Did you know that lots of popular over the counter diaper creams contain harmful ingredients that can make the diaper rash even worse? That’s why you should opt for the best natural diaper rash cream that will bring immediate relief to your little one’s itchy and red rash on the bum.
Here I’m sharing my favorite creams and balms that are full of natural and organic ingredients – perfect for sensitive and irritated skin.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice. It may contain affiliate links.
Probably every baby experiences the nasty, irritated skin of a diaper rash at some point. There are many ways a baby can get this irritation from skin sensitivities, allergies or moisture from simply wearing a diaper.
The main question is, how are you going to treat it?
There are plenty of products claiming to be the best diaper creams, but they are loaded with artificial fragrances, toxins, talc, parabens and other bad stuff that you wouldn’t knowingly want to put on your baby.
And, some cheaper diaper rash creams might actually make your baby’s rash worse, with ingredients that further irritate the skin.
Some of these products are just greenwashing brands, hoping to catch unsuspecting consumers with products that are labeled ‘organic’. However, if you check the ingredients list you’ll find a mix of harmful chemicals, chemical preservatives and other bad stuff mixed with a few organic ones.
That’s why a true organic diaper rash cream or an all-natural diaper rash cream is best for your baby. They not only heal the rashes, they do it with all natural and/or certified organic ingredients so you can feel good knowing what you’re putting on your baby’s skin.
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Best Natural & Organic Diaper Rash Cream – Ranking
I’ve rounded up 7 of the best natural diaper rash creams, and a special baby ointment, as a bonus, to help you find the best natural diaper rash cream for your baby.
1. Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm
Earth Mama is an awesome, organic brand that uses only natural ingredients and makes every effort to reduce their plastic use, too, which I really like. If your baby has a really uncomfortable rash, reach for this organic diaper cream, first.
It’s dermatologist approved and so safe, it’s even the preferred rash cream for babies in the NICU. You won’t find any petroleum jelly or toxins hiding here, just wholesome, safe, organic ingredients.
Ingredients
Some of the amazing ingredients include organic beeswax mixed with calendula extract, organic lavender oil, and organic tea tree essential oils, which make this diaper rash cream both soothing and hypo-allergenic.
Olive oil and shea butter are the base ingredients, so a little bit goes a long way. Don’t let the small container throw you off, you will get a lot of use out of it. Directions for use state that you should apply only a thin layer after baths and diaper changes to see results.
| PRO TIP: If you choose family size of this diaper cream (4oz.) you will save 15% OFF here (no code needed). What’s more, Earth Mama offers awesome discounts for bundles: if you buy 6 jars of this diaper balm, you will get extra 10% discount (use code CASE10 at checkout here). |
Multiple Uses
What’s even more awesome is that this Earth Mama balm has so many uses well beyond the baby years. Even when your kids aren’t wearing diapers anymore, you can apply this as a salve for broken skin, chapped lips, or to soothe a scraped knee.
Parents love that this diaper rash cream works with both disposable and cloth diapers, too.
Best For
This is the best diaper cream for young infants to heal diaper rashes, and a general-use, all-natural balm for bums, dry skin on elbows and knees, and chapped lips. You can’t go wrong with Earth Mama’s Diaper Balm.
2. Zoe Organic Diaper Balm
The Zoe Organic Balm is another of the best organic diaper rash creams. It uses non toxic ingredients and it’s free of anything that is considered as a potential skin irritant.
With organic and natural ingredients and no zinc oxide, this healing balm is ideal for moms who are using cloth diapers. And it’s a good options for babies with very sensitive skin.
What I like about this cream is that it goes on… like a cream! I know, that sounds silly, but many diaper rash creams are more like a paste and a nightmare to clean off of your own fingers after applying to baby’s butt. This is a thick consistency, but it’s still creamy and it goes on clear (not white).
It also doesn’t contain any synthetic fragrance or harsh ingredients, so my mamas doing reusable diapers can use this with confidence.
Ingredient List
What you’ll find in Zoe Organic Diaper Balm is a base of organic sunflower oil, mixed with lavender oil, organic cocoa butter, organic beeswax, calendula flower, chamomile flower and tea tree essential oils for a soothing balm that really works.
