Best diaper rash creams

Many parents swear by this purple container to treat a diaper rash. The formula in the Maximum Strength Paste is 40 percent zinc oxide, which is the highest concentration you can buy over the counter. Its consistency is thick and creamy, and it forms a protective barrier on your baby's skin to reduce discomfort and irritation.

Heads up

Some parents find the scent of this cream overpowering.

Parents say

"Desitin Maximum Strength is creamy and it works great. We use rash cream nightly after my son's bath because he wears a diaper for 12 hours at night (great sleeper) and gets a rash really quickly if we don't."

"I always try to be very gentle with wiping and use Desitin – it worked great with my first baby."

"When my son's rash is at its worst I use Desitin Maximum Strength after each diaper change. You need to apply it liberally, especially at bedtime."

Specs

• 40 percent zinc oxide

• Hypoallergenic and free of parabens, phthalates, dyes, and soap

The brand with the funny name, Boudreaux's is no joke when it comes to treating and preventing diaper rash. Like Desitin Maximum Strength, Boudreaux's Maximum Strength Butt Paste has 40 percent zinc oxide. It's made with just six ingredients, and is free of parabens, talc, dyes, and preservatives.

Heads up

Some parents complain that this cream is so thick it's difficult to get off their hands, cloth diapers, and clothes. (Boudreaux's sells a silicone applicator to use instead of your hands if you prefer.)

Parents say

"I use Boudreaux's Butt Paste and it clears up rashes in two days or less every time."

"I'm a first-time mom, but I work in a childcare center and I like Boudreaux's Butt Paste the best. I like the thick consistency of it, it works well for the majority of the children, and it clears up the rashes quickly."

Specs

• 40 percent zinc oxide
• Free of dyes, parabens, talc, and preservatives

Many parents use this balm on pretty much everything – their baby's dry skin and hair, eczema, diaper and other rashes, and even on themselves. It's certified organic and made without petroleum, phthalates, mineral oil, or synthetic fragrances.

Heads up

This is an all-purpose balm, not specifically a diaper-rash treatment, and it doesn't contain zinc oxide. Your baby's diaper rash may require something stronger.

Parents say

"It's a thick balm and works wonderfully."

"Honest Company Balm: I use it for everything. It's a little greasy but it doesn't get all over."

Specs

• Made with organic sunflower seed, olive, and coconut oils
• Hypoallergenic; free of synthetic fragrances, phthalates, mineral oil, dyes, and petroleum

Weleda makes plant-rich products that are safe for the entire family. In fact, this diaper rash cream works wonders on all dry or irritated skin, not just baby bottoms. It contains calendula flower extract and chamomile to soothe skin, and almond oil to moisturize. The active ingredient is zinc oxide, though its 12 percent concentration is less than what you'll find in maximum-strength diaper rash creams.

Heads up

Some parents report the tube doesn't hold up well – it cracks and leaks cream. Others say the cream works well as a preventative measure, but isn't great for treating diaper rash.

Parents say

"It took until my third baby to find the perfect diaper cream. First, this works really well to prevent and soothe a rash quickly. It has a smooth texture, is easy to wash off, and has a pleasant smell. It's good for sensitive skin, and has natural ingredients and no preservatives."

Specs

• Contains 12 percent zinc oxide
• Botanical extracts soothe skin, and almond oil moisturizes it
• Free of synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colorants, and mineral oil

Burt's Bees makes a diaper rash ointment that's the best of both worlds. It has plant-based ingredients to soothe and moisturize skin, and also contains 40 percent zinc oxide to treat diaper rashes. It's safe and gentle but strong and effective. It contains shea butter, jojoba seed oil, and lavender oil, and the lavender scent is soothing and relaxing for babies and parents.

Heads up

This ointment may leave residue on cloth diapers. Use a liner or proceed with caution.

Parents say

"I love Burt's Bees Diaper Rash Ointment. For cloth diapering, I use it with a fleece liner and if for some reason it doesn't wash out, I just toss the liner. A warning about this: It has a strong lavender scent. I love it, but if you don't like strong scents, this might not be the cream for you."

"We use it and haven't had much trouble with diaper rashes. It's super thick and lasts a long time. We got a tube as a shower gift and it's not even half empty yet!"

"My daughter rarely has diaper rash, but when she does I use Burt's Bees. I apply a small amount, and it's gone overnight. Love that stuff."

Specs

• 40 percent zinc oxide
• Made with shea butter, lavender oil, and jojoba seed oil
• Free of parabens, phthalates, and petroleum

Made of organic and herbal ingredients including olive oil, calendula, and shea butter, Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm is a comforting salve for your baby's skin. Your entire family can use it! It does not contain zinc oxide, the active ingredient in many other diaper rash creams, but some parents say it works just as well or better.

Heads up

The oil-based balm does a great job of creating a waterproof barrier on your baby's skin, but leaves your hands especially greasy.

Parents say

"I've had a lot of luck with Earth Mama Diaper Balm for diaper rash and also for other rashes and extremely dry skin."

"I researched for hours and checked the EWG (Environmental Working Group) database before choosing Earth Mama Diaper Balm. It clears anything my daughter has within a day."

Specs

• Made with ethically sourced, organic beeswax, and organic oils and herbs
• Free of petroleum, parabens, and artificial fragrance