No one likes a rash. No one likes repelling diapers. So when your little one gets a rash or you simply want to prevent them what are you to use?
Most “regular” diaper rash creams are not cloth diaper safe. This means that they create a barrier on the inner material and cause the diaper to repel instead of absorb moisture.
Thankfully, there are several cloth diaper safe diaper rash creams available online or in many grocery stores.
I will be including the original list with Autumn’s remarks about the creams as well as my own. This way you are getting two for the price of one! If I added my comments to a cream on the list I will note it with a (J). The * indicates that it has been personally used by Autumn or I.
Aden & Anais Mum & Bub Soothing Ointment: Free of phytoestrogen, parabens, petroleum oils, phthalates, gluten and soy. It does contain fragrance though so may not be ideal for super sensitive skin.
Aleva Naturals Soothing Diaper Cream
Arbonne Baby Care Diaper Rash Cream
Avalon Organics Protective Ointment
Aveeno Soothing Relief Diaper Rash Cream w/ zinc oxide
Baby and Eve everyday bum balm : Organic, Made in Canada
*Bee All Natural’s Organic Baby Powder: Any baby powder not made with talc is safe for cloth diapers. Just use sparingly when applying as too much can create a cloud that can be inhaled. It’s for the tush, not your lungs ;)
Babo Botanicals Soothing Diaper Cream
*Babyganics Non-Petroleum Soothing Protective Ointment: Thicker cream, good to use as a moisture barrier on babies prone to wetness sensitivity. No fragrance so also great on sensitive skin.
*Balm! Baby- Diaper Balm: This is one you may not have heard of but I think it is wonderful. I’ve become heavily dependent on the products made by Taylor House, Inc (THinc.) and love them all. The Diaper Balm is also a First Aid ointment. I can’t say it enough, I love this!
* Bee All Natural Diaper Rash Salve: (J) Quickly clears up rashes from ammonia or sensitivities. The tube fits nicely in a diaper bag as well.
*Bee Green Naturals CocoBum Cream: (J) Nourishes, protects and heals. This is a creamier blend made by a WAHM. She states on her website, that due to the ingredients used, texture varies depending on the weather and temperature.
Bourdeaux’s All Natural Butt Paste (green tube): This is available in many drug stores and places like Walmart and Target. The main ingredient is zinc, which is cloth diaper safe. Zinc may stain but will not cause repelling.
*Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Ointment: Yes, this has zinc in it. Zinc is CD safe. It has been known to cause staining for some people. If you have that happen, don’t be alarmed. I like to use this when I want a good thick barrier cream.
*California Baby Diaper Rash Cream: can be purchased at many grocery stores and Amazon. Great aromatherapy scent. I have this thing about zinc oxide creams, as I apply them I immediately feel at ease as if they work faster and better. There have been cloth diaper users that claim this product leaves stains on their diapers. I have not experienced this yet. (J) I also have had no problems with zinc creams. I like that I can buy this in pretty much any local grocery store as well.
Calmoseptine: This comes highly recommended from pediatricians. Menthol helps to immediately relieve skin issues and zinc provides an excellent barrier.
* CJ’s BUTTer: I LOVE the spritz, especially the pixie pie scent! I use it after every diaper change. It keeps Camden smelling good and his skin soft and supple. (J) This is my other favorite that I reach for A LOT! I find if I really want to moisturize, this is the one. It works well when Sophia’s sensitive skin reacts to (a sometimes unknown) irritant. I also love the spritz, but I like the tubs as well. The Love Spell is heavenly smelling!
*Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm now known as Earth Momma Organic Diaper balm: Use it on anything from bug bites to razor burn to yeast rashes. Very popular with many cloth diaper manufacturers. This company knows how to make great products. (J) I love this cream! It’s one of my favorites, read my review to find out more!
Earthly Remedies Baby’s Butt Cream
Eco Sprout Coconut Stick: This is a simple stick made up of 100% Organic unrefined virgin coconut oil blended with beeswax and vitamin E oil. Easy application and basic ingredients.
* Grandma El’s: Grandma El’s is my go to recommendation when someone needs a barrier ointment. I love the smell and wish it was gluten free so I could still use it.
GroVia Magic Stick Diaper Balm: (J) Made with natural and organic ingredients. Good if you don’t like to get your hands messy. However, because it is touched directly on baby, you will need a separate stick for each child if you have more than one in diapers. GroVia also has a version of this available with zinc in it.
Hello Bello contains zinc
Honest Company Organic Healing Balm: Some may worry that beeswax isn’t cd safe. It totally is, plus it is also a great to lock in moisture. It is also naturally anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-allergenic, and germicidal.
Honest Company Rapid Relief Diaper Rash Cream: Goes on smooth and rubs in while still leaving enough of a barrier to help soothe skin.
*Kissing Blake Bum Balm I really liked this on rashes that had an open sore. It helped to speed the healing. There are no colorants or dyes, phthalates, formaldehyde, mineral oil, petroleum, or fragrances Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Koalin Clay, Beeswax, Lavender EO, Tea Tree EO
Lanolin: The kind used as nipple cream. Or what you use on wool to make them waterproof. Any pure brand is safe for cloth.
La Petite Creme Diaper Cleanser Lotion: (J) I’ve used this as both a rash cream and a cleanser and I prefer it as a rash cream. It may just be because I’m not really used to cleaning bums with a cream instead of a spray though. Very creamy and easy to use.
*LuSa Organics Booty Balm: (J) Made with organic ingredients. Good for diaper rashes as well as cuts, scraps, drool rash, windburn and sunburns. I am a big fan of all of the LuSa products.
Maty’s All Natural Baby Ointment
* MotherLove Diaper Rash and Thrush Ointment: Very versatile. I’ve used it on fungal spots with great success.
Northern Essence All Natural Diaper Rash Salves
NYME Organics Bun Glaze
Ora’s Amazing Herbal Baby Salve
*Organic unrefined virgin coconut oil: (J) This one is nature’s moisturizer. You can find this at any grocery store in their health food section. It is found in solid form. You can apply it by rubbing some between your fingers first. The friction will soften it up enough to be able to apply to little one’s bum. I found this to be a little more work than I wanted to be bothered with; but lots of people use this with great results.
Palmers Cocoa Butter Rash Cream
Peas in a Pod Bum Balm
*Pooters Skin Therapy: (J) I turned to this stuff to treat a tick bite Sophia had. I then started to use it on a regular basis on any redness I saw. Cleared it up quickly every time. This is an excellent product for eczema as well.
Reese and Luke’s Shea Butter Baby Balm
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Chamomile and Argan Oil Baby Head-to-Toe Ointment
*Sweetbottoms Naturals All-Natural Soothing Herbal Balm
* Thirsties Booty Love: An excellent choice to apply every night before bedtime. Booty Love ointment will protect baby’s sensitive skin throughout the night from moisture and ammonia vapors. Anytime I used a barrier ointment at night my children wouldn’t have a red bum in the morning if the diaper reeked of ammonia. Sometimes ammonia can’t be avoided but still needs to be properly washed out. Make sure you are rinsing well and using a deep cleaning detergent appropriate for your water type.
TriDerman Stubborn Diaper Rash Healing Cream
Weleda Calendula Diaper Rash Cream
Wish Garden Herbs Baby Bum Balm
These are a few common ingredients used in non-cloth diaper safe creams: cod liver oil, paraffin and petroleum based ingredients. If you see them included on the ingredient list of a rash cream; you should avoid the cream. If you absolutely NEED to use them, I recommend a liner to protect your cloth diapers from repelling issues.
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Autumn is a wife, mother, homeschool teacher, friend and most important a follower of Christ.