And, if your aim is organic skincare products for your baby, know that this rash cream uses only organic ingredients.
| PRO TIP: This diaper cream has got a lot of the same ingredients as the best-selling Green Goo Baby Balm that you might have seen advertised. It’s one of the best diaper rash creams, working in a similar way with many of the same ingredients. The good news is that right now it’s on a huge sale, so of you’re looking the best swap for an affordable alternative to Zoe Organics, definitely check out this Green Goo Balm. Last time I checked it was 28% off, but make sure to check if the sale is still on. |
Best For
There are lots of all-natural, cloth diaper-safe creams on this list, but I think that with its creamy consistency, this one is the overall winner for a cloth diaper safe cream.
3. Motherlove Baby Diaper Balm
The Motherlove brand anti-fungal and antibacterial diaper rash cream uses a very different type of formula than many of the other organic diaper creams out there. This can be awesome if you’ve tried some of the other diaper creams without success, maybe this is the magic treatment for your baby.
The main draw of this baby balm is treating irritation and preventing diaper rash before it starts. Think of this as more of a baby ointment than a rash cream. Yes, some moms use it as a treatment for a red rash, and it also has antifungal properties (which is great for restoring yeast balance and treating skin yeast infections), so it might be great for other skin problems, too.
On the other hand, because of the unique ingredients, you may unfortunately find that your child has a reaction to the Motherlove Diaper Balm, because it contains ingredients you aren’t likely to find in many other baby skincare products: like grape root, yarrow herb and myrrh gum.
Ingredient List
Organic extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, grape root, myrrh gum, yarrow herb, and calendula flower. That’s it! Simple, straightforward, all-natural ingredients.
All ingredients are non-GMO and USDA-certified organic, too.
What you won’t find in this organic diaper cream: zinc oxide, lanolin, petroleum, parabens or phthalates.
Best For
This is best to prevent a rash before it even starts!
4. Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Fragrance-Free Diaper Cream
Now, if you’ve tried even the best diaper rash cream you can find and your baby’s extra sensitive skin still had a reaction, then give Babo Botanicals Diaper Cream a try.
This diaper rash cream is specially formulated for baby’s delicate skin, featuring colloidal oatmeal and shea butter to soothe irritated skin, and calendula flower and mineral oils to treat diaper rashes.
It is hypoallergenic, vegan, fragrance-free, made without parabens, artificial dyes, or lanolin, to be ideal even for a newborn baby’s skin. It might not be the best at treating severe rashes, but it can protect skin or prevent flare-ups for those babies who easily get a rash with other baby products.
Ingredients
The base ingredients of this natural diaper cream are sunflower oil, non-nano zinc oxide, vegetable oil, coconut oil, shea and cocoa butter. It also contains ingredients to help chapped skin like calendula flower extract and chamomile.
*Some are organic ingredients, but this is not fully organic.
This diaper cream does use zinc oxide, specifically non-nano zinc oxide, which means it has larger particles, which is considered safer to use on the skin and won’t be absorbed into the body.
Best For
This diaper rash cream is best for soothing very sensitive skin of newborns. This is even gentle enough for everyday use, so you can use it to prevent diaper rashes from even starting if you apply as a moisture barrier each time you change diapers.
5. Baby Bum Diaper Rash Cream
Another good, and very popular choice is the Baby Bum brand Diaper Rash Cream. What I like about it is that Baby Bum baby products are designed with kids in mind, not just babies. This is great to use on toddlers, too.
It works as a moisture barrier protectant to prevent diaper rashes and soothes chafed, irritated skin, all with a plant-based formula. It is all-natural, dye-free, paraben-free and petroleum-free and vegan, too.
The biggest difference other parents noted when using the Baby Bum Diaper salve was overnight: applying a thick layer really sealed out wetness for hours (when the bum is most at risk for chafing).
Ingredients
The main ingredient (16%) is non-nano zinc oxide, which is what really protects the skin.
Other ingredients include Ricinus communis seed oil, hydrogenated castor oil, coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, cocoa butter, avocado oil, aloe leaf extract, gardenia taitensis flower extract, tocopherol (vitamin e), and hydrogenated vegetable oil.
Best For
All-night protection against wet diapers for baby’s sensitive rear.
6. Maty’s Baby Diaper Rash Relief Ointment
Maty’s Baby Diaper Ointment was created by a mom – a mom who was fed up. She couldn’t find a product that worked for her baby’s diaper rash – so she made her own diaper rash cream. And that is something I can completely respect.
I like Maty’s products because the ingredients are few and simple: no harsh chemicals, or any other added mineral oils, just essential oils that smell great and really work.
Maty’s diaper ointment comes in both a squeezable tube and a larger 10 oz tube and is safe for babies as young as two months old.
