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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Best diaper rash cream free printable labels

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The Best Diaper Rash Cream

4.49 from 268 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. 
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. 
  • 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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homemade diaper cream in a glass mason jar with plastic lid in the top picture. Bottom picture of bentonite clay

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115 Comments

  1. Sabrina Sparkman says:

    I am making this today, I am a little worried about the shelf life. I was wondering if Optiphen preservative can be added. Thanks

    1. Lisa Bass says:

      I prefer not to add a preservative for health benefits! It lasts a few months. I always just keep an eye on it before I use it each time.

  2. Linda says:

    Hello. What do you think would be the shelf life for this cream. When to throw it out and make a new batch if it isn’t all used up

    1. Lisa Bass says:

      As long as it smells okay and there isn’t any mold, it should be okay to use. However, I like to tell people about 6 months. I’ve used it for longer though.

  3. Mary says:

    Can one add bees wax to the mix? If so when and how much?

    1. Lisa Bass says:

      I’ve not personally added beeswax to the mix. You might have more luck with more in depth DIY recipes from my sister’s blog, ouroilyhouse.com

  4. Madalina says:

    Hi. I am willing to make this diaper cream for a while . I was wondering if is sodium bentonite or calcium bentonite as well as if it has to be food grade , or cosmetic grade. I live on Europe so this informations will help me buy right bentonite . Thank you. Madie

  5. Madalina says:

    Hi, I am willing to make the cream for a while now. I was wondering if you refer to sodium bentonite or calcium bentonite for the cream. Is it necessary to be food grade, or cosmetic grade ? I live in an European country so cannot purchase using Amazon so just need a few extra details . Thank you. Have a nice day.

    1. Lisa Bass says:

      I like to use food grade because typically food grade is safer than cosmetic grade. 🙂

      1. Madalina says:

        5 stars
        Hi, Thank you for your quick response. Something happened and my first comment vanished till I posted second one please, feel free to delete as you wish.

  6. Monica Klumpenhower says:

    Is French green clay a good substitute for the bentonite clay? I don’t have bentonite, but have French red, green, rose, and red clays?

    1. Lisa Bass says:

      Those would probably work! I’ve not ever used them before.

  7. Juliette Vautherot says:

    I’ve been using this diaper rash cream for 3 months and love it! However, over the past few weeks some little hard white dots have appeared, any idea what it is?!
    See: https://photos.app.goo.gl/NP1KK8b2HbFRQDpy8

    1. Lisa Bass says:

      It could be from ingredients beginning to separate from each other. I’ve not personally had this issue though.