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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- Add the shea butter and coconut oil to a double boiler. Heat until melted.
- Stir in the zinc oxide.
- Stir in the bentonite clay.
- Add the essential oil and stir.
- Pour in a lidded mason jar.
It will keep for one year.
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Download the all natural diaper cream label
Print the recipe Best diaper rash cream remove
The Best Diaper Rash Cream
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.
- Stir in the zinc oxide.
- Stir in the bentonite clay.
- Add the essential oil.
- Store in a lidded mason jar, for up to one year.
Notes
- Keeps for one year.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Have you ever tried without zinc oxide? I just don’t have it on hand and need to make some new stuff as I’m all out!
I have not!
How do you get it mixed so it’s not grainy? Sifted zinc and clay and it’s still grainy
I’ve not had that issue. If you could run them through a food processor to help it not be as grainy.
Could I use a combination Shea/cocoa/ mango butter instead of just Shea? I have a loaf of the three combined.
I’ve never done that, so I’m not sure. Let us know if you try it!
Is this alright to use if you don’t use cloth diapers?
Yes, it is! Cloth diapers can only use certain ingredients because they can be hard to wash. If you’re using disposables, that’s no issue at all.
Where do we store this?
In an airtight container.
Isn’t bentonite clay notorious for elevated risks of high lead / lead poisoning? I just can’t imagine it being worth taking that chance on such a sensitive area!
I haven’t heard that, but I always make sure I’m buying this clay from a reputable source.
Do you stir in the bentonite clay after it’s been in the double boiler or are you using a plastic pot to heat the butter and oil? Bentonite clay reacts with metals and decreases the efficacy, so I’m wondering when to put it in.
I usually use a glass bowl over a pot with a little water to create the double boiler. So no metal is used.
Thank you so much!! This cream has helped my son so, so much!! He’s new to wiping himself and needed a little pick-me-up after some sketchy, rushed wipes. His bum has improved remarkably and I feel tremendously better knowing I made it, rather than wonder what chemicals a manufacturer was using.
Hello Lisa
My cream came out gritty.
What do you think I did wrong. I would not want to put it on a babies skin.
Thanks
Sometimes the bentonite clay makes it a little gritty.
Thanks Lisa! Will be trying this soon! How long can it keep for at room temp in the jar?
Around 3 months.
I have been using this rash cream on my son since he was an infant (he’s five now). I originally made some for a recurrent diaper rash he had around the one year mark.
I’ve found over the years that this cream is really an all-purpose rash cream. I’ve used it on so many different skin conditions that have popped up, such as mild eczema, allergic reactions to adhesives on bandaids, etc. Most recently I have used it on a bacterial rash he had on his stomach that wouldn’t go away after months of conventional topical medicine. I then decided to make a new batch of this (I think I included some tea tree oil this time) and voila! It has finally cleared up with a 50% reduction after the first application.
Wow! That is so amazing to hear. Glad it works so well for you.
Hi Lisa,I’m getting confused on the zinc oxide. I made Laura’s sunscreen with “non-nano zinc oxide” very specific to be used. Your recipe for the rash cream only states “zinc oxide”. I need confirmation that I can use the non nano that I already have? I am seeing the words non Nano on both packages so I’m assuming they are both the same?
Yes, you want to use non-nano zinc oxide.