Ingredients
For the smaller tube, the ingredients are aloe vera extract, frankincense essential oil, lavender essential oil, coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, carnauba wax, and beeswax with the active ingredient of zinc oxide.
If you order the larger tub, you’ll have all those, but the active ingredient in this one is the added Calendula 3X HPUS, instead.
If you’re looking for zinc oxide-free cream for diaper rash, the latter one is great option.
Best For
It works to make an effective moisture barrier to treat diaper rash.
7. La Petite Creme Organic Diapering Lotion
Surprise! This is the “bonus” baby ointment included on the list. It’s not a diaper cream or a balm to treat a rash, what it does is act as a protective moisture barrier and prevent rashes by, get this – replacing wipes!
La Petite Creme is meant to be used on a daily basis, preferably after every diaper change, and the idea is to use this lotion instead of traditional (disposable) baby wipes. It cleans, softens and protects your baby’s sensitive skin.
Ingredients
La Petite Creme is certified organic, safe for newborns and works with both disposables and cloth diaper
It contains: water, organic olive oil, vegetable glycerin, organic beeswax, vitamin e, and calcium hydroxide.
Directions For Use
Squirt a small amount of lotion on a cloth or soft cotton pad and use it to wipe and clean your baby. Apply a thin layer on baby’s clean bum before replacing a new disposable diaper, or cloth one.
It is suitable to use at every diaper change, the lotion creates a protective barrier. There’s no need to completely dry the area before putting another diaper on.
Best For
It is the best organic diaper cream for daily use and as a replacement for wipes… but this ‘creme’ isn’t supposed to treat diaper rash, it only helps to prevent it.
8. Burt’s Bees Diaper Rash Ointment
The number one cause of diaper rash is your baby’s skin remaining wet in their diaper.
Burt’s Bees Diaper rash ointment addresses just that: their formula makes sure that wetness doesn’t reach your baby’s rear, and they do it by a very thick ointment.
Directions For Use
After every diaper change, clean the area and allow a few minutes for baby’s rear to air dry, then apply a thick layer of Burt’s Bees cream to baby’s rear. Remember to change diapers often to prevent the risk of rashes.
Benefits Of Burt’s Bees Diaper Ointment
When use properly, it keeps baby’s rear dry and helps prevent rashes from starting in the first place. Burt’s Bees uses 100% natural ingredients (no petrolatum or parabens, and it is pediatrician approved for every-day-use).
Drawbacks Of Burt’s Bees Diaper Ointment
Many parents love Burt’s Bees and it’s the only thing they use on their babies. However, the main complaints other parents have about using this product include:
- It contains zinc oxide (40% of the total product)
- It’s incredibly thick, you will get this all over your fingers (hey, you were going to wash your hands anyway, right?)
- It is not vegan; contains lanolin, which comes from sheep
Ingredients
What’s in it?
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide. Inactive ingredients: shea butter, lanolin, beeswax, sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil, castor oil, olive oil, lavender oil, anthemis nobilis flower oil, calendula oil, rosemary extract, canola oil and soybean oil. (that is alot of oil!)
Final Verdict: What Is The Most Natural Diaper Rash Cream?
While all these natural diaper rash creams are really good at something, this Earth Mama’s Diaper Balm is the overall winner because it works magic for soothing irritated skin and it’s not excessively pricey. It is the best natural diaper rash cream, while still being cloth diaper safe and then doing even more.
Not only is it effective, but it is multi-purpose, too! You can use this stuff for years ‘beyond the bum’ to treat scraped knees and chapped hands.
I love its all-natural ingredients and use of essential oil without petroleum jelly. And, it doesn’t include zinc oxide, making it safe for cloth diapers.
Natural Diaper Rash Cream Alternatives For Cloth Diapers
Many moms trying to use natural ingredients might also be cloth diapering. What you might not know is that many conventional diaper creams contain petroleum-based products, which can ruin cloth diapers.
While zinc oxide is included in many natural diaper rash creams, it still is debated whether it is cloth diaper-friendly.
A company may advertise a natural diaper rash cream as safe for cloth diapers, but have you ever tried to scrub off zinc oxide? I have, and it is not easy to get out. I’d switch to disposable diapers for a few days, if using a zinc oxide-based product.
When you apply these creams on baby bums, the petroleum products or petroleum jelly in the product can form a thick layer on the cloth diaper which results in build-up and makes them less absorbent.
