash Cream has a lower percentage of zinc oxide, and it could be a good alternative if you don't need max-content. With that said, we recommend this cream for moderate to painful diaper rashes that need relief.

Cloth Diaper Compatible: No

The Weleda Calendula Diaper Rash Cream can help aid firey tushies. Compared to competitors in our test, this product is a favorite. The Weleda formula combines zinc oxide (12%) and other natural inactive ingredients, including beeswax, calendula flower extract, sweet almond oil, and other skin-friendly ingredients. Testers say, “I found that the cream applies easily and leaves a breathable but protective layer on the skin.” It offers soothing properties to help sensitive, dry skin heal from irritation. With no petrolatum, synthetic fragrances, or preservatives listed, this cream includes no concerning ingredients, and we feel good about using it on our babies.

The cream has a unique scent that will not appeal to everyone. One tester remarks, “I am not a fan of the smell of calendula.” If you want something with a different scent, Motherlove Diaper Balm is also a good choice. Also, frequent bending of the metal tube packaging can cause the metal to weaken and split. This occurrence can result in leaking cream, especially when squeezed. This can be messy and hard to clean up. We regularly recommend this cream to family and friends; from our experience, it excels at helping diaper rashes.

Quantity: 4 oz | Cloth Diaper Compatible: No

Need a budget-friendly solution for your little one's diaper rash? The A+D Zinc Oxide Cream is the best value-priced option in our lineup of diaper rash creams. This cream uses two active ingredients, zinc oxide (10%) and dimethicone (1%), to protect your baby's skin and seal out wetness. During testing, we felt this cream achieved this feat effectively. The formula also contains moisturizing ingredients like aloe and coconut oil to help soothe and calm skin. This product is free of parabens and dyes. We appreciate that Petrolatum is not an ingredient, and testers said, “I really like the scent.”

The inactive ingredient list includes the term “fragrance” yet does not reveal what that involves. We value labeling transparency, especially since this product will be on your baby's skin. Our in-house tester said, “There is no need for fragrance, and it is annoying that its inclusion means we don't know what is really inside.” Weleda Calendula Diaper Rash Cream is another zinc-based option offering more ingredient transparency. However, if you can excuse this drawback, we recommend A&D to families that seek an effective cream at a low price.

Cloth Diaper Compatible: No

Desitin Max Strength almost feels like a staple in nurseries across the country. With a trusted name brand and easy access in most grocery stores, new parents know Desitin when they see it. This cream has a high concentration of zinc oxide, the active ingredient that helps treat rashes. At 40%, it is one of the highest in the group and a potential choice for active rashes or highly inflamed skin.

Desitin Max includes some concerning ingredients that could cause irritation or be on the list of chemicals parents like to avoid. If you want something with fewer concerning ingredients and better transparency, Triple Paste is an Environmental Working Group Verified option that works well and is highly effective at daily rash prevention and treatment. It also contains “fragrance” as an ingredient, which means it lacks transparency in what you are putting on your baby's skin. The zinc also makes it not suitable for cloth diapering, so if you need something for cloth diapers, we prefer Mother Love Diaper Balm, which has natural ingredients and won't prevent cloth diapers from absorbing liquids. Overall, Desitin Max isn't a favorite, but if your baby has a rash and you need something quick with more zinc, it could work in a pinch.

Quantity: 4 oz | Cloth Diaper Compatible: No

If you seek a product that leaves a protective and preventative barrier on a baby's bum plus does not contain zinc oxide, the A+D Original Ointment may fit your needs. This product is easy to smear and efficient at creating a barrier against wetness on a baby's tush. Our tester says, “This option is easy to use and spreads smoothly.”

We think this option has a strong scent, and the twist lid is a two-hand operation. The formula includes the ingredient “fragrance.” Since manufacturers aren't required to disclose ingredients, hundreds of chemicals can hide behind this term. We value company transparency; if you feel similarly, you may want to look elsewhere. One tester said, “I don't think there is a reason for this to have an added fragrance, and it feels unnecessary for a diaper rash cream.” Also, we don't recommend this product for cloth diapering families, given the ingredients, like petroleum, mineral oil, and paraffin. If you like A&D but also want zinc, the A+D Zinc Oxide Cream is a higher-ranking contender. However, if you don't mind the heavier scent or “fragrance” ingredient, mainly because you seek a zinc-free product, you may find this product suitable for your needs.

