Diaper rash is sometimes unavoidable as a parent. No matter how often you change your baby’s diaper or monitor what they eat, red spots can appear on their bottoms at some point. While diaper rash can be mild, it can get more severe if not taken care of properly. That’s why it’s important to always keep diaper rash cream at your changing table. That way you can smear it on while changing the diaper and help prevent future rashes from forming.
What creams are good for diaper rash?
There are many different diaper rash creams out there. So it can be challenging to figure out what’s actually the best cream for diaper rash. A good diaper cream should do two things — soothe irritated skin and act as a barrier to prevent future irritation. But to help make the decision a little easier, we’ve done the research and found the best diaper rash creams that’ll suit your baby’s skincare regime and keep their bottoms feeling great. But remember, it’s always best to consult your pediatrician for professional advice.
The Best Diaper Rash Cream in 2024
- Best Overall: Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Cream
- Best Budget: A + D Original Diaper Rash Ointment
- Best Organic: Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm Multipurpose Ointment
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Aquaphor Baby Diaper Rash Cream
- Best for Severe Rash: Triple Paste Diaper Rash Ointment
- Best for Fast Relief: Destin Maximum Strength
- Best for Preventative Care: CeraVe Diaper Rash Cream
- Best for Cloth Diaper Wearers: Motherlove Diaper Balm Organic Herbal Diaper Rash Cream
Best Overall: Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Cream
Key Specs
- Active Ingredients: 40% zinc oxide
- Size: 4 oz
Pros:
- Highly effective
- Easy to use
- Pediatrician-recommended
Cons:
- Can stain cloth diapers and clothes
- Not best choice if your baby has dry skin
Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Cream has been around for a long, long time, but that just proves why it earns our spot as best overall diaper rash cream. This “butt paste” is hypoallergenic and free of dyes, preservatives, talc, and parabens. It’s fast-acting relief can help clear diaper rash within 24 hours when used at every diaper change. It also creates a thick barrier that provides a soothing layer of protection against future rashes. Because it comes in three different sizes, you can either stock up and keep it on your changing table or opt for a smaller tube you can stash in your baby’s diaper bag.
Since this cream is oil based, it can stain clothes and even cloth diapers, so if you’re going that route, you might find a better option later in this list. It also does have a distinct scent that some parents might not like, but most say it’s not too overpowering. Overall, it’s a fast-acting diaper rash cream that’ll work wonders on current and future rashes your little one might get.
Best Budget: A + D Original Diaper Rash Ointment
Key Specs
- Active Ingredients: 15.5% lanolin, 53.4% petrolatum
- Size: 1.5 oz
Pros:
- Creates a waterproof barrier
- Can use it for more than just diaper rash
- Highly effective
Cons:
- Smaller package
- Can smell a bit weird
If you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, A+D ointment is a great pick. It’s been around for more than 80 years and still works just as great. It’s made with a mix of petroleum and lanolin, which create a waterproof barrier and actually makes this ointment work for more than just diaper rash. You can also use it on chapped lips/skin, burns, and even tattoo aftercare. Plus, the design makes applying easy — the flip-top cap means you can open and put the paste on with only one hand (while the other is holding a squirming baby.)
But what makes this multipurpose product the best is the affordable price, even though it only comes in a small tube. But that means you can grab a two-pack and keep one at home and one tucked in your diaper bag. Plus, many parents say that a little goes a long way. It does have a more oily texture, but it still creates a protective barrier that’ll help prevent future rashes from forming.
Best Organic: Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm Multipurpose Ointment
Key Specs
- Active Ingredients: St. John’s wort, plantain, chickweed, and calendula
- Size: 2 oz
Pros:
- Works with cloth diapers
- Smells good
- Great for babies with sensitive skin
- Can be used on more than just diaper rash
Cons:
- More expensive than other brands
- Can work slower than other diaper rash creams
For those looking for a more organic option, Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm is our pick. This certified organic and EWG verified product is made with a variety of natural vitamins and compounds, including lavender oil, tea tree oil, chickweed, plantain, and calendula. The natural ingredients also means that it doesn’t have an artificial fragrance, and many parents actually say they really like the scent. It’s also a multipurpose product and can be used to help heal cuts, scrapes, burns, and even sooth bug bites.
This balm does comes in a smaller container, but parents confirm that a little goes a long way to help relieve and prevent diaper rash. This is also a great option if you use cloth diaper because it’ll easily wash out of fabric. It is a bit more expensive than others on this list, but parents looking to avoid artificial ingredients will love this baby diaper rash cream.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Aquaphor Baby Diaper Rash Cream
Key Specs
- Active Ingredients: 15% zinc oxide
- Size: 3.5 oz
Pros:
- Doesn’t have a scent
- Offers great protection
- Small size fits easily in a diaper bag
Cons:
- Doesn’t work as well on intense rashes
- Not as fast-acting as others
Some diaper rash creams soothe and moisturize in equal measure. This Aquaphor diaper rash cream is a option is great for preventing your baby from feeling too uncomfortable while also minimizing the likelihood of future rashes. Because it’s fragrance-, talc-, and paraben-free, it’s ideal for babies with sensitive skin. The 15% zinc oxide treats diaper rash and provides protection from moisture. It’s also made with shea butter to help soothe irritated skin.
And while this works great on mild rashes, it’s not as fast-acting as other diaper rash creams, so it isn’t the best pick to help deal with intense rashes. But the convenient tube makes it easy to travel with and use anywhere.
Best for Severe Rash: Triple Paste Diaper Rash Ointment
Key Specs
- Active Ingredients: 40% zinc oxide
- Size: 2 oz
Pros:
- Thick ointment coats the skin
- Helps clear severe rashes fast
- A little goes a long way
Cons:
- Can be hard to squeeze out of the tube
- Might soak through cloth diapers
When your baby does get a diaper rash, it can be hard as a parent to not feel bad that your little one is uncomfortable. So when it happens, you want a diaper rash cream that can act fast, and that’s what Triple Paste 3X Max can do. The “triple” in the name refers to the three-step system that starts working as soon as your apply it to your baby’s bottom. The 40% non-nano zinc oxide works to clear up the rash, while the oat-extract soothes the kin, and the beeswax and petroleum work together to create a barrier to prevent future rashes. This fragrance-free ointment is fast acting, as many parents see a difference in just a few applications.
The thick consistency is also easy to spread, and many parents say a little goes a long way, which makes this affordable product even better. But it also might cause it to soak through cloth diapers, which is not ideal. Parents also do sometimes struggle to squeeze it out of the tube, but that’s a small issue to an otherwise stellar product.
Best for Fast Relief: Destin Maximum Strength Diaper Cream
Key Specs
- Active Ingredients: 40% zinc oxide
- Size: 16 oz
Pros:
- Fast-acting
- Works on sensitive skin
- Large container
Cons:
- Doesn’t work great on intense diaper rashes
- Not easy to travel with
This diaper rash cream is good for babies who are already in discomfort. Since it’s made with 40% zinc oxide, it’ll start working immediately to provide relief. Many parents see a different in only a few diaper changes. The smooth formula goes on easily and can stay your baby’s skin for up to 12 hours. This essential baby product is free of soap, parabens, dyes, and phthalates and offers five-in-one action to treat, heal, protect, soothe, and then prevent diaper rashes. This brand has been around for more than 100 years, so you know that it really stands up to diaper rash.
You’ll want to grab this diaper rash cream when you need an option that’ll help fast. But it’s not the best diaper rash cream for really intense diaper rashes. The tub also makes it harder to travel with and apply when you’re on the go. But overall, this is a great pick for anyone who has already seen some red bumps on their baby’s bottom and needs something that’ll give them some quick relief.
Best for Preventative Care: CeraVe Diaper Rash Cream
Key Specs
- Active Ingredients: 46.5% petrolatum
- Size: 2.8 ounces
Pros:
- Provides a protective barrier
- Can use for more than just diaper rash
- Fragrance-free
Cons:
- Better at preventing not necessarily treating diaper rash
- Petroleum might irritate sensitive skin
The CeraVe Diaper Rash Cream promotes healing activity thanks to its ingredients, including vitamin E, which is why it’s our pick for best diaper rash cream for preventative care. Simultaneously, it does a great job of preventing future skin dryness and eczema due to the way it locks in moisture throughout the day. It has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. The silky texture makes it easy to spread on your baby’s bottom, but the formula means you can also use it on cuts, scrapes, and burns. It’ll leave your baby’s skin feeling hydrating but not greasy.
While this is a great cream to pick when your baby doesn’t have diaper rash, there are other out there that are better at treating more intense diaper rash. And you should watch your baby’s skin, as the petroleum might be irritating for some.
