The Best Diaper Rash Cream to Soothe and Heal Your Baby’s Bum

Nothing made me feel worse than finding my daughter's skin red and irritated when changing her diaper. Thankfully, it never got so bad that her skin was raw, but just the redness was enough to make me worry. Incorporating a serious diaper rash ointment or cream (along with more frequent diaper changes) was enough to do the trick. Diaper rash cream can pull double duty, soothing irritated skin and acting as a barrier to prevent irritation. 

A good diaper cream needs to include a few key features—for one, an active ingredient to treat the rash on your baby’s skin. According to Joyce Teng, MD, a pediatric dermatologist at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, “zinc oxide, present in nearly all diaper creams, is one of the most important ingredients.” Your baby's diaper cream should also be free of harsh additives or ingredients that could irritate their skin and worsen a bad situation. 

To determine the best diaper rash cream to protect and soothe your baby’s bum, we asked real parents to spend over 7,200 hours testing 30 products. Considering their feedback, we consulted a team of experts to help us further narrow the product pool into a curated list. These 11 diaper rash cream picks are approved by our experts and endorsed by our testers. 

Our Favorite Diaper Rash Creams

• Best Daily: Desitin Daily Defense Cream
• Best Value: Parent’s Choice Diaper Rash Ointment
• Best Mild: Boudreaux’s Butt Paste With Natural Aloe
• Best Fast-Acting: Balmex Complete Protection Diaper Rash Cream
• Best for Severe Rashes: Desitin Maximum Strength Original Zinc Oxide Paste
• Best Moderate: Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream
• Best Preventive Barrier: A+D Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Cream 
• Best Consistency: Tubby Todd Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste
• Easiest Application: Proudly Soothing Diaper Rash Cream
• Best Scented: Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm
• Best Multipurpose: Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy
  

How to Use Diaper Rash Cream

Before applying diaper cream, thoroughly cleanse and dry your baby’s groin area. Using clean hands or an applicator spatula, apply a generous layer of cream over the entire groin and buttocks area. If you're layering products, read the instructions to ensure you apply the creams in the correct order. Avoid dipping soiled fingers or spatulas back into the jar, as this can contaminate the diaper cream. If you use a spatula, thoroughly cleanse and sanitize it after every use. 

When trying a new product, it’s always a good idea to perform a patch test before applying it to larger areas of your baby's skin. “Always look for signs of intolerance such as new or worsening rash, and pay attention to the ingredients” so you can identify what’s causing the issue, cautions Rachel Prete, DO, a board-certified pediatrician at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. It’s best to use ointments labeled as diaper rash treatments and not potentially irritating home remedies.

Why We Like It

Daily protection against wetness is the best way to prevent diaper rashes from occurring, which is why we nominated Desitin Daily Defense Cream as our best pick for daily use. The cream is hypoallergenic and effectively prevents wetness from touching your baby’s skin. It can protect against diaper rash from the first use and provide relief for existing irritation. This diaper cream contains 13% zinc oxide and is free from phthalates, parabens, dyes, or fragrances. 

Our tester loved that it had staying power, serving as a strong protectant overnight, when their 18-month-old son would sleep for 11-hour stretches. Not only did the product work quickly, soothing their child’s rash within hours of initial application, but it also prevented recurrence.

But Take Note

While it's not a consistent complaint, we did note in research that some parents didn't like the odor. 

The Details: 

• Size: 4 ounces
• Form: Tube cream
• Active ingredients: 13% zinc oxide
• Recommended age: From birth
  

Why We Like It

If you like Desitin but want to save a little bit of money, Parent’s Choice Diaper Rash Ointment is a strong contender. Our tester particularly appreciated that it performed just as well as Desitin as an everyday preventive diaper rash ointment. They also appreciated that it wasn’t too sticky or greasy and was fairly easy to apply, whether using bare hands or a spatula. 

If your child experiences a diaper rash, the 40% zinc oxide content substantiates the maximum strength label and is serious enough to tackle irritation and redness. The formula is also hypoallergenic and free of parabens, phthalates, talc, and quaternium-15.

But Take Note

Even though our tester didn’t mind it, some users complained about the product's sticky texture, which made it difficult to remove from the skin. 