Dasha Mayorga says
My baby has EXTREMELY sensitive skin and his doctor recommended he only use maximum strength Desitin any time he pees or poops he immediately gets a rash. I wanted to switch to cloth diapers because I read they cause less rashes but as I’m reading it doesn’t say anything about Desitin…. can I use it ? Or is their anything I can use that’s close to it?
Jennifer Reinhardt says
You can use desitin with any cloth diaper if you use a liner. Or you can also use it with natural fibers with no liners. It should wash out of fabrics like cotton, hemp and bamboo in hot water. Please keep in mind if you are using a very thick layer of it you will likely have trouble washing it just because of the amount. If that were the case I’d recommend a liner regardless.
Lucas says
Bonjour!
There is a new product, launched in 2018: NOLEO – 3-in-1 Zinc Oxide Free to clean, moisturize and protect. French but now sold in the US.
It is about Prevention of diaper rash with this product :)
Of course it also reduces the rash and redness, without leading to repelling diapers!
Ashlee Bliss says
Hello. New here to the cloth diaper world. What ingredients should I avoid in cream? I am checking my all natural salve I get from a friend is safe.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
They are listed at the bottom of the post :)
Danielle says
Hi! I’ve been using Resinlin which is not CD safe but I have been using a fleece liner. Should I wash the liners in a separate load since they have a petroleum based cream? I haven’t used disposable liners because I was worried she would essentially be sitting with urine against her skin which is the whole reason why I switched to CD. Any advice?
Also I use resinlin whenever I see spots appear and at night for extra protection because my LO has super sensitive skin. Is there any specific cream that is CD safe that might work better? I like AngelBaby Balm but I put it on more as a preventative because it hasn’t worked to clear up her rash in the past. Thank you!!!
Jennifer Reinhardt says
You should be fine washing them with the diapers as long as you aren’t gobbing on too thick. Grandma El’s is my favorite for a good thick barrier cream. Good Luck! <3
Patti says
First time mom here, I found a DIY cream of coconut oil, bees wax, lavendar oil and tea tree oil. Going to make a few batches before little man gets here. I’ll update after I’ve used it but seems to help the coconut oil stay together and more of a paste. Has anyone used or had a friend use this? Just trying to get the lowdown before I start with little man. Thanks
Jennifer Reinhardt says
I don’t make my own stuff. But sounds like you are using good ingredients. Keep us posted!
Jessica says
I love the GroVia Magic Stick! I touched on it lightly in a post I wrote called Cloth Diapers 101 :) http://easylivingtoday.com/cloth-diapers-101-everything-you-need-to-know/
Delna Shaw says
I have been using cloth diapers from http://www.lilhelper.ca and I have found them very useful in the fight against rashes
natalie says
i am wondering if arbonne’s herbal diaper rash cream is cd safe? the company in general says it uses natural and safe ingredients, but that doesn’t necessarily equal cd safe. i’ve looked through the ingredients and don’t see lanolin, zinc oxide, petroleum, or cod liver oil…. however, it’s possible i missed one of these (it is a long ingredient list and those words start to run together after a little bit). do you know anything about this one? thanks!
Autumn Beck says
zinc oxide is the main ingredient (according to the Arbonne website). that doesn’t mean it can’t be used with all cloth diapers. use a liner to prevent staining or buildup if concerned.
KB says
Thanks for all this great information! I’m expecting #2 in Dec. and am diving into cloth diapering. I’ve already purchased some newborn fitted Kissaluvs as well as the Flip system. I’d like to make a homemade rash cream/oil. I’ve seen on your other posts that coconut oil is fine and from what I understand washes out without any extra steps. What about unrefined shea butter? almond oil? grapefruit seed extract?
Autumn Beck says
unrefined shea butter is used by Delish, a cloth diaper safe company, so it’s good. grapefruit seed extract is great for the wash. almond oil can be added in a small amount to cloth wipes wash and comes out fine.
Sara says
Quick question about liners- we use flushable liners for daycare since it’s easier on them. Is this enough if I think they will really load it on her? Or should I layer a stay dry liner under the flushable liner?
