Written by Chad Birt on Tue Jan 16 2024.
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.
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.
Dr. Chacon says there are several things you want to consider when shopping for diaper rash cream, including:
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PeriGuard ointment is a petrolatum-based barrier ointment with zinc and vitamins A, D and E. PeriGuard leaves skin soft and supple. No heavy residue – it goes on clear and removes easily even from sensitive skin. Use to treat skin irritations associated with incontinence or as part of a comprehensive prevention program.
Key Benefits & Features
Enriched with vitamins A, D, E, Aloe Vera & Zinc
Promotes healthy skin hydration and nourishment
Clear, lightweight Formula leaves no heavy residue
Hear it from a caregiver
"protectionThe combination of ingredients in this skin product really helps to protect the skin. Is also healing"
- Francisca R.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
There are dozens of incontinence products on the market, but what are the best adult diapers? This is an important question, especially if you care for someone with bladder or bowel control issues.
Medically Reviewed by Kiera Powell, R.N.
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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.