The Details: 

• Size: 4 ounces
• Form: Tube cream
• Active ingredients: 40% zinc oxide
• Recommended age: From birth

Why We Like It

An everyday diaper cream that works for irritated and healthy skin is essential. Boudreaux’s Butt Paste with Aloe Vera fits the bill because of its key ingredient: aloe vera. This works to immediately begin soothing irritated skin and prevent it from spreading to other areas. Along with aloe vera, you’ll get 16% zinc oxide as well as castor oil.

Our tester loved the tube design, which made application easier. The thick consistency meant that when used with a spatula, the paste didn’t slide off and create a mess. 

The Boudreaux’s brand has several reliable products, including Butt Paste Sensitive Skin and Butt Paste Maximum Strength, which contain 16% and 40% zinc oxide, respectively. They performed favorably in testing, but ultimately, the Natural Aloe variant won because of a more pleasant scent and user-friendly consistency. 

But Take Note

Although our tester loved the consistency, keep in mind that it is pretty thick, which can make it more difficult to spread than competitors like Desitin. 

The Details: 

• Size: 4 ounces
• Form: Tube paste
• Active ingredients: 16% zinc oxide 
• Recommended age: From birth

Why We Like It

Balmex Complete Protection Diaper Rash Cream’s superpower is longevity. This large tub design is meant to last, and our tester appreciated that despite its thick consistency, “a little goes a long way!” Of all the diaper rash creams they tested, Balmex was their preferred choice because it was effective and offered longer staying power, which was critical for overnight diaper wearing. 

Key ingredients include 11.3% zinc oxide to target irritation and olive leaf extract with panthenol to soothe the skin. The brand promises that redness will be eliminated within three hours of the first application, and our tester agreed with this claim. Their child didn’t routinely get diaper rashes, but sometimes eating acidic fruits and catching random bugs from daycare caused diarrhea that left irritation, and this diaper cream was a lifesaver.

But Take Note

It's expensive, and the tub design isn’t the most hygienic. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before using to avoid introducing contaminants. Also, consider using a spatula for applications, as our tester noted that the thicker texture was hard to wash off surfaces and hands. 

The Details: 

• Size: 16 ounces
• Form: Tub cream
• Active ingredients: 11.3% zinc oxide
• Recommended age: From birth

Why We Like It

Desitin fans will appreciate this fast-acting formula that’s designed to rapidly treat irritation and prevent rashes from spreading on compromised skin. This thicker formula features a higher zinc oxide concentration at 40%, which puts it on par with our best value recommendation. 

Our tester liked the thicker consistency because it created a visible barrier between their 5-month-old daughter’s skin and her diapers. Plus, the squeeze tube helped with one-handed application, and the cream didn’t stain clothing or have a lingering scent. Because of the thicker texture, a little goes a long way when applying to your baby’s bum. Like other Desitin products, this maximum strength variant is free of phthalates, parabens, and dyes, and is hypoallergenic.

But Take Note

A common complaint we discovered in research was that the thicker texture made it harder to clean off hands and surfaces. 

The Details: 

• Size: 4.8 ounces
• Form: Tube cream
• Active ingredients: 40% zinc oxide
• Recommended age: From birth

Why We Like It 

This paste works both as a diaper rash relief solution and as a preventive step to avoid future rashes. We found that the thicker consistency yielded a more effective barrier. With 12.8% zinc oxide in the formula, the Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream is a good everyday solution that can also double duty as a treatment. 

Our tester appreciated that this cream works fast, clearing up diaper rash symptoms with just a few applications. The buttery texture means less is more when you’re using it, so it's actually a pretty reasonable value. Other skin-friendly key ingredients include oats and beeswax. This product also carries the National Eczema Association seal, making it a smart choice for babies with sensitive skin.

But Take Note

This product comes in a tub, so there are some cross-contamination concerns. The container can also make one-handed operation harder.

The Details: 

• Size: 8 ounces
• Form: Tub cream
• Active ingredients: 12.8% zinc oxide
• Recommended age: From birth

Why We Like It 

A flip-top cap lets you squeeze and apply diaper cream one-handed, making it perfect for tricky diaper changes. Our tester used this as a preventive cream, noting that it was fantastic for routine use. At one point, their 18-month-old baby developed some redness when the parent temporarily stopped using the diaper cream. Within one application, the symptoms cleared up. 

