The 11 Best Diaper Rash Creams That Soothe Baby’s Symptoms STAT

Triple Paste is thick, protective, and fast-acting. My daughter’s rash once cleared up overnight with the brand's 3X Max ointment, and countless parents in the What to Expect Community praise it for doing the same. It’s also Dr. Posner’s top pick: “Triple Paste is my go-to,” she says. “It seems to be protective and tends to heal diaper rash.”

The active ingredient in this cream is 40% non-nano zinc oxide. Other ingredients include oat extract and beeswax to moisturize and soothe irritated skin. This is a very thick ointment, which parents say helps it form a protective barrier on the skin. It’s fragrance-free and doesn’t contain parabens, dyes, preservatives, phthalates, alcohol, or talc. 

At nearly $17, Triple Paste isn’t the cheapest diaper rash cream featured here. But a little does go a logn way, and it’s a complete game-changer when your little one is uncomfortable. If you’re looking for something a little less intense, you can opt to purchase larger tubs of the original formula, which includes 12.8% zinc oxide, and is available in 16-ounce tubs for $30. 

Tested by Olivia DeLong, mom of one and What to Expect’s Senior Health Editor (whose nurse sent her home from the hospital with Triple Paste): 

“It was thick, so it felt like it was really working to heal and prevent rashes, but not too thick to manage. Honestly, it seemed to work instantaneously.”

There are a few different types of Aquaphor geared towards infants, but parents in the What to Expect community overwhelmingly swear by “plain” Aquaphor to prevent diaper rash. Made with 41%  petrolatum along with mineral oil and lanolin, this is a great product for parents to use on the daily to keep baby’s bottom moisturized and soft.

Parents particularly love the texture of Aquaphor, which glides easily onto skin despite being very thick. It creates a heavy, protective barrier that effectively prevents chafing and helps ensure diaper rash doesn’t develop in the first place. It also works well to clear up mild- to- moderate diaper rash, although for severe cases, you’ll likely want to look for a product that has zinc oxide.

Like Vaseline, Aquaphor is incredibly versatile, and works equally well as a lip balm or ointment to soothe other skin irritations. At $1.14 per ounce, this is also one of the best value diaper rash creams on our list, and reviewers say a large tub will last a long time. (What to Expect's Executive Editor, Melissa Bycofsky, highly recommends buying the Aquaphor healing ointment stick to keep in your diaper bag for easy, on-the-go diaper changes, too.) 

Just note that Aquaphor contains lanolin, which some parents prefer to avoid as your little one might be allergic to it. If this or any other cream causes your baby to develop sores or redness, stop using it and reach out to your pediatrician.

Tested by Sarah Darby, mom of two and What to Expect’s Associate Director of SEO Content Strategy:

“Aquaphor was definitely easy to apply and it healed a really severe, bleeding diaper rash that [my son] got after an allergic reaction to formula. Despite its ability to heal extreme rashes, the ointment was super gentle on my son’s sensitive skin.”

Tested by Melissa Bycofsky, mom of one and What to Expect’s Executive Editor:

"I first tried Aquaphor’s ointment because it was a brand I already trusted, then I continued using it when I realized it was great at preventing diaper rash and OK to use on my son’s tush, too.”

At just $.93 per ounce, Destin Daily Defense is the most affordable diaper rash cream on our list. But you definitely won’t be sacrificing quality here: Destin is a classic brand known for its ability to effectively clear up rash symptoms.

This healing diaper rash cream is gentle enough to be used daily as a preventative treatment, and will provide ample protection for mild to moderate cases of diaper rash. While some versions of this product do contain fragrance, Daily Defense is notably fragrance-free with a 13% zinc oxide formulation. It’s also paraben-, phthalate- and dye-free, earning positive reviews from parents of babies with sensitive skin. I’ve personally found Destin can be helpful for tamping down on mild diaper rash, but stubborn rashes need a more zinc oxide-heavy formula.

Texture-wise, this is a cream. Although it’s thick enough to form a protective barrier, the formula does feel more like a lotion compared to the ointments and pastes on this list. It comes in a 16-ounce tub, so it'll likely last for quite a while, too. But don’t worry: If this cream secures a spot as your favorite, it comes in more portable sizes for your diaper bag, including a 4-ounce tube.

