Carewell's Best Diaper Rash Cream: What To Look For & Product Recommendations

Chad Birt

Written by Chad Birt on Tue Jan 16 2024.

Jar of rash cream.

Diaper rash cream is an essential supply if you have a baby or care for a loved one who wears incontinence products. With high-quality diaper rash cream, you can keep the skin healthy and reduce the risk of common problems like diaper rash, yeast infections, and contact dermatitis. 

Since diaper rash is one of the most common problems our caregiving community faces, we’ve compiled a shoppable list of some of our favorite diaper rash creams and lotions. Here, we explain specific features to look for and highlight some of our top-rated, best-selling diaper rash creams.

What Is Diaper Rash Cream?

Diaper rash cream is a skincare product formulated to protect and nourish the sensitive skin on the buttocks, genitals, and perineum. “Many diaper rash products contain the time-tested components petroleum jelly and zinc oxide,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, Florida. Petroleum jelly and zinc oxide form a protective barrier on the skin and help prevent irritation from exposure to urine and feces.

Things To Consider When Shopping for Diaper Rash Cream

Dr. Chacon says there are several things you want to consider when shopping for diaper rash cream, including:

Ingredients

Diaper rash cream comes into contact with some of the most sensitive areas of the body. So, you want to make sure the cream you choose doesn’t contain harmful additives or toxic components. Look for a cream that contains only a few ingredients, especially those mentioned above (zinc oxide and petroleum jelly).

Scent

Some diaper rash creams contain ingredients like cod liver oil or added fragrances that produce smells. This isn’t something to worry about, but if you or your loved one are sensitive to smells, it’s something to be aware of during your search.  

Skin type

Everyone reacts to diaper rash creams differently. If your baby or loved one has sensitive skin and regularly experiences rashes, choose a product specifically formulated for sensitive skin.

Carewell’s Best Diaper Rash Cream

At Carewell, we’re proud to stock some of the most respected diaper rash creams on the market. The diaper rash creams below are some of our top-rated and best-selling. Whenever possible, we’ve included real user feedback with each entry under the heading: Hear It From a Caregiver.

1) Boudreaux’s Butt Paste

Boudreaux’s Butt Paste is one of the most popular diaper rash creams available and for good reason –– It’s been helping parents and caregivers for more than 40 years. The cream contains zinc oxide which forms a protective layer over the skin. It reduces skin irritation caused by diaper rash and yeast infections and promotes healing. 

Key Benefits & Features

  • Helps treat and prevent diaper rash

  • Protects chafed skin and helps seal out wetness

  • Easy to spread

  • Cleans off easily

Hear it from a caregiver

“5-stars. The product is good. I needed a bigger size than is sold in stores.”

- Diana K. 

Image Not Available

2) Desitin Maximum Strength Cream

Desitin Maximum Strength Baby Diaper Rash Cream contains the maximum amount of zinc oxide available without a doctor’s prescription. The cream is thick, rich, and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for babies and adults with sensitive skin. Like Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, Desitin cream creates a protective barrier that seals out wetness and prompts healing.

Key Benefits & Features

  • Creates an optimal environment for skin healing

  • 90% of people with diaper rash experience relief within 12 hours

  • Ideal for anyone experiencing discomfort from diaper rash

Hear it from a caregiver

“Desitin [cream] is light and thin [and] good at protecting wet skin.”

- Annie S.

Desitin Maximum Strength Cream
Desitin Maximum Strength Cream

Price: $5.58 - $442.96

3) Weleda Baby Diaper Cream

Weleda Baby Diaper Cream contains soothing ingredients like zinc oxide, calendula flower extract, and ylang-ylang oil. It’s formulated to soothe and nourish the skin on the most sensitive areas of the body. This cream has a mild, pleasant scent and is recommended for folks with sensitive skin.

Key Benefits & Features

  • Contains 12% zinc oxide

  • Dermatologically tested

  • Reduces skin redness and irritation

Weleda Baby Diaper Cream
Weleda Baby Diaper Cream

Price: $12.79

4) Hello Bello Diaper Cream

This Hello Bello diaper rash cream is pediatrician-approved and clinically tested. It’s hypoallergenic and supports all skin types from infants and children to adults. The cream comes out of the bottle super thick but is easy to spread. It contains zinc oxide and other soothing ingredients, such as coconut oil, to help moisturize the skin. 

