If you’re a new parent, diaper rash is almost guaranteed to make an appearance at some point. Baby skin is thin, delicate, and prone to irritation from wet diapers, friction, or new foods. While there are dozens of ointments on the market, more parents are asking the same question: what’s the best natural diaper rash ointment?

Natural diaper rash balms are designed without harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, parabens, or petroleum. Instead, they rely on gