This stuff is the best diaper rash cream on the planet. The bentonite clay aids in quick healing, and the zinc oxide creates a moisture barrier for baby’s skin.

homemade diaper rash cream and sprig of lavender in font of cloth diaper inserts

I recently shared my favorite cloth diaper covers and my cloth diaper washing routine. Seemed only fitting to me that I stick to the topic of baby bums, and talk about my favorite cloth diaper cream.

I like to make my own diaper rash cream to avoid the harmful chemicals found in conventional brands.

mom wearing a gray dress looking at her baby in her arms with a muslin blanket wrapped around him

The ingredients in this super simple cream are all natural and effective.

Our skin is our body’s largest organ, and chemicals that go on it actually make their way in.

Think about nicotine patches, and progesterone cream. They work, because the active, medicinal ingredients absorb into the body.

I think sometimes we like to assume that lotion, shampoo, and cosmetic products are benign. We tell ourselves that, yes, they have bad stuff in them, but they just sit on top of the skin.

If only it were true.

a women sitting in bed holding her baby I front of her with her husband to the right and her older son to the left of her

The last thing I want to do is slather a chemical laden cream all over my baby’s rash-y bottom. This cream solves that problem.

But…does it actually work?

Yes, my friend, it most certainly does!

How is Bentonite clay healing for a diaper rash?

Bentonite clay has amazing healing and detoxifying benefits. It absorbs moisture and removes toxins and impurities. It also fights bacteria.

Basically, its the bees knees for healing a diaper rash.

bentonite clay diaper rash cream all natural

Why add zinc oxide to this homemade diaper rash cream?

Zinc oxide is great for adding a barrier between the wet diaper and the skin. This gives the body a chance to heal on its own, without moisture and other not-so-pleasant things interfering with the process.

I wrote more about zinc oxide in my post on How to Make All Natural Sunscreen. Just like it provides a moisture barrier, it also creates a barrier between the sun and skin.

Shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils

The shea butter and coconut oil give this diaper cream a nice consistency, akin to the store bought creams you may be used to.

Lavender and Roman Chamomile essential oils are commonly used for their skin-healing properties.

homemade diaper cream in hands

Is this diaper rash cream safe for cloth diapers?

The answer to this question depends on who you ask.

Some people say zinc oxide is totally safe for cloth diapering. Personally, I would rather leave it out. I’m afraid it would put a moisture barrier on the diaper.

The bentonite clay is sufficient to heal rashes. If your baby has a really bad rash, it may be best to bust out the big guns and put him/her in a disposable diaper for a few days.

We hardly ever have to deal with rashes, so I prefer to make the cream with all the ingredients, and use it sparingly.

*If your little one ever has a diaper rash that will not ago away for several days, you are most likely dealing with yeast. In this case, stop all other creams and fight the infection with anti-fungal cream and essential oils.

homemade diaper rash creaming a glass jar. Dried lavender is sprinkled on top

Diaper Rash Cream Ingredients

1/2 cup shea butter

4 tablespoons coconut oil

4 tablespoons zinc oxide

4 tablespoons bentonite clay

5 drops lavender and/or Roman Chamomile, essential oil

Diaper Rash Cream Process

  1. Add the shea butter and coconut oil to a double boiler. Heat until melted.
  2. Stir in the zinc oxide.
  3. Stir in the bentonite clay.
  4. Add the essential oil and stir.
  5. Pour in a lidded mason jar.

It will keep for one year.

Shop the ingredients

The following are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.:)

Shea Butter

Zinc Oxide

Bentonite Clay

Lavender Essential Oil

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Want essential oils 25% off? Sign up HERE for a wholesale account.

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The Best Diaper Rash Cream

4.50 from 269 votes
This recipe for all natural diaper cream is simple and effective. With just five basic ingredients, shea butter, coconut oil, bentonite clay, zinc oxide and essential oils, it comes together in a flash.ย 
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 1
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Equipment

  • Double Boiler

Ingredients 

  • 1/2 cup shea butter
  • 4 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 4 tablespoons zinc oxide
  • 4 tbspatablespoons bentonite clay
  • 5 drops lavender or chamomile essential oil, optional

Instructions 

  • Add the shea butter and coconut oil to a double boiler. Heat until melted.ย 
  • Stir in the zinc oxide.
  • Stir in the bentonite clay.ย 
  • Add the essential oil.ย 
  • Store in a lidded mason jar, for up to one year.ย 

Notes

  • Keeps for one year.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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homemade diaper cream in a glass mason jar with plastic lid in the top picture. Bottom picture of bentonite clay

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119 Comments

  1. Jessica says:

    Is the diaper rash cream supposed to be runny? I canโ€™t get it to thicken.

  2. Jessie says:

    So, I’m still relatively new to the natural world. I went vegan last year, and then got into making my own personal products. My toddler has a diaper rash that will NOT go away, hence how I ended up here. And I didn’t know that zinc oxide was anything other than Desitin. So I’ve been trying to squeeze everything out of this tube for 20 minutes before it suddenly dawned on me that nobody said anything about Desitin or Butt Paste. And I’m reading the ingredients like “HOW IS THIS NATURAL?!” So I clicked on the ingredient link for zinc oxide, and now my husband can’t breathe. Fortunately, a spoonful of arrowroot starch fixed it right up. So even though it’s not natural, it’s still rocking the bentonite clay. But I’m gonna order and get it right next time.

  3. Ale says:

    Is this safe for everyday use? Iโ€™d like to add the clay to my current diaper cream.

  4. Kristin says:

    How long is the shelf-life?

  5. DV says:

    My son had a horrific diaper rash and nothing worked. Then another mom told me to use just water for wiping and blow a fan on his bum every diaper change. It mostly cleared up within a week, but I realized how harsh everything labeled โ€œsensitiveโ€ was on his skin. Iโ€™ve been looking for a natural diaper cream for future use. So glad you shared!

  6. Beth says:

    Just curious — is the essential oil helpful to the curing and prevention of the diaper rash or is it just for a nice scent? Could you make it without? Excited to try it! Thanks!

  7. Holly says:

    This is just what I was like for!! So excited to make up some if this for my 4week old! I’m excited to try it with the Bentonite clay, I’ve heard great things about it and needed a reason to get some. We go through diaper rash cream like crazy with our toddler (preventative measures go a long way) but I wanted something simpler for the newborn. Thank you!

  8. kim sparks says:

    Do you use liquid or solid coconut oil, and is the zinc oxide powdered?

    1. Lisa says:

      I use melted, so it makes a nice consistency when it hardens up. Yes, the zinc oxide is powdered.

  9. Sarah says:

    What is the life span of this cream since it does not have any preservatives? Or are no preservatives needed?

  10. Angie Mercado says:

    How long does this diaper rash cream last for? I’m not due for another 6 weeks but I was hoping to mix some up ahead of time. Just not sure of how quickly it needs to be used after it’s made.

    1. Anonymous says:

      A year