Home / Baby / Baby Shopping Guide 14 diaper rash creams that *really* work So you can soothe and heal your little ones. By Jennifer LaBracio Updated May 13, 2022 Rectangle We independently select and share the products we love—and may receive a commission if you choose to buy. A version of this post was published on June 22, 2020. It has been updated. Although diaper rash is never something you want to deal with, odds are you’ve probably fought the good fight with this red, irritating and super common baby and toddler skin ailment more than once during your time as a mama. Almost every baby suffers through diaper rash at some point during their first few years of life. Prolonged wetness, friction and sensitive baby skin combine into a recipe for disaster when it comes to baby bums and, although generally harmless, diaper rash can be pretty painful and irritating for those little tushes. Related: 13 eco-friendly disposable diaper brands we love Enter diaper rash cream: A mama’s best friend for treatment and prevention of diaper rash, and a staple on the changing table and in every diaper bag. But with so many to choose from, you need to know which diaper creams actually get the job done. (Because let’s be real, you’re already spending enough time trying to wrangle your little one for a diaper change in the first place!) All diaper creams are not created equal. Here are our 13 picks for the best diaper rash creams that soothe, heal and ultimately prevent diaper rash. Best Diaper Rash Creams Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm • $12.99 This calming salve uses calendula—a flower used to treat inflammation and pain—to soothe baby bottoms and treat and prevent diaper rash. Infused with other herbs like tea tree oil and shea butter, we love it as one of the more natural diaper rash creams on the market. SHOP Triple Paste Medicated Ointment • $26.99 A longstanding favorite among moms, Triple Paste medicated ointment delivers the double whammy of not only healing diaper rash quickly (seriously, mamas, this stuff is magic) but preventing it, as well. It’s fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Plus, a little goes a long way, which means one tub will last for quite a while. SHOP EmBeba Don't Be Rash Diaper Balm Stick • $14.99 For diaper rash relief without the mess, we love EmBeba’s innovative stick-style balm. (After all, sometimes you just get tired of cleaning white paste out from under your fingernails!) The formula is made with only clean natural ingredients including olive oil, propolis, calendula and beeswax and made in small batches that are extensively tested every time. According to Motherly’s Hayli Craig, “My 10-month-old is currently cutting four teeth at once and that means one thing: poop. The EmBaba stick is truly finger-free (that’s right, I don’t have to use my finger to spread the product on the tooshy!) and I can tell a noticeable difference between the next diaper change. Also, it’s so easily portable compared to a large tube!” SHOP Vivaiodays Olive Oil Rescue Balm Gel • $24 We love a product that can multitask. This ultra-gentle, 100% natural olive oil based gel-to-cream balm not only prevents and knocks out diaper rash, it also works as a nipple balm, cradle cap treatment, lip balm and to soothe eczema. The non-greasy, fragrance-free formula is perfect for even the most sensitive skin of newborns through adults. SHOP Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment • $13.74 Aquaphor is the stuff of dreams—from chapped lips to minor cuts + scrapes, there’s hardly anything that this magical ointment can’t help with. And diaper rash is no exception! Aquaphor protects baby’s skin from wetness, acidity and chafing, and unlike petroleum jelly, creates a barrier over the skin which heals while still enabling the flow of water and air. Added bonus—it also works great on mama’s dry hands! SHOP Lhamour Baby Balm • $18 Made with 100% natural ingredients from Mongolia, this rich and creamy balm melts right in to protect and soothe baby bums, rolls and creases. The main ingredient, tallow, has been used for centuries by nomadic herders across their harsh climate is ethically and sustainably sourced and provides an unparalleled barrier against moisture and irritation. Bonus: After washing hands a million times a day, this is the only thing that helped my super chapped hands. SHOP Boudreaux's Butt Paste • $7 How can we not love a diaper rash cream with the slogan “let’s kick some rash?” Developed by a pharmacist with four kids who wasn’t satisfied with any of the diaper rash creams on the market, Boudreaux’s is effective and is made without any harsh chemicals, which is a major win in our book. SHOP Little Butterfly London Nappy Change Cream • $35 This rich and creamy formula might be the most luxurious diaper cream we’ve ever slathered on a baby bum. It’s packed with 18 natural and organic ingredients which have all been carefully selected to nourish and calm irritation. Calendua and chamomile help soothe while things like zinc and shea butter protect against moisture. A little goes a long way! SHOP Desitin Maximum Strength Paste • $6.95 Desitin takes a spot on our best-of list because it contains the maximum level of zinc oxide available without a prescription, making it a top choice for serious diaper rash. It’s thick and rich, creating a strong protective barrier between your baby’s diaper and her sensitive skin. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory, reducing the redness and pain that goes along with diaper rash. SHOP Cetaphil Diaper Cream • $9.36 Cetaphil is one of our faves for our own skin, so using it on our little ones’ sensitive bottoms is a no-brainer. The soothing cream is filled with vitamins and other organic ingredients, and the fresh scent isn’t overpowering. SHOP Honest Company Rapid Relief • $9.99 Honest Company is about more than just adorable diapers . Made without phthalates, parabens, fragrances, dyes and other potentially harmful ingredients, this quick-acting diaper rash cream uses zinc oxide and other organic ingredients to relieve even the most stubborn of rashes. It also helps moisturize those tiny bottoms and is easy to apply. (And even comes in a sprayable version!) Save 15% on your first Honest order! Use code HONESTCO15 SHOP Weleda Calendula Diaper Rash Cream • $13.99 Like a few of our other picks, this European brand also features calendula, along with other natural extracts and oils, to combat diaper rash. Because of its natural makeup, we’ve found this diaper rash cream to be especially effective for babies with super sensitive skin. SHOP A+D Original Diaper Rash Ointment • $11.19 A+D stands the test of time as one of the best diaper rash creams around. The soothing ointment easily glides onto skin, so it’s great to apply on-the-regular for continuous protection against a diaper rash. SHOP California Baby Super Sensitive Diaper Rash Ointment • $19.77 Maker of some of our favorite baby skin care products around, California Baby has been known for over 20 years as a go-to for safe, natural, and effective products for babies and kids with sensitive skin. This preservative-free, fragrance-free and super concentrated cream uses zinc oxide and other natural ingredients to treat and prevent diaper rash. It’s also safe to use with cloth diapers. SHOP Related Stories Baby Shopping Guide The baby-friendly cure-all product hiding in your medicine cabinet Baby Shopping Guide Jessica Biel tells us her 6 motherhood must-haves Baby Shopping Guide Tan France tells us his favorite parenting purchases—and how to shop savvy The latest Baby Health Recall alert 🚨 Dynacare Baby powder recalled due to asbestos concerns Baby Milestones Starting solids? Don’t miss the ‘flavor window’ Baby Health This new baby food company lets you check each package for heavy metals Viral & Trending Reddit post about not missing the ‘newborn stage’ has over 1,000 responses