Best Diaper Cream Guide of 2024

What can be better than the smooth, firm, and healthy skin of a baby?  Nevertheless, even the best diapers can cause irritation to your baby’s skin, which is heartbreaking because you do not want your baby to suffer from the pain diaper rash can cause.  I know what it is like to face the symptoms of a severe diaper rash and have no treatment at hand. 

To handle the case promptly, you may be tempted to grab the first product whose name comes to mind from an ad or a friend’s advice without even looking at its ingredients.  However, if its ingredients are toxic, the diaper cream that is supposed to prevent diaper rash can contribute to it instead! Therefore, this best diaper cream guide will help you be in control both of rash and of the general safety of your baby.  Keep reading to find out about safe and effective severe diaper rash treatments as well as diaper creams that, in my opinion, should be avoided.

Best Diaper Cream Guide

To begin, this guide is the fruit of a baby diaper cream survey conducted on Facebook and Instagram.  To clarify, I asked my followers to share the names of the products they were using.  As a result, I received 80 different brands and have compiled a list of those that got the most votes.  Also, remember that I was extra picky because it’s baby products we are talking about. Here you can check out the list of some credible scientific sources I use to form my opinions on the safety of ingredients.

“Not-A-Fan” Diaper Creams And Their Ingredients

Because of some concerning ingredients, I put some of the popular types of diaper rash creams suggested for the survey into the “not-a-fan” category: 

• Triple Paste
• Vaseline® Healing Jelly Baby
• CeraVe Baby Healing Ointment
• Cetaphil Baby Healing Ointment
• A+D Original Diaper Rash Ointment
• Boo Bamboo Natural Diaper Cream
• Desitin Multipurpose Ointment
• Desitin Maximum Strength Original Zinc Oxide Paste

These diaper creams fall short because they contain some of the following ingredients:

• Talc
• Fragrance
• Petrolatum
• Mineral oil
• Paraffin
• Ethoxylated ingredients
• Non-nano zinc oxide

Let us briefly discuss each of these ingredients.

Talc

To begin with, let’s look at the conclusions of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).  The agency noted an “unusually consistent” increased chance of developing ovarian cancer among women who used talcum powder in the genital area (source).

In fact, since 2014, Johnson & Johnson has faced many lawsuits from families of women who died from ovarian cancer after using their talcum powder products (source).  And, on May 20, 2020, Johnson & Johnson announced they would stop selling talc-based baby powder in the US and Canada (source). As far as I know, they have also agreed to settle the many lawsuits filed against them, although I do not know the terms of the proposed settlement.

One possible reason for the risks of talc is that it may contain small amounts of asbestos.  For example, recent tests by the FDA found asbestos in three talc-based Claire’s cosmetics products (source).  In 2017, tests by the Scientific Analytical Institute detected asbestos in other Claire’s makeup products (source).  Also, the EWG tests have found asbestos in talc-based children’s toy makeup kits (source). 

That is why, in my opinion, talc-based products for treating diaper rashes are not the best diaper cream options.

This does not mean, though, that if you apply diaper cream or severe diaper rash treatment with talc, your baby will develop cancer.  Nevertheless, I choose not to use or promote talc-based products mainly because:

• First, I believe there should not be controversial ingredients in body care products, especially in those intended for a baby’s skin.
• Second, there are many other similar products with better ingredients.

Fragrance

It should be noted that the FDA does not require the disclosure of fragrance ingredients.  However, because some of these ingredients are associated with allergies, endocrine disruption, and even cancer, it’s better to be cautious about them.  To learn more about fragrance, see my blog post Is Natural Fragrance Safe?.

The fact that a product has fragrance does not mean it will cause sickness.  Nonetheless, I do not promote products with fragrance because:   

• First, I think consumers have a right to know all the ingredients to make informed decisions about products they purchase. 
• Second, there are plenty of other similar products with better ingredients.
• Third, in my opinion, products for baby’s sensitive skin do not need any scent whatsoever.

Thus, you will not find fragrance among the ingredients of any safe severe diaper rash treatment in this best diaper cream guide.

Petrolatum

First off, petrolatum is a petroleum-based product.  It is extracted from petroleum and then purified. 

Petrolatum serves as a skin protectant by forming a barrier on its surface; hence, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends it for dry skin.

In addition, the FDA permits the use of petrolatum along with many other questionable chemicals as a multipurpose additive to food (source).  Because the FDA has assessed the safety of this ingredient, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel (CIR) has deferred its evaluation.

However, the EU requires manufacturers to document the full refining history for the batches of petrolatum to be used, in order to prove that the petrolatum is properly refined. In fact, in 2010, the European Commission banned petrolatum from use in cosmetic products unless its full refining history can prove that the substance from which it was produced is not a carcinogen (source).

