The Best Diaper Rash Creams, Ointments and Sprays, Tested and Reviewed

In a nutshell:
Based on firsthand product testing, survey feedback from over 700 parents in The Bump community and advice from six experts, we chose Desitin Daily Defense Cream as the overall best everyday diaper rash cream for its non-greasy texture, quick absorption and affordable price point. We selected the Aquaphor 3-in-1 Diaper Rash Cream as the overall best diaper rash cream for mild rashes, due to its thick consistency and slightly higher percentage of zinc oxide, and the Triple Paste 3X Max Diaper Rash Ointment as the overall best diaper rash cream for severe rashes because of its 40 percent zinc oxide content and its natural ingredients (such as oat kernel extract and beeswax) for added moisturization.

Diaper rash happens. Most babies experience their fair share of flare-ups until potty training starts. If you can nip it in the bud, however, all the better: Protection and prevention are key in the fight against diaper rash. “Frequent diaper changes and thick barrier creams are generally the mainstay of treatment for this,” says Britt Craiglow, MD, a dermatologist based in Fairfield, Connecticut.

As a mom of an 8-month-old who has sensitive skin, I’ve found myself scrolling through products, wondering whether they’d soothe my little one and whether I’m choosing the right option—because they don’t all serve the same purpose. There are two main needs for diaper rash creams: The first is for everyday use to prevent mild rashes, and the second is for soothing existing rashes. Depending on your needs, there are different products available that offer varying levels of active ingredients such as zinc oxide and petroleum.

When it comes down to it though, every baby is different, and what may work for one child may not for another. To determine which products are the most effective for the widest number of infants, we took a three-pronged approach to this article, including extensive expert input, individual product testing with several families and survey feedback from hundreds of parents in The Bump community. Combining all of these insights, we’ve selected the best diaper rash prevention and treatment products for a range of needs.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Diaper Rash Creams

The Bump editors conducted extensive research to identify the top 28 diaper rash creams on the market. Carefully reviewing product features, specs and customer reviews to identify which creams were particularly good for specific uses, we then created a shortlist of eight to test. From there:

• I tested eight diaper rash creams with my 8-month-old to determine how effective and easy they were to use; for example, could I easily apply the product with one hand while keeping the other on my baby? I also considered their thickness, ease of absorption and ease of washing off. I then evaluated them based on several criteria, including ease of use, effectiveness, scent, texture and absorbency, ingredients and value for money.
• Three fellow moms also tested several of the diaper rash products on our list and evaluated them based on ease of use, scent, texture and absorbency and ingredients.
• We surveyed over 700 members of The Bump community and asked them about the diaper rash prevention and treatment products they’ve used and what their experiences were like. We specifically asked how effective each one was at preventing everyday diaper rashes, clearing up mild cases and treating severe flare-ups.
• We interviewed six experts, including four dermatologists and two pediatricians, to better understand what parents should look for in a diaper rash cream and what ingredients they should avoid altogether. Likewise, these experts shared advice on how best to prevent and treat diaper rashes. Based on their input, we didn’t include any diaper rash products that contained added fragrances or essential oils.
• We followed guidelines from the Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to determine which products would be the safest and most effective to test.
• When choosing which diaper rash creams to feature in this roundup, we considered several factors, such as their ingredient lists, whether they had a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association (NEA) and their container type, to name a few.
• Because no two babies are the same, we scoured forums, social media channels, message boards and customer reviews to see how these diaper rash creams performed for a wide range of infants nationwide.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops our product reviews.

Best Diaper Rash Creams

*\Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.

Types of Diaper Rash Cream

With so many diaper rash remedies on the market (from creams and butt pastes to ointments and balms), it can be tricky to figure out which choice is best for your little one. Phil Boucher, MD, a board-certified pediatrician and dad of six, reminds parents that finding an effective diaper rash solution isn’t an exact science. Every baby is different, with unique skin sensitivities and tolerance levels, so flare-ups may not clear straightaway. The important thing to remember is that “diaper rash is entirely normal, expected and manageable,” says Boucher. You aren’t doing anything wrong, even if it takes a few product trials to find what works for your little one.