Best for Cloth Diaper Wearers: Motherlove Diaper Balm Organic Herbal Diaper Rash Cream
Key Specs
- Active Ingredients: Oregon grape root, myrrh gum, yarrow herb, calendula flower
- Size: 2 oz
Pros:
- Treats and prevents diaper rash
- Won’t leave residue on cloth diapers
- Made with organic ingredients
Cons:
- More expensive compared to others
- Can only get glass container on brand’s site
Many parents now use cloth diapers to minimize waste. But only some diaper creams work with them. The Motherlove Diaper Balm is a great choice for parents who use cloth diapers as it won’t stain and also can retore yeast balance. This plant-based rash reliever is more of a balm than a cream. Parents who want to avoid petrolatum and zinc oxide will also love this formula, as it’s made with natural ingredients, including extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, Oregon grab root, myrrh gum, yarrow herb, and calendula flower. This certified cruelty-free product is made in the United States with imported ingredients and in a zero-waste facility, making it a good choice for parents concerned about the environment.
And while many parents find that this balm is highly effective, it is more expensive than others on the list. The balm is also only sent in a glass jar if you order it directly from their site, otherwise you’ll get it in a plastic jar that some parents don’t like. But the organic ingredients in this make it great for sensitive skin and a stellar pick for anyone using cloth diapers.
How to Choose a Diaper Rash Cream
Look for Active Ingredients
The best diaper rash cream usually has ingredients including zinc oxide, aloe vera, jojoba oil, and coconut oil, all of which do different things. Zinc oxide is the main ingredient that can truly help the diaper rash cream and prevent it from spreading and returning. It can range from 10% all the way up to 40%, which is better for severe rashes. A given cream’s active ingredient can determine whether it’s right for your little one. For instance, you may want to stick to plant-based products free of ingredients including mineral oil.
Avoid Potential Irritants
The wrong allergens can lead to more diaper rashes instead of fewer, so you don’t want a skin protectant that has any of them. Fragrance-free diaper cream is usually better, especially since many babies respond poorly to intense smells.
Consider the Consistency
Diaper rash creams can be lightweight, thick, or even oily. A barrier cream is great for your baby’s bum and legs if they tend to be dry either before or after a mess. You’ll want to keep the consistency in mind when applying the cream and notice how it absorbs or stays on top of your baby’s skin.
The Bottom Line
There are plenty of diaper rash creams you could use for your little one based on your budget, their skin type, and other preferences. We think the Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Cream is a great overall choice because it treats and prevents diaper rash and is pretty affordable. But if you’re using cloth diapers, Motherlove Diaper Balm is a better pick, as it won’t stain the fabric. Whatever you choose, the best cream for diaper rash will keep your baby comfortable and calm all day and night.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What helps severe diaper rash?
Zinc oxide is the main ingredient that is used to help treat diaper rash quickly. So the higher the concentration of zinc oxide, the faster the cream can work to help stop the diaper rash. But, if your baby doesn’t have severe diaper rash or any rash at all, you don’t need to use such a strong diaper rash cream during every diaper change.
What worsens diaper rash?
There are multiple factors that can make your baby’s diaper rash worse, including leaving them in a soiled or wet diaper too long. Diapers should be changed about every two hours or after every poop. You should also make sure the skin is completely dry before putting on another diaper and pat gently with a soft cloth when drying, as rubbing can irritate the skin. Also not treating diaper rash right away or using a diaper rash cream that isn’t strong enough can cause it to get worse. You should stay on top of diaper rash and apply the cream during every change to ensure your baby’s bottom stays clear.
How to tell if it’s a yeast infection or a diaper rash?
Diaper rash is caused by the skin coming in contact with urine and stool, which are both irritating substances. These can cause pink or red patches on the skin that are covered by the diaper. A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus that’s found in the digestive tract. A yeast infection will look more shiny and bright red or pink patches that have sharp edges. You may also be able to see little pink bumps or pimples. And in severe cases, a yeast infection can lead to sores or cracking skin that might bleed.
How long does it take diaper rash to heal?
Diaper rash can last two or three days if you’re treating it at home with the help of diaper rash cream during every change. You should be keeping the area clean and use the diaper rash cream to heal and also create a protective barrier. If it lasts more than three days, you should try a different cream.
Methodology
We spent a lot of time researching diaper rash creams to narrow down the list to include the best of the best. We consulted reputable sources and read hundreds of reviews to help you figure what the best diaper rash cream is. In order to keep things accurate, we updated an earlier version of this story and cut products that didn’t meet our standards anymore. We also updated our superlatives and added some additional information so you have everything you need to make the best decision for your family. You can trust that this list has the right information to help you pick the best diaper rash cream.
Sources:
- Common Diaper Rashes & Treatments | HealthyChildren.org
- Diaper Rash (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth
- EWG VERIFIED™: For Your Health | Environmental Working Group
- Zinc Oxide: Brands & Uses | Cleveland Clinic
- Calendula Information | Mount Sinai – New York
- About the Seal of Acceptance™ | National Eczema Association