Key Benefits & Features

  • Pediatrician testing

  • Vegan and cruelty-free (No beeswax)

  • Plant-derived and made from certified organic ingredients

5) Medline Remedy Clinical Skin Cream Moisturizer

This Medline Remediy skin cream contains mineral oil and other natural emollients to moisturize and protect the skin. The skin absorbs it upon application so there’s no greasy residue left behind. The cream has a pleasant, botanical scent and forms a protective barrier, reducing irritation and redness.

Key Benefits & Features

  • Contains botanicals and essential fatty acids that improve skin health

  • Can be used anywhere on the body

  • Starts working instantly

Hear it from a caregiver

“This nourishing skin cream works wonders on diaper rash. Everyone should try it. Thank you!"

- Rachel L. 

Medline Remedy Clinical Skin Cream Moisturizer
Medline Remedy Clinical Skin Cream Moisturizer

Price: $5.63 - $133.07

6) Baza Skin Protectant Cream

This Baza Skin Protectant Cream is formulated for those living with incontinence. It contains a mixture of zinc oxide and dimethicone which protect the skin from moisture exposed to urine and feces. The added lanolin and cod liver oil relieve dryness, irritation, and chafing.

Key Benefits & Features

  • Effectively treats and prevents diaper rash

  • Safe for people of all ages

  • Smooth, non-greasy, and easy to apply

Hear it from a caregiver

“This works well for protecting skin in the diaper area… It helps heal redness and rashes faster and also helps stop possible bed sores.”

- Pamela R.

Image Not Available

7) Medline Remedy Phytoplex Hydraguard Silicone Cream

This Medline Remedy silicone cream applies as a clear, water-resistant film. It’s formulated for use on sensitive areas of skin, like the buttocks, genitals, and perineum. The cream contains safflower oil, a plant-based ingredient that boasts anti-microbial properties and speeds up wound healing.

Key Benefits & Features

  • Suitable for babies, seniors, and diabetics

  • Contains 24% silicone to keep skin healthy and hydrated

  • Creates a protective barrier, reducing the risk of red, cracked, and scaly skin

Hear it from a caregiver

“I have tried several barrier lotions on my wife. This is the first one that has promoted healing and provided comfort.”

- John D. 

Need Help Choosing a Diaper Rash Cream? We’re Here For You!

Do you still have questions about diaper rash cream? No worries! Our friendly Care Team is available whenever you need them –– night and day. Call (800) 696-CARE or send an email to support@carewell.com. We’re happy to answer your questions and are here to make product recommendations. Get in touch today. 

Get Fast, Free Diaper Rash Cream Shipping with Autoship

Caring for a baby or loved one with incontinence requires you to keep diaper-changing supplies on hand. We get it, which is why we offer fast, free shipping on orders $49+. Signing up for Autoship ensures you never run out of incontinence products, like diaper rash cream. Some items even qualify for an additional 5% off. 

Best Diaper Rash Cream - Commonly Asked Questions

1) How can parents and caregivers prevent diaper rash?

The easiest way to prevent diaper rash is to change your loved one’s diaper frequently. “Immediately remove soiled and wet diapers [after a void],” Dr. Chacon says. “Ask the staff to do the same if your child or loved one is in daycare.” 

2) How often should I apply diaper rash cream?

Dr. Chacon says that for optimal results, you should apply diaper rash cream with each diaper change. This adds an extra step to the changing process, but the benefits far outweigh the hassle. Since diaper creams provide a protective barrier, your loved one is less likely to develop red, irritated skin.

3) Do I need to wash my baby’s skin when I change their diaper?

Yes. Every time you remove a dirty diaper, take a moment to wash your baby or loved one’s skin. “When washing, use lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free baby soap or shampoo,” Dr. Chacon says. “Apply soap just on the dirty areas, such as the buttocks and perineum, and rinse well after washing.”

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Chad Birt
Chad Birt

Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.