According to my Amazon purchase history, I’ve bought the Burt’s Bees Baby Diaper Rash Ointment seven (!) times so far this year. I stash it everywhere: in my diaper bag, purses, and multiple changing stations. To say it has become an incredibly helpful tool for my family would be an understatement.

This formula is made with 40% zinc oxide, creating a thick, effective barrier on tender skin. The addition of almond oil also helps moisturize and soothe areas of irritation. While I turn to Triple Paste 3X Max for the worst of diaper rashes, Burt’s Bees is a budget-friendly go-to for everything else. It's 100% derived from natural sources, so there is a delicate scent as a result of the shea butter, lavender oil, and jajoba seed oil combination. 

Of course, it's also free of parabens and phthalates, and isn’t tested on animals. My only complaint is that when you get to the bottom of the container, it's hard to squeeze out the remaining contents. That being said, this is pretty typical of thick rash creams that come in tubes. (I’ve found that snipping off the top of the bottle and storing it in a baggy can help!)

For an effective diaper rash product that won’t irritate the most sensitive skin types, look no further than CeraVe Diaper Rash Cream. The brand is trusted for their full line of eczema-safe skin care, and this diaper rash cream — which is recognized by the National Eczema Association — is no exception. 

In addition to 46.5 percent petrolatum, it has hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. It’s free of fragrance, parabens, sulfates, lanolin, phthalates, dyes and gluten. In other words, it’s very unlikely to react at all badly with your little one’s skin.

The clear ointment is wonderfully moisturizing and healing, parents say, and some compare the consistency to Aquaphor. Also like Aquaphor, it can be used to address any number of skin issues for the whole family (cracked or dry skin, skin irritation, chapped lips). Reviewers say the texture of this CeraVe ointment is particularly good — instead of sitting on top of skin, it melts down and absorbs nicely.

Just keep in mind that this ointment does not contain zinc oxide. The petrolatum and hydrating ingredients make it a good option for regular use to keep baby’s bottom moisturized and healthy, and I’ve found it’s effective against mild diaper rash. But for moderate to severe diaper rash, a zinc oxide formula might work faster.

Affordable, widely available, and made with a single ingredient, Vaseline is about as easy to keep stocked as it gets. Parents love that it creates a reliable moisture barrier, helping to heal mild diaper rash. 

Many parents in the What to Expect Community also praise Vaseline as an excellent preventative. Regular use can keep baby’s skin protected against moisture, which may reduce how often they develop diaper rash at all. For more stubborn or worsening rashes, though, a zinc oxide-based diaper rash cream may be a better fit — and if baby’s rash isn’t improving, it’s always best to check in with your pediatrician to rule out a fungal infection.

But part of what makes Vaseline so great is the fact that it isn't a true diaper rash cream at all. It's a multipurpose, translucent jelly that can help families with chapped cheeks and lips come winter, or simply add a layer of moisture to dry patches of skin. It's an all-in-one skin soother that lasts for what feels like forever. 

Tested by Kathleen Felton, mom of one and former What to Expect Editor, who originally contributed to this article: 

"Although I’ve tried countless diaper rash creams and ointments, Vaseline has been the most consistent product we’ve used, in part because of its versatility. From chapped lips and noses to minor skin irritations, Vaseline truly does have an infinite number of household uses. Plus, I love that it’s affordable and easy to get your hands on at pretty much all major retailers." 

If you need a fast-acting diaper rash cream for quick relief, Boudreaux's Butt Paste has somewhat of a cult following in the What to Expect community. They swear by its ability to swiftly resolve the most stubborn cases of diaper rash. Although the original Boudreaux's formula contains fragrance, the brand’s sensitive skin cream is fragrance-free. 

The ingredient list is extremely short, containing just five ingredients, including zinc oxide and petrolatum. It’s free of dyes, parabens, preservatives, and talc, and has also been recognized by the National Eczema Association. It also feels cool to the touch, providing an extra layer of relief. 

One thing parents aren’t quite in agreement about is the texture of this product. It’s a thick paste, which some reviewers dislike, saying they find it tricky to spread. Others, however, say if you warm the formula up in your hands a little first it becomes creamier and applies more easily. And many parents like how thick it is, saying the paste stays put on baby’s skin (in other words, it doesn’t rub off on the diaper) and that the thickness helps prevent chafing.

Ultimately, this probably comes down to preference — if you’re partial to a very smooth, creamy formula, you might skip this one.