Admittedly, products with petrolatum do not automatically cause health problems.  But I choose not to use or promote products with this ingredient mainly because:

• First, I believe we should not use petroleum-based products.
• Also, there are many other similar products with better ingredient choices.

Mineral oil

To start with, mineral oil is also a petroleum-based product. 

Additionally, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified untreated and mildly treated mineral oil as “carcinogenic to humans” (source).

While mineral oil used in body products is supposed to be highly refined and treated, I choose not to use products with mineral oil mainly because:

• First, it is made of an unsustainable resource.
• Second, mineral oil production is toxic to the environment and workers.
• Last, there are many other products with better ingredient choices.

Paraffin

Just like petrolatum and mineral oil, paraffin is a crude oil-based ingredient. For your information, the European Commission prohibited it in cosmetic products if it contains more than 0.005% of potentially carcinogenic benzo[a]pyrene. There is no equivalent regulation in the US.

Ultimately, for the same reasons as I stated above, I recommend avoiding petroleum-based products.

Ethoxylated Ingredients

To identify ethoxylated ingredients, look for the following in the ingredient names:

• PEGs with a number
• words ending with -eth with a number
• the word “polysorbate” followed with a number.

As a result of their production process, ethoxylated ingredients may contain residues of carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane, if vacuum stripping is not used.   Also, you can learn more about them in my post about polysorbates. 

Again, I choose not to use or promote products with ethoxylated ingredients mainly because:

• In my opinion, we should not use products with ingredients made with carcinogenic chemicals in the first place.
• Besides, there are many other similar products with better ingredients.

Therefore, you will not see ethoxylated ingredients among the ingredients of a safe severe diaper rash treatment product in this best diaper cream guide.

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide

It is great when a diaper rash ointment contains zinc oxide as its active ingredient.  Indeed, zinc oxide is good at treating diaper rashes.  It can work wonders healing skin irritation and relieving the pain diaper rash causes to your baby’s sensitive skin. 

However, in terms of safety and effectiveness, non-nano zinc oxide is better than nano zinc oxide.  To clarify, “nano” means one-billionth of a meter (1 meter = 3.28 feet).  So, it denotes something very, very small. 

In short, the reason you want non-nano zinc oxide creams is that some nanoparticles are so small that they can be absorbed through the skin.  And we do not fully know the effects of that.  In other words, you don’t want zinc oxide to be small enough to penetrate the skin.  Rather, you want it to stay on the skin.

Interestingly, zinc oxide and petrolatum seem to be used together as active ingredients in some of the products in the “not-a-fan” category.  In other words, some of the mentioned zinc oxide creams have both zinc oxide and petrolatum.  Plus, it is unclear if they use nano or non-nano zinc oxide.

Non-nano zinc oxide is used in sunscreens, too.  Please, head over to my Guide To The Safest Baby Sunscreen And Sunscreen For Kids as well as the Best Non-Toxic Face Sunscreen Guide to pick sunscreen for you and your family.

“Better” Diaper Rash Cream Options

The options below have not made it to the “best” category mainly because I was extra careful and picky selecting products to prevent diaper rash and skin irritation for baby’s sensitive skin.  Thus, the diaper creams in the “better” category have the following, though minor, concerns:

• their plant-based ingredients are not organic, or
• they use essential oils, or
• it is unclear what type of zinc oxide (nano or non-nano) the zinc oxide creams use.

As for essential oils, while I use products with essential oils on my son and myself, I know that some people are allergic to essential oils.  Visit my post for the list of essential oils and other chemicals to avoid during pregnancy.   

Here are the severe diaper rash treatment products in the “better” category:

• Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm
• Burt’s Bees Baby Diaper Rash Ointment (40% zinc oxide)
• Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Fragrance-Free Diaper Cream (25% zinc oxide)
• California Baby Super Sensitive Diaper Rash Ointment (12% zinc oxide).

Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm

First, Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm is USDA-certified organic and has a wonderful blend of organic plant-based ingredients.  Specifically, it contains calendula, shea butter, and jojoba oil.  if not for the essential oils – lavender flower and tea tree leaf – this balm would be in the “best” category.

Burt’s Bees Baby Diaper Rash Ointment

Second, Burt’s Bees Baby Diaper Rash Ointment’s active ingredient is 40% zinc oxide.  The high amount of zinc oxide leads me to believe that the cream should work well as a severe diaper rash treatment.  I encourage you to contact the company to find out what type of zinc oxide they use (nano or non-nano). Remember, when it comes to diaper creams, non-nano zinc oxide creams are better.

Additionally, this ointment did not make it to the “best” category because of lavender essential oil and some non-organic oils.

Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Fragrance-Free Diaper Cream

Next is Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Fragrance-Free Diaper Cream.  Along with many organic plant-based ingredients, it contains non-organic sunflower oil and hydrogenated vegetable oil. (By the way, sunflower oil is a very beneficial skin ingredient as it contains vitamin E. I would avoid using it for frying food, though.)

Besides, now that some other Babo Botanicals products have Polysorbate-20 (an ethoxylated ingredient), my trust in them is shaken.  In my experience, companies that are committed to protecting people’s health and environment do not use ethoxylated ingredients.

Also, contact them to make sure they use non-nano zinc oxide!

California Baby Super Sensitive Diaper Rash Ointment

Last but not least, California Baby Super Sensitive Diaper Rash Ointment contains 12% zinc oxide.  It is not clear whether it is non-nano zinc oxide, though.  So, please, contact the company and confirm that.

Plus, some plant-based ingredients are not organic, and it contains lanolin. In rare cases, some people may be allergic to lanolin.

“Best” Diaper Cream Suggestions

I am excited to share with you the best severe diaper rash treatment options.  Here are the brands that made it into the “best” category:

• Primally Pure Baby Balm (use the discount code READLABELS10)
• Pure Haven Baby Diaper Rash Cream (15% off on your 1^st order embedded in the link)
• Motherlove Diaper Balm (get either $10 or 10% off on iHerb).

Let’s look at their ingredients to see why they are in the “best” diaper cream category.

Primally Pure Baby Balm

Ingredients for Primally Pure Baby Balm (READLABELS10 for 10% off) as of May 2024: Organic Tallow from Grass-Fed Cows, Organic Olive Oil, Emu Oil, Unrefined Beeswax, Organic Calendula Flower, Organic Marshmallow Root.

Actually, it is a multi-purpose baby balm for healing rashes.  It means that it can be used by all family members, especially nursing moms, to heal irritated skin.  Searching for the best severe diaper rash treatment, I chose this balm out of many others because it contains organic botanical ingredients and has no essential oils.

Pure Haven Baby Diaper Rash Cream

Next, ingredients for Pure Haven Baby Diaper Rash Cream (15% off on your 1^st order embedded in the link) as of May 2024:  Zinc Oxide 14%. Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Cera Alba (Beeswax)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil*, Tocopherol *Certified Organic Ingredients

Note that every ingredient that can be organic is certified organic in this product.  Plus, Pure Haven uses non-nano zinc oxide and only the ingredients that are healing and beneficial for the skin.  So, it should work well for all types of diaper rash and sensitive skin irritation.

Besides, I know that Pure Haven has strict control over all their manufacturing processes from their incoming water to machine cleaning.  Additionally, they require 3^rd party testing for heavy metals, PFAS, and benzene, to name a few.  This is important because the same ingredients can have a different degree of purity and quality in different brands’ products.  You can learn more about this company in my Pure Haven Review. 

Motherlove Diaper Balm

Finally, ingredients for Motherlove Diaper Balm  (get either $10 or 10% off on iHerb) as of May 2024: Olea Europaea (Extra Virgin Olive) Fruit Oil*, Cera Alba (Beeswax)*, Mahonia Aquifolium (Oregon Grape) Root Extract*, Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh Gum) Extract*, Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Leaf & Flower Extract*, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract*.  * Organic ingredients

I like the fact that it is USDA certified organic, and all the ingredients are organic. Plus, the jar label states that this diaper balm was clinically tested for skin irritation.  Note, though, that when you apply diaper cream made with oils, it can stain fabrics. So, be careful.

Conclusion: What Is The Best Diaper Cream?

The Best Diaper Rash Cream Is One That Contains No Concerning Ingredients For Your Baby’s Health And Sensitive Skin.

In conclusion, I’d like to point out that it is hard to find a product that’s 100% safe for everyone.  Indeed, people are so different, and some may be allergic even to the most innocent ingredients, such as chamomile or avocado.  That’s why you see only a few products in the “best” category, namely:

• Primally Pure Baby Balm (use the discount code READLABELS10)
• Pure Haven Baby Diaper Rash Cream (15% off on your 1^st order embedded in the link), and
• Motherlove Diaper Balm  (get either $10 or 10% off on iHerb).

Nevertheless, I believe, the severe diaper rash treatment options from the “better” category are also safer than many others on the market (like the ones in the “non-a-fan” category). Mainly, it is because they have no ingredients associated with endocrine disruption, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, and cancer.

I invite you to use the information on the I Read Labels For You blog to review the baby products you are using.  Check out the IRLFY shop to learn more about the best non-toxic product options for various areas of your life.  Also, download my Baby Wipes and Disposable Diapers e-books so you can have peace of mind about your baby’s safety! Thank you for making informed decisions with I Read Labels For You!

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