How We Tested

We considered a variety of diaper creams, including popular options, those with fewer ingredients, and more organic options. We chose creams to test based on user reports and tested them side-by-side with real diapered tushies. We smeared, smelled, felt, and applied all creams for months and assessed their ability to keep rashes at bay or help them heal. We also did a deep dive on different ingredients using data and information from the Environmental Working Group.

We conduct more than 10 individual tests to determine our ranking and award winners. Our considerations break down like this:

• Efficacy
• Ingredients
• Scent or Fragrance
• Consistency
• Bottle Ease of Use

Why Trust GearLab

BabyGearLab has been testing baby gear over the past decade. We purchase every product and complete hands-on testing and side-by-side comparisons to determine which competitors are real standouts in their categories. Leading this review is Molly Bradac, Senior Review Editor, Nanny, and Newborn Care Specialist, holding over 14 years of experience. Between countless diaper changes, using several diaper creams and ointments, and experience with cloth diapers, Molly has expert recommendations to help you find a product that will be a great addition to your diapering routine. Also assisting and contributing to our review is Katie Brown. As a mother of one, she uses her eclectic and diverse life experience to test various products with GearLab.

Analysis and Test Results

In our review, each diaper cream was smeared, smelled, touched, and applied countless times to compare performance.

Diaper Rash Cream Efficacy

The main goal behind any diaper rash cream is its ability to treat rashes and keep skin looking and feeling healthy. There are many causes of diaper rashes, and different variables impact when and why rashes start and how long they persist. Some of these will likely remain a mystery with no clear root cause, but others you can help mitigate or improve on. So, while it is important to have an effective diaper rash cream in your arsenal of treatment options, it is best to take a total care approach to prevent and treat rashes.

If you search online for effective diaper rash creams, you will probably end up more confused than before you started. For any cream or ointment on the market, you can find anecdotal evidence from other users that they are the best, the worst, or even cause rashes. Why is this? Because so many variables can impact the development and treatment of rashes, it is hard to say if any one person's experience is a result of the cream itself or all the other mitigating factors. If a cream includes active ingredients that treat (zinc oxide) and create a moisture barrier, then theoretically, it should be effective. Frustratingly, that just isn't the whole story.

Diaper rashes can occur for multiple reasons, such as diaper friction or materials, irritants (stool, urine, baby wipes, laundry detergents, etc.), or allergens (introducing new foods into the baby's diet). While creams provide a protective barrier on your baby's skin and can treat a moderate to severe rash, they aren't the beginning or the end of the story, which makes determining efficacy a challenge. Considering and eliminating as many possible contributing factors as you can will help you prevent and treat rashes. Some recommendations include:

• Frequent diaper changes to avoid sitting in soiled or moist diapers
• Choose a diaper made without chlorine or other known irritants like lotions, fragrances, latex, etc.
• Choose baby wipes with fewer ingredients
• Keep skin dry before putting on a diaper and employ monitored diaper-free time for open-air exposure
• Choose a diaper cream with few or no concerning ingredients or known irritants
• If a rash sprouts after a new food, discuss the food with your pediatrician and consider limiting exposure until your little one is older
• Limit the number of products used on the skin
• Create a moisture-free barrier between skin and diaper with a diaper cream

Users largely report that the most effective diaper creams include the Triple Paste and Desitin Max Strength. We prefer the Triple Paste for its EWG-Verified ingredient list, but the 40% zinc oxide in the Desitin could help in extreme cases. Honest also appears to be effective, and it goes on smoothly which can be helpful if the skin is raw or broken open.

Diaper Cream Ingredients

For ingredients we consider what is in each cream, how transparent the ingredient list is, if it contains concerning ingredients, and how it fared with the Environmental Working Group (if they investigated it). Products with fewer concerning ingredients, EWG Verified, and fragrance-free products were favored in ranking. Those containing concerning ingredients like essential oils, added fragrances, and petrolatum, were less impressive.

Petrolatum is an active ingredient often found in diaper creams because it provides an efficient skin barrier without obstructing the baby's skin. Petrolatum is a byproduct of the petroleum refining process, and if properly refined, petroleum has no known health concerns. So, what's the fuss? The Environmental Working Group found in their study of skin care products that a significant percentage of petroleum-based products contained impurities that potentially include known carcinogens (like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs]). However, in some of their product reviews, they identify that minimal use of highly refined petrolatum did not impact their feelings about the product itself and was deemed safe, even though the ingredient itself might be concerning in other products.