This is also an economical choice, as you don’t need a lot of product to create a protective layer on your baby’s skin. Even though its texture is oilier than the competitors we tested, we found that it created an effective barrier and had staying power that lasted between diaper changes. 

But Take Note

The oily texture can make this harder to apply with a spatula. Also, one of the key ingredients in this product is dimethicone, a type of silicone.

The Details: 

• Size: 4 ounces
• Form: Tube cream
• Active ingredients: 10% zinc oxide, 1% dimethicone
• Recommended age: From birth

Why We Like It 

If heavier creams that linger on your hands or are nearly impossible to spread are starting to make you loathe diaper changes, Tubby Todd’s Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste will be like a breath of fresh air. This diaper cream has a much lighter consistency but still creates an effective barrier and prevents diaper rash. Its 14% zinc oxide content puts it in the median range, meaning that it’s fine for daily use but can also reliably tackle diaper rash. 

Other skin-loving ingredients that nourish and moisturize your baby’s bum include organic sunflower seed oil, castor seed oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil. It’s important to note that the brand clarifies this should be used as a top-layer moisture barrier. 

But Take Note

This is one of the pricier options we tested, with the price ranging from $19 to $35 depending on the size you select. 

The Details: 

• Size: 4 or 7.9 ounces
• Form: Tube cream
• Active ingredients: 14% zinc oxide
• Recommended age: From birth

Why We Like It 

When you need a good diaper cream that applies easily, effectively targets irritation, and can double as a preventive treatment, Proudly’s Soothing Diaper Rash Cream stood out in testing. Even though the consistency is thinner than that of more established brands, our tester appreciated that this made it much easier to spread on their baby. 

The cream contains 14% zinc oxide—which is competitive with other brands, and our tester felt it aided in controlling irritation. Also, their child was suffering from a serious diaper rash during testing and Proudly improved symptoms within three days from the first application.

But Take Note

Compared to other brands we tested that reversed symptoms within one or two applications, the three-day timeline with Proudly diaper cream is slower. For more severe diaper rashes, caregivers might want to stick with something more fast-acting. 

The Details: 

• Size: 4 ounces
• Form: Tube cream
• Active ingredients: 14% zinc oxide
• Recommended age: From birth

Why We Like It 

Usually, scented products are a no-go for baby skincare. But Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm incorporates organic lavender essential oil and tea tree oil, which add a pleasant scent. Other helpful ingredients include plantain, chickweed, St. John’s Wort, and calendula to create a preventive treatment balm. The two-ounce tub contains a solid-state balm that emulsifies into an oil for easy application. 

Our tester liked the scent, noting that it kept their baby’s bum smelling fresh whenever they performed a smell test. This product is free from petroleum and artificial fragrance. It’s also Leaping Bunny-certified and dermatologist and pediatrician tested for irritation. 

But Take Note

Diana Lee, MD, a pediatric dermatologist at Weill-Cornell Medicine, cautions that essential oils can cause skin reactions, especially since “the most sensitive areas are the face and the groin area.” Also, this product doesn’t contain zinc oxide, which may impact its efficacy in treating diaper rash.

The Details: 

• Size: 2 ounces
• Form: Tub cream
• Active ingredients: N/A
• Recommended age: From birth

Why We Like It 

The winning factor about this ointment is that it’s multipurpose. Our tester chose to use the ointment for general skin irritation on their twin babies’ cheeks, arms, and legs. They observed that the look and feel of their child’s irritated skin improved within a few days of using this product. Our tester also appreciated the squeeze tube application, which made it easier to use with one hand. 

With my own baby, I rotated between a few diaper creams when I was in the diaper stage, but Aquaphor Baby’s Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy was my go-to any time I spotted redness or irritated skin. 

But Take Note

This product is billed as a protectant that prevents diaper rash rather than a treatment. It also contains 41% petrolatum, lanolin, and mineral oil, which makes it an unlikely choice for clean beauty fans or vegans. 