For the most part, choosing a diaper rash cream comes down to a simple matter of preference, but the experts we spoke to agree that a barrier agent—one that blocks damaged skin from further irritation by pee or poop—is what you’ll want to have on hand. Zinc oxide creams or pastes and petrolatum (petroleum jelly) ointments are among the most common and reputable barriers.

Zinc oxide-based products

Great for treating moderate to severe diaper rash, zinc oxide has healing anti-inflammatory qualities, as well as cleansing antiseptic, astringent effects (to stop the growth of bacteria or other microorganisms). It also creates a waterproof layer on the skin to lock in natural moisture and hydration. This prevents the area from getting too dry and chapped, while also repelling moisture from a wet or dirty diaper. Concentrations in products can range from 10 to 40 percent, with higher concentrations reserved for more intense rashes. Amin adds that zinc oxide is also “useful for every diaper change for children prone to diaper rashes or at the first sign of redness that is not raised (contact dermatitis diaper rash).”

Petrolatum-based products

Ideal for protecting against diaper rash before it starts, petrolatum (or petroleum jelly) products are thick and glassy-looking. “Petrolatum jelly, found in products like Aquaphor, creates a protective moisture barrier that shields the skin from external aggressors,” says Engelman. Its composition is oil-forward, so it works as a barrier between baby’s skin and the diaper, repelling moisture and preventing bacteria from getting in. Ointments with petroleum jelly as an active ingredient are better used to prevent diaper rash than to heal it.

One downside is that petroleum jelly doesn’t absorb readily. Instead, it just keeps bacteria and moisture at bay, but you can find options enhanced with ingredients like lanolin that can help heal chapped or chafed skin. Moreover, there are also several options available (like Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Sensitive Skin Diaper Rash Ointment) that contain zinc oxide and petroleum, offering the benefits of both worlds. If you’re looking for a daily-use preemptive measure, a jelly-like petroleum-based ointment may be your best bet.

Diaper Rash Prevention vs. Diaper Rash Treatment Products

According to Amin and Engelman, there’s a lot of overlap between diaper rash prevention and treatment products. “Unless the rash is severe and requires a prescription, the same ingredients used for prevention can typically be used for treatment as well,” explains Engelman. However, there may be times when you need something less intense, or, conversely, a formula that can be trusted to soothe severe rashes. Either way, here are some key qualities to keep in mind.

Diaper rash prevention products

If you need something that’s suitable for everyday use or want to prevent a rash that hasn’t appeared yet, Engelman suggests looking for “ingredients [that] focus on nourishing and protecting the skin to promote healing.” These include:

• Petrolatum jelly. “Found in products like Aquaphor, [this] creates a protective moisture barrier that shields the skin from external aggressors,” explains Engelman.
• Lanolin. According to Engelman, this “serves a similar function to [petrolatum jelly] by locking moisture into the skin barrier.”
• Low-dose zinc oxide. While high doses of zinc oxide are great for severe rashes, low doses can help protect and soothe milder cases.
• Dimethicone. This is “often paired with zinc oxide to enhance its effectiveness,” says Engelman.
• Shea butter. Lastly, Engelman recommends shea butter for both prevention and treatment. It’s “a valuable ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties and a high fatty acid content, which helps soothe and nourish irritated skin,” she states.

Diaper rash treatment products

Typically, the main ingredient for diaper rash treatment is a high percentage of zinc oxide. “For a more targeted treatment, using a higher concentration of zinc oxide is often effective in soothing and protecting the skin,” says Engelman. In addition, formulas may also “include additional active ingredients to address irritation and healing,” Amin told us. Some examples are “calendula or aloe vera for their anti-inflammatory and calming properties, or antifungal agents like clotrimazole if a yeast infection is suspected (which is generally prescribed by your child’s clinician),” she explains.