Tested by Leah Rocketto, soon-to-be mom of two and What to Expect's Associate Shopping Director:

“My daughter had quite a few diaper rashes in her first year, and Boudreaux's Butt Paste quickly became our go-to treatment. We tried a few creams, but this was the only one to significantly reduce redness in the first 24 hours. I liked that it was thick, because it provided more of a barrier between her butt and the diaper. The downside to that the cream is a pain to wash off. After my daughter’s first few rashes, I invested in a diaper cream applicator to make things less messy in the future.” 

While a diaper rash cream doesn’t have to be organic to be safe or effective, many parents love the peace of mind that comes with a certified option. Earth Mama Organics Diaper Balm has built a loyal following thanks to its gentle, plant-based ingredients and USDA Organic certification.

The effectiveness of this balm depends on a blend of beeswax, olive oil, and shea butter to nourish skin and create a light protective barrier that locks in moisture. Because it doesn’t contain zinc oxide, it may not be the best fit for moderate to severe rashes. But for everyday protection or help with mild diaper irritation, it’s a go-to favorite among parents who prefer natural care.

The versatility is another big perk. Beyond diaper duty, parents often use it on chapped cheeks and dry patches, and even in baby's skin folds. The balm has a pleasant herbal scent and spreads easily — just warm a little up between your fingers first. 

As you know, nearly all of the rash creams on this list are fragrance-free, although some do have a natural scent. I’ve found that The Honest Company's diaper rash cream doesn’t smell like anything at all, making it a good choice for scent-sensitive families. This cream is hypoallergenic, meaning it won’t irritate baby’s skin or make rashes worse. It’s also accepted by the National Eczema Association to support skin health. 

It relies on 14% zinc oxide, making it a good choice for milder cases of diaper rash or rash prevention. However, I’ve found it still helps create a solid barrier to protect against moisture. The upside of less zinc: It’s simple to dispense and glides on easily. It also washes off your hands afterward better than the more zinc-heavy formulas on our list.

The Honest Company uses a special “phyto-blend” that includes sunflower seed oil and sunflower wax to help support baby’s skin and ease irritation. The cream is free of silicone, parabens, lanolin, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrances, too (but you already knew that!). 

The biggest downsides of diaper rash creams, in my humble opinion? You usually have to scoop, smear, and spread with your hands (or a wipe) to properly distribute the stuff. Even diaper rash cream applicators have to be cleaned well after each use. If you're tired of constantly scrubbing or rinsing, Mustela's Diaper Rash Spray eliminates the need for all of that. Just spritz, and you’re done.

This easy-to-use spray contains 14.9% zinc oxide, making it a solid choice for treating and preventing mild to moderate cases of diaper rash. The fine mist coats evenly, so you don't have to worry about rubbing it in. Plus, the formula is free from parabens,  phthalates, and fragrances — AKA a win for sensitive baby skin! 

Alongside zinc oxide, the spray features Mustela’s signature ingredient: avocado perseose. It's a plant-based extract designed to help strengthen baby’s natural skin barrier. Many parents reach for it at the first sign of redness, since it creates a quick, protective layer without the mess. However, I'll say it before and I'll say it again, for more stubborn or severe rashes, you'll want to reach for a thicker, 40% zinc oxide cream. But if you need something that's a bit more travel-friendly than a tub or are looking for a swift solution when dealing with a wiggly little one when out and about, Mustela will be a lifesaver (it has been for me!).

Gentle, organic ingredients meet zinc oxide protection to treat your little one’s cheeks (yes, those cheeks) to some serious TLC. Tubby Todd’s Diaper Paste is a smooth, fragrance-free formula that blends organic ingredients like sunflower, coconut, and jojoba oils to soothe skin. 

It squirts out in a pasty consistency, creating a breathable barrier that locks out wetness, but is still lightweight enough for daily use. Not only is it free of all the typical, irritable suspects (synthetic fragrances, parabens, steroids), but it's also free of gluten and dairy, too. 

Unlike some thicker diaper rash creams, parents say the Sweet Cheeks glides on easily, especially if you splurge on the silicone spatula. Use it at every change as a preventative top layer that's equally as good at preventing chafing. Bonus: You can save 10% and get free shipping if you sign up for a subscription, but note that this luxe option is also widely available at other retailers like Amazon.  

Pro Tip: Pair this with Tubby Todd's best-selling All-Over Ointment — a rich, do-it-all balm that helps soothe dry skin and offers ultimate eczema relief.