The Most Soothing Diaper Rash Creams

The Most Soothing Diaper Rash Creams

There's nothing worse than seeing your baby in pain. As parents and caregivers, we do everything we can to keep our precious bundles protected from any and all sources of suffering. So when it comes to diaper rashes, it doesn't hurt to have a few creams on hand to keep the pain or irritation to a minimum. There are a number of quality formulas out there, and it can feel a little overwhelming to weed through what's best — especially if your little one is hurting in the meantime. So we've done the work for you, bringing you a few of our favorite formulas.

Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Ointment

Thick, Creamy, and Rich

This ultra-rich ointment is thick and creamy to provide instant relief.
Best Overall

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This tub of Boudreaux’s Butt Paste is a life-saver when it comes to dealing with diaper rashes. Clinically tested to provide immediate relief to sore, irritated skin, this ultra-thick paste has 40% zinc oxide, a must-have when it comes to healing diaper rashes. But while it includes this wonder ingredient, it purposely leaves out a slew of other add-ins common in many diaper creams — mainly, no talc and other harsh ingredients.

Pros:

  • Provides an instant seal
  • Includes a tub plus a tube for the diaper bag
  • Fine for sensitive skin

Cons:

  • Best for moderate diaper rashes
  • Tub requires regular mixing before use

Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment

For All Skin Irritations

This multi-purpose cream works on eczema and minor skin irritations, too.
Best Multi-Purpose

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From one of the most trusted skin brands for adult skin irritations, this baby version provides a healing ointment for everything from a diaper rash to dry, rough skin. Containing no fragrances or preservatives, it won’t inflame delicate, irritation-prone skin. It’s a gentle enough formula that it can even be used on a chapped chin area during those painful teething days. With a tight-fitting cap that ensures zero leakage, this is the ideal size to pop in the diaper bag for your own hands, too.

Pros:

  • Gentle, lotion-style formula
  • Contains fragrances, preservatives, or other harsh ingredients
  • Helps to protect against acidity and chafing

Cons:

  • Best for mild diaper rashes
  • This is a thicker, Vaseline-like formula

CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Cream

On-the-Go Relief

For rash relief on the road, this travel-friendly package fits right in the diaper bag.
Best for Travel

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This cream by CeraVe was developed with pediatric dermatologists to provide a protective skin barrier on sore, chapped skin on both the diaper area and other sensitive spots on the body. It was formulated with a slew of powerhouse ingredients to make it thick, smooth, and capable of instant relief. We love that the flip cap has a secure closure, making it the ideal cream to take along with you. Containing no perfumes and other harsh ingredients, it’s an excellent formula for more sensitive skin.

Pros:

  • Suitable for babies with eczema
  • Contains essential ceramides, which help to provide restoring lipids which act as a skin barrier
  • Locks in moisture for all-day relief

Cons:

  • For extra dry skin, apply a few times per day
  • Can have a bit of a sticky feeling after application until fully absorbed

Burt’s Bees Baby 100% Natural Origin Diaper Rash Ointment

All-Natural Healing

Burt's Bees all-natural rash cream works wonders.
Best Natural

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Burt’s Bees continues to be a staple in households everywhere. Based on the simple idea that nature heals, their baby products work hard but are never harsh. When it comes to extra strength and extra care, this all-natural diaper rash ointment is the bee’s knees. This heavy duty cream contains none of the bad stuff and all of the good to soothe and protect irritated skin. Whether your little one has an on-going rash issue or a minor irritation, this zinc oxide-based formula can knock it right out.

Pros:

  • Zero harsh scents or additives
  • Thick, ultra-rich formula acts as a moisture barrier
  • Provides instant relief for extremely irritated diaper area

Cons:

  • Doesn’t wash easily from cloth diapers or clothes
  • Very thick application, which can get a little messy

Earth Mama Baby Organic Diaper Balm

Organic & Ultra Gentle

Don't be fooled by how gentle this 100% organic formula is — it can bring immediate relief to even the toughest rashes.
Most Gentle

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If organic products are important to you, you shouldn’t have to settle for less than what you want, even when it comes to ointments and creams. With sensitive baby skin, this is especially important. Earth Mama’s products are well-known for being wonderfully soothing for your baby and gentle on the environment. Made with ethically sourced organic beeswax, this diaper balm also contains organic herbs and oils that are clinically tested to relieve irritated, inflamed diaper rash. The result is calmer skin that feels better with the first application.

Pros:

  • Gently heals after first application
  • Contains USDA organic ingredients
  • Works on other skin irritations as well

Cons:

  • Not the most travel-friendly container
  • Does contain natural scents

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do to clear a diaper rash quickly?
Depending on the reason behind the diaper rash, there may be a simple solution or a much more complex one, requiring your pediatrician and perhaps even a prescription cream. For less serious ones, finding a cream with zinc oxide is beneficial. For most diaper rashes, air does wonders. Keep your baby’s bum clean, with frequent diaper changes and soothing diaper rash ointment. Try to air out in between diaper changes, too. And at the end of every day, or the start of a new one, a gentle bath with just water can help — be sure to thoroughly dry before applying any creams and putting on the baby’s diaper.

What are the causes of a diaper rash?
Several things can cause diaper rash, whether it’s staying in a soiled diaper for too long, skin sensitivities, or food intolerances. Sometimes, even teething can cause a rash. You know your baby best, so if there’s a persistent rash that just isn’t clearing, be sure to visit your pediatrician.