Autumn Beck says
if it is cloth diaper safe then the flushable liner is fine.
kristi b says
I have used grandma el’s and right afterwards my diapers experienced repelling issuses and havent been the same since. I strip them then 2 wears later they need stripped again. I use calgon and little love buns detergent. one cold rinse presoak, hot water wash and two cold rinses and still can not get my routine down
Karen Cohen says
My poor little one seems to have a constant rash wherever the diaper touches him. He seems SO sensitive to moisture. We have been using an assortment of things and have not had much luck. We have been using CJs BUTTer cream (coconut lime scent) and really like the feel and smell of it. I ordered the CJs BUTTer PLUS spritz…it is the one that is the yeast formula. I do NOT like it. I find the spritz to be very runny and the PLUS only comes as unscented which is a misnomer…this stuff stinks! We have been using the California Baby and it seems to do a good job at helping to clear up the rash and we haven’t noticed any staining. We tend to put a thin layer on rather than gooping it up. We also use Earth’s Best Non-Petroleum Jelly. Based on the ingredients, I think it is CD safe. We also use a thin layer.
Mandie says
Wondering if Benson’s Bottom Paint is okay to use. We live in the town that is homebase for it which would make it easy to procure. I’m also curious about Miracle II Neutralizer Gel would work? Its said to be perfect for cuts, etc and I’ve used it with success to keep acne at bay.
Autumn Beck says
you would need to take the same precautions you would with any cream that contains petrolatum and zinc oxide. be aware that staining or repelling *could* occur depending on your diapers. another note, i would do more research on the safety of the ingredients contained in Benson’s.
KatB says
I have been using Hylands Diaper Ointment. I have not seen it mentioned on this site.
Autumn Beck says
I haven’t seen it before but I will look it up.
Autumn Beck says
looked it up… from what i can see it has lanolin and petrolatum. these can be safe but could also cause staining. not that i’m a stain freak but if you start noticing repelling you may want to use a liner.
K Pohl says
our favorite cloth diaper safe cream is booty butter by jessica. This stuff is amazing!
Ellen says
Question- so is Burts Bees Baby Bee ok? I have to go read the label but I’ve been not using it for fear of repeling.
Autumn Beck says
Burt’s Bees works great for some (me in the past) and causes issues for others. That is the case for many creams with zinc oxide in them.
Mary Jane Vanderbles says
I don’t believe it has the zinc oxide in it anymore at least the one I’m looking at doesn’t list it as an ingredient.
Anna Wick says
You need to add to this list, Lasinoh Lanolin! It’s useful for more than just the early days of breastfeeding. The lanolin will melt off the diaper in a hot wash, and it has cleared up my baby’s blister in just a day.
beth c says
just a note to ALWAYS dilute grapefruit seed extract!! thanks for the update!!
beth c says
& do you have a list of just the ingredients that are cloth diaper safe? it seems like most oils & beeswax are, but it would be nice to know for future reference!! :)
Irene says
I highly recommend the CJs spritz. We ran out so I sent CJs tub to daycare, big mistake. They never caught on to a little goes a long way so just from so much being used, we had oil build up which led to repelling. The spritz they can easily use! Grovia Magic Stick is another they love using too (just isn’t effective on my daughter)
MoMof6 says
Amazing results with Tender Tush from Young Living. A tiny bit goes a long way and I haven’t had trouble with it in the diapers.
Lindsey says
Do you recommend using a liner with these creams or is that not necessary?
Autumn Beck says
not necessary to use a liner with cloth diaper safe creams. however, if you like to really lather it on then you should ;)
Christina says
Can I just put a plug in for plain old unrefined coconut oil. Nothing fancy, easily available at grocery and health food stores and the single most effective rash/redness treatment we have ever used!
Nicole s says
Do you find coconut oil to cause any repelling, etc? What detergent do you use to wash?