Products in our review that use Petrolatum include Boudreaux's Butt Paste Max Strength, Triple Paste Ointment, Desitin Max Strength and A+D Original Ointment. Others, such as the A&D Zinc Oxide Cream and Aquaphor 3-in-1, do not contain petrolatum but do contain mineral oil, which is a derivative of petroleum. In general, we are big fans of this ingredient.

The "Campaign for Safe Cosmetics" advises checking to see if “…the company indicates petrolatum is fully refined as white petrolatum (on the label or their company website)” before you use a product containing Petrolatum. Triple Paste, specifically calls out the use of “White” petrolatum.

Contenders that don't contain Petrolatum or derivatives include Motherlove Diaper Balm, Earth Mama Diaper Balm, Honest Company Diaper Cream, and Weleda Calendula Diaper Cream. These top contenders are effective diaper rash creams that manage just fine without Petrolatum. Which option you choose depends on your goals and concerns about Petrolatum; while the jury might still be out on the potential for harm, we like the idea of limiting exposure to potentially harmful chemicals whenever possible.

Zinc oxide is another common active ingredient as it has shown to provide skin protection and treat irritations. Generally, zinc oxide is tolerated among babies and potentially does not carry significant health concerns when topically applied. However, we suggest spot testing before coating your little one's bum, which is good practice for any product.

The Desitin Max Strength and Boudreaux's Butt Paste both have the highest amount of zinc oxide that we tested, coming in at 40%. If you are dealing with severe diaper rash, these are products that could potentially get the job done, although we highly prefer the Boudreaux option due to its better ingredients. It's also smoother and easier to squeeze/spread. It is, however, somewhat difficult to wash off, so beware of this when using. For everyday use, this higher percentage of zinc is likely unnecessary, indicating that unless there is an active rash, you can use a product with a lower percentage.

Overall, the top performers here are Honest Company Diaper Cream, Motherlove Diaper Balm, and Triple Paste Ointment, with Triple Paste being EWG Verified. The lower-ranking products include Desitin Max Strength, A+D Original Ointment, and A+D Zinc Oxide Cream. These options all have added fragrances, which means ingredients without transparency, and include some ingredients we aren't fond of.

Scent and Fragrance

Some love scents, and others don't. Scents and fragrances can indicate the potential for irritation or allergen ingredients. Smells are also highly subjective, with a wide variety of opinions about the same scent. For our scent metric, we considered whether the product was advertised as fragrance-free if it had natural or botanical scents, and whether it included 'fragrance' on the ingredient list. We might mention our opinion on how a product smelled, but they were not scored based on our thoughts about the smell.

The following diaper creams are fragrance-free: Aquaphor 3-in-1, Honest Company Diaper Cream, and Triple Paste Diaper Cream and ranked high in this metric. While they still have a scent from the ingredients listed on the label, they do not have added fragrances or ingredients designed specifically to change the scent of the product. This also means that the ingredients on the label are the ingredients you get since fragrance is not included.

Both A&D products that we tested, as well as the Desitin Maximum Strength, contain an inactive ingredient listed as “fragrance.” The word fragrance indicates a proprietary blend where the manufacturer doesn't have to tell you what it contains. It could be one ingredient or thousands of chemicals, and there is no way to know. We value labeling transparency, especially since this product will be on your baby's skin. Our in-house tester said, “There is no need for fragrance, and it is annoying that its inclusion means we don't know what is really inside.” As a result, these products ranked lower.

Last, the Weleda Calendula Diaper Cream and the Earth Mama Diaper Balm both have stronger scents born from their natural ingredients. We found the light scent of the Weleda cream quite lovely, but the ingredients giving this product its scent are also potential allergens, which means that it was given a score of 3 from the Environmental Working Group (lower scores are better, with a one being better than a 10) and is one of the only reasons it didn't perform better in our review. The Earth Mama Diaper Balm smells like lavender and tea tree oil. It is EWG Verified (the best result they offer), but we found many users reporting that the essential oils were irritating to some babies' sensitive skin.

Consistency

No one wants a chunky diaper cream, nor one that is so thick it's difficult to spread on a baby already fussy from a sore bum. For this reason, we've rated the products tested on how thick they are, how easy they are to spread, and if they are sticky on the skin.