Sure, it might be a good moisturizer, but there are great diaper rash creams that contain better, more soothing ingredients without the synthetic, harmful chemicals of petroleum products.
It’s best to go with a natural diaper cream that does the job with ingredients like organic castor oil, jojoba oil, or another natural oil to heal rashes without a risk to your cloth diapers.
Best Organic & Natural Diaper Rash Creams – FAQ
Your baby screams during diaper changes? One of the reasons for babies to hate nappy changes is itchy and painful rash. Using a natural diaper rash cream is the best solution to treat it and make the diaper change easier for both of you!
If you’re still hesitant what is the best organic diaper rash cream for your little one’s bum, here I’m sharing some tips on treating diaper rashes.
How Do You Treat Diaper Rash Naturally?
The main thing is to make sure that baby’s rear stays dry. Being in a wet or soiled diaper is the underlying cause and some babies are just more sensitive than others.
Change diapers often, and moisturize chaffed skin. Then, apply a protective barrier to prevent it from coming back.
Also; make sure it’s actually diaper rash, not a fungus or skin sensitivity to the type of diaper or wipes you’re using.
What Ingredient Is Best For Diaper Rash?
Many people prefer zinc oxide in their diaper rash creams because of its proven effectiveness, but I’m with the natural diaper rash creams that feature shea butter and calendula extract to both protect and soothe baby’s irritated bum.
What Heals Diaper Rash Fastest?
That would be going diaper-free and getting the bum completely dry.
Oh, you meant what product heals diaper rash fastest? For fast results, I would use Burt’s Bees Diaper Balm or Baby Bum Diaper Cream. Use a thick layer, and if you can, still let baby go commando for a few hours.
Is Coconut Oil Good For Diaper Rash?
Yes, coconut oil has natural antibacterial properties, making it a safe, desirable ingredient in an all-natural diaper rash cream.
It is also a great moisturizer, and a preferable ‘carrier oil’ to use together with essential oils.
Look for products that use organic, virgin coconut oil instead of heavily processed coconut oil.
Can Coconut Oil Be Used As Diaper Cream?
Coconut oil is a great option for a moisturizer, but I find it too light of an oil to act as a good “barrier” that I want in a diaper cream.
I like to use it after baths, but try to apply a thicker cream. Something with a base of shea butter or cocoa butter (that might have coconut oil in it, too) is my preferred diaper cream.
What Is The Best Homemade Diaper Rash Cream?
Hey DIY Mama, you can make your own rash cream! Her’s a simple recipe that I love, to help prevent diaper rash:
- 3 Tablespoons of virgin coconut oil (melted)
- 1/3 cup of organic shea butter (warm)
- 4 Tablespoons of bentonite clay powder (the same that you use as a natural face mask)
- 3-4 drops of essential oil (I prefer organic lavender oil, but you could use chamomile, too)
Make sure all oils are warm, so they will blend together. Add the bentonite clay until it is smooth (no lumps), and feel free to add a bit more clay to reach the consistency you prefer (I like a rash cream as a paste).
This has no preservatives in it, so it won’t stay for weeks. Also, if temperatures are cool, the coconut oil will solidify and separate, so make sure to use it quickly, and make new batches often.
What Is The #1 Diaper Rash Cream?
In my opinion the #1 diaper rash cream is the Earth Mama’s organic baby balm. It’s super popular – I went through hundreds of online reviews and moms agree that it works like a miracle for red rashes and dry skin patches.
Don’t take my word for it: check out the reviews written by real customers here >>
From this list, the runner-up is this Baby Bum Natural Diaper Cream. It has hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon and the 3 oz. squeeze tube is under $10, so it’s incredibly affordable, too! If you’re on tight budget, it’s your best choice.
For diaper rash prevention my go-to cream is this Motherlove Diaper Balm. For this one you will need a bit more flexible budget.
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. Remember: safety first! The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.
Source of pictures:
Pictures of Earth Mama Organics products belong to Earth Mama Organics brand.
Pictures of Zoe Organics products belong to Zoe Organics brand.
Pictures of Burt’s Bees products belong to Burt’s Bees brand.
Pictures of Motherlove products belong to Motherlove brand.
Pictures of Babo Botanicals products belong to Babo Botanicals brand.
Pictures of Maty’s products belong to Maty’s brand.
Pictures of La Petit Creme products belong to La Petit Creme brand.
Pictures of Baby Bum products belong to Baby Bum (Sun Bum) brand.
Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