Jamie says
I have used Baby Ganics non-petroleum Protective ointment. I have not been all that happy with it. I dont think it workds all that great. I got it at babies r us. I thinl it is cloth diaper safe. I can’t use lavender so many of the other creams I can use.
Sheine says
Just an FYI, Aveeno is tested on animals. So, if you are sensitive to that, then I would try something else :)
Laurie says
On the cloth diapering board there’s been talk of California Baby changing their formula, and it causing sore bottoms. I don’t have personal experience with it but I thought you’d want to know!
Erika says
I heard this but didn’t really notice a difference until my daughter started saying that it “hurts” when we put it on. So I switched to the Aveeno Naturals (since I was in a hurry, I wanted something easily available) and that seems to work for her. I was a little worried about repelling since it seems to be a new product and I couldn’t find much info about it with cloth diapers, but I haven’t had any problems. I also checked the label and if I remember correctly it had about the same concentration of zinc oxide as CA baby, so I figured it would be OK. I didn’t know to check for cod liver oil, though- will have to do that when I get home.
katie says
I have used california baby recently and my baby screems when we put it on her bottom. I have tried about 3 times and the same thing each time. I felt so bad we had to give her a bath to calm her down. We tossed it and are looking for a new option. We use coconut oil in the kitchen so I am trying that next.
Sara says
We have had the same thing with the new Cali Baby rash cream. I love their other products and used the cream with no problems on my son who is now 5. When I put it on my daughter with just the tiniest red on her bum, she screamed immediately and I couldn’t get it off fast enough. I switched to Burt’s Bees which seems to be working well. So far no staining/repelling and hopeful that will continue.
Tamara says
We use California Baby products for all of our LO’s needs EXCEPT the diaper cream. It definitely seems to cause pain and irritation; I am actually of the opinion that the few cases of diaper rash were actually exacerbated by the cream. :(
We use Waxelene exclusively now and love it! :)
Dinika says
Thanks for the great update! I am struggling with the same type of harsh, open, bleeding, all over rash that my son had only now with my daughter! They both have strong ammonia pee and the doc said it was not yeast. But I stripped and boiled the dipes anyway, to no availe. I have put her in disposables and desitin and came back…
So a friend of mine mentioned People’s paste and I ordered this (the same thing only a couple added ingredients and it’s already mixed) called Comfrys healing Salve http://naturesown.ecrater.com/p/5620166/comfrey-salve-2oz-jar
Excited to try it!! Customer service has been awesome! I ordered the 1 oz and its out of stock so she upgraded me to the 2 oz at no charge plus some free samples!
Last thing I ordered to try is bentonite clay powder but I’m not sure how cloth diaper safe that is! I may just put a liner on to tr it :)
Allison says
I’ve been having good success with GroVia’s Magic stick. My little one gets heat rash easily but keeping her bum coated with the stick has kept it at bay. It is also great that it is in stick form so it doesn’t get my hands dirty!
I have had staining and coating problems with California Baby. Loved the smell and it worked well for my daughter but it was not good for our BG Elementals.
Ali says
I have a question about Grandma El’s containing gluten- I have recently adopted a GF lifestyle, but have been using Grandma El’s and am curious if you would mind sharing a little bit of information on the subject? I must be missing something! Thank you :)
Autumn Beck says
I have an extra sensitivity to gluten due to the form of Celiacs that I have (Dermatitis Herpetaformis). I can’t use any products that contain gluten.
Christine says
Angel Baby Bottom is by far the best. The other thing I learned is for very watery infant poop, fleece remnants are much more effective as a diaper liner than the paper liners. I fought my son’s yeast rash for 5 wks before finding Angel Baby & the fleece liners.
Ann Marie says
I just wanted to mention Aveeno rash cream. I know it’s mainstream and not wahm made. But if you’re in a pinch and at Target / Walmart and need something like yesterday this works wonderfully. I’ve been cd’ing for 5+ years and this has never left a buildup on my diapers. And I’ve used every kind of diaper from flats to aio’s. hth :)