The Details: 

• Size: 7 ounces
• Form: Tube cream
• Active ingredients: 41% petrolatum
• Recommended age: From birth
  

Other Notable Diaper Rash Creams

• Aquaphor Baby 3-in-1 Diaper Rash Relief Cream: The smaller size and 15% zinc oxide content make this a convenient solution for treating diaper rash on the go. However, the default 3.5-ounce container size is less practical for everyday use. 
• Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Fragrance-Free Zinc Diaper Rash Cream: A thicker consistency meant this was a more effective diaper rash treatment that spreads easily and doesn’t stick to your hands or surfaces. However, one-handed operation is difficult because the tube requires serious hand strength to squeeze the product out.
• Mustela Diaper Rash Sprayable Cream: Mustela earned positive remarks for its spray applicator that guaranteed even coverage without having to touch the solution or baby. It is also absorbed easily into the skin. However, the thinner texture left our tester skeptical about its lasting power and effectiveness in treating an active diaper rash.

Our Testing Process 

To create our recommendations list, we had real parents spend over 7,200 hours testing 30 different diaper rash creams through real-world applications with their babies. We asked them to consider the following criteria:  

• Scent: Typically, it’s best to avoid baby skincare products that include fragrance. But just because there’s no added fragrance doesn’t mean a product has no scent. We asked testers to check for a scent and whether it was pleasant or off-putting. 
• Consistency: Diaper creams can range from thick to oily to very lightweight. We asked our testers to consider how the consistency or texture impacted applications on their babies, or if it impaired dispensing product from the container. We also asked testers to observe if the diaper cream absorbed easily into the skin, left a residue, or if it was difficult to remove from hands or applicators. 
• Longevity/Application: Diaper creams come in a variety of sizes, which is why longevity matters. A cream where a little goes a long way can sometimes justify a higher price or smaller container size if you know you can use less for each application. 
• Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide is the most common active ingredient in diaper rash creams. However, concentrations vary widely depending on whether the product is intended for sensitive skin, daily use, or more severe rashes.
• Efficacy: Did the product perform as promoted? If a rash was present, did the product control symptoms? How many applications were required before improvements were observed? 

Our Experts

We spoke with pediatricians and dermatologists to discuss the key factors caregivers should consider when purchasing and using diaper cream: 

• Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist, member of Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, and host of the weekly Derm Club podcast
• Dr. Diana Lee, a pediatric dermatologist at Weill-Cornell Medicine in New York
• Dr. Rachel Prete, a board-certified pediatrician at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
• Dr. Joyce Teng, a pediatric dermatologist at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health

Factors to Consider When Buying Diaper Cream

• Active Ingredients: With diaper rash cream, an active ingredient is the hero component that will treat the rash and prevent it from spreading or returning by creating a moisture barrier. Typically, this will be zinc oxide. Dr. Kopelman shares that zinc oxide “provides excellent protective and healing properties.” Concentrations range from 10% to 16% for preventive purposes or minor irritation use, to as high as 40% for more severe rashes. Dr. Kopelman says other active ingredients can include “petrolatum, which offers a strong moisture barrier, and lanolin, which can also be beneficial for its soothing properties.”
• Application Method: Diaper rash cream is usually sold in jars or tubes. Dr. Kopelman advises that “products that come in easy-to-use tubes or those with a built-in applicator can make application cleaner and more convenient, reducing mess and ensuring even coverage.” While using your fingers to apply the cream is easy and efficient, it can be messy. Purchasing a spatula can help minimize the mess, especially if the cream comes in a jar. The risk of cross-contamination is higher when using cream from a jar. 
• Scent: Dr. Kopelman recommends caregivers “seek creams that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic to minimize the risk of irritation” and “avoid products with added fragrances, parabens, and unnecessary chemicals that could cause allergic reactions or further irritate sensitive skin.” Dr. Lee cautions that “‘unscented’ generally means that the product may contain chemicals that neutralize or mask the odors of other ingredients.” When in doubt, look for products that are labeled ‘fragrance-free.’”
• Messiness: A big issue we asked testers to consider was how easily they could clean their hands or surfaces afterward. There was a link between oily creams and messier applications, even when using spatulas. Often the cream would slip off the spatula. Similarly, very thick creams were sometimes difficult to spread on their babies and required more effort to remove residue from the tester’s hands or surrounding surfaces. 

Who We Are

Dorian Smith-Garcia is a health and parenting writer at Parents and a mom of one 6-year-old daughter. When she was in the diaper stage with her daughter, she toggled between CeraVe’s Healing Ointment as a regular diaper barrier and the Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant when the occasional diaper rash occurred.