We loved the Honest Company Diaper Cream. Although it is a zinc oxide product, which tends to be thicker and tackier, it was a smooth product that, when spread, turned into a thin, more oily cream that went on nicely and wasn't too thick. The Triple Paste Ointment also performed well in this category, although it was thicker and had a bit more texture than the Honest.

We also loved the Motherlove Diaper Balm and Earth Mama Diaper Balm consistencies. Their natural, oil-based ingredients made them easy to scoop and spread and left the skin feeling soft and hydrated after wiping off, which isn't a benefit you typically get with zinc oxide products. The lowest performing options were the A&D Original Ointment, A&D Zinc Oxide Cream, and Desitin Max Strength. These were thicker, and the tackiness made them hard to smooth easily as they tended to cling to the skin. This could be irritating to any skin with a rash you're hoping to treat.

Bottle Ease of Use

It can be tricky to juggle diaper changes with a wiggly, fussy baby whose tushie isn't feeling great. It is important to be able to safely hold your little one and open a diaper cream bottle with one hand. We considered how easy the bottles were to use, but it is important to note that some also come in larger tubs, with different experiences possible. We focused on tubes when available, but a handful only came in a smaller tub.

We suggest selecting an easy-to-open product with a manageable flip-top lid you can operate with one hand. We found the Honest Company Diaper Cream to have the most secure flip-top lid, which meant that it was sometimes a bit hard to open with one hand, but it was the least likely to accidentally open in a diaper bag.

The worst performers are the Desitin Max Strength and the A+D Original Ointment. Both were easy to open, but squeezing the tubes was a challenge and felt unnecessarily difficult. Other contenders have a twist top, such as the Motherlove Diaper Balm, Earth Mama Diaper Balm, and the Weleda Calendula Diaper Rash Cream, which all require two hands to open. In general, we don't think a product's lid is a deal-breaker. However, it could be a factor in on-the-go diaper changes in less convenient locations like public restrooms.

Disposable vs. Cloth Diapers

It is essential to select a product that works for your diapering choice. Disposable diapers will accept any diaper cream, whereas cloth diapers require cloth-safe products. Some ingredients, like Petrolatum, zinc oxide, mineral oil, and paraffin, can be problematic and inhibit absorption. Honestly, who wants to deal with leakage? These ingredients can also be challenging to remove from cloth fibers.

Products in our review that contain one or more of these ingredients include Boudreaux's Butt Paste Max Strength, Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment, Triple Paste Ointment, A&D Zinc Oxide Cream, Weleda Calendula Diaper Cream, Desitin Max Strength, Honest Company Diaper Cream and A+D Original Ointment. But, if you use cloth diapers and your baby needs a diaper cream containing one of these ingredients, a helpful solution is to use a thick, reusable liner to protect the fabric. Out of the group, the Weleda and Honest products will be easier on cloth diapers due to their more natural ingredients and lower content of zinc oxide.

As for cloth-safe diaper creams in our review, the Motherlove Diaper Balm and Earth Mama Diaper Balm fit this profile. These products may interest families using a hybrid diapering and disposable cloth program.

How to Choose a Diaper Cream

Choosing a diaper cream doesn't have to be hit or miss. You can find the right option for your baby and diapering routine with a few thoughtful considerations.

Cloth or Disposable?

Your diaper style is the first consideration when choosing a diaper cream. Because cloth diapers use the fabric's absorption properties to capture liquid, you need a diaper cream that won't clog the fibers or create a water-repellant shield. Some creams are better than others for keeping cloth diapers working the way they should. This is consideration number one if your primary diapering plan includes cloth diaper options. If your diapering plan is disposable, then the sky is the limit.

Ingredients and Skin Sensitivity

We think you should consider the product ingredients and your child's sensitivity to certain ingredients when deciding. Options with fragrances or known irritants might not be the best choice for little ones with sensitive or reactive skin. You're trying to solve a rash problem, not create one. There are options in this line-up that avoid most irritants and still work effectively.

Conclusion

There are many causes of diaper rash that can create an uncomfortable red bum for your little one. A great cream can offer relief and start them down the path to healing. However, not all diaper creams are created equal, and what works well for one baby may not work well for another. Therefore, it is essential to try a few products to find the best option that meets your diapering needs. We are confident that our expert recommendations will help you find the right choice for your needs.