What to Look for in a Diaper Rash Cream

Diaper rash, though common and highly treatable, is always a cause for concern when your child is uncomfortable. To better understand what qualities parents should keep an eye out for, we asked experts to share some of the most important criteria to inform shopping decisions. Here are their pro tips for what to look for in the best diaper cream, ointment or spray.

Thick formulations

A thick consistency creates a better seal between the skin and moisture from diaper pee and poop. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying a thick layer of cream or ointment on baby’s affected area(s)—as if you’re frosting a cake. “For babies with frequent diaper rashes, thicker is better, and zinc-based preparations and ointments are going to provide the best barrier protection,” advises Craiglow. Thicker formulations also usually stay on better, which is important when you want to keep that skin barrier intact, particularly for more severe cases or overnight use. However, if you’re looking for an everyday prevention cream, you may opt for a thinner formulation that’s more easily absorbed.

As few ‘extras’ as possible

When it comes to ingredient labels, less is more. As a mom myself, I know how important it is to check ingredient lists for peace of mind about what’s coming into contact (and being absorbed by) my infant’s skin. Products with zinc oxide and petrolatum as active ingredients get a thumbs up across the board, but beyond that, there shouldn’t be too many other additives. Craiglow says that “creams with long lists of ingredients, fragrance and botanicals should be avoided, as these can cause more irritation.” Boucher agrees, explaining that extra ingredients designed to improve the smell of a soiled diaper (or make poop less likely to stick on baby’s butt) can exacerbate irritation to baby’s skin.

Directing additional irritants away from an infant or toddler’s sensitive skin is paramount, since even the diapers themselves can trigger allergic reactions. “Natural” and “organic” are certainly good qualities to keep on your radar, but Craiglow notes that even plant-derived additives can pose risks to babies with sensitive skin. “Look for labels that say ‘hypoallergenic’ and fragrance-free,’ as these are key indicators of gentle, sensitive skin-friendly formulations,” advises Engelman.

Hygienic containers and applicators

Diaper rash creams, pastes and ointments usually come in tubes or jars. Both are easy to use, and jars are commonly less expensive overall (you get more bang for your buck!), but they may also pose contamination risks. Wash your hands before each diaper change, and avoid double dipping, so you don’t introduce bacteria into the container, advises Craiglow. To reduce contact with baby’s skin even more, you may opt for a diaper rash spray. These formulations come in bottles that allow you to spray the contents directly onto affected areas with minimal or no rubbing required.

What to Avoid in a Diaper Rash Cream

While there are plenty of ingredients that are beneficial for diaper rash protection, others can further irritate baby’s sore skin. “Fragrances are a common trigger for skin irritation and can exacerbate diaper rashes. In fact, they are one of the leading causes of contact dermatitis in babies,” explains Engelman. Essential oils can be another irritant. “I don’t typically suggest using essential oils in diaper creams because even commonly used ones may aggravate the area,” Engelman says. “To minimize the risk of an adverse reaction, I recommend opting for hypoallergenic products specifically designed for infants.” Amin agrees, stating: “I typically err on avoiding [fragrance and essential oils] for diaper rash treatment or prevention, given a lack of safety and efficacy.”

Furthermore, Engelman advises parents to “avoid anything with dyes, talc, preservatives and parabens. Hydrocortisone should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional.” According to the AAP, phthalates and parabens, which are commonly found in some big-brand cosmetic products, are known to interfere with the endocrine system. What’s more, Amin points out that preservatives like parabens also tend to be linked to skin irritation and sensitivity. Lastly, Amin also recommends that parents avoid borax (or boric acid) and phenoxyethanol when choosing diaper creams.

About the writer:
Amelia Richardson is a Northern California journalist with more than 10 years of experience, ranging from print and online media production to radio broadcasting. She has won multiple awards at the state level for her coverage of youth and education, health and more. Amelia is a mom to a son, who was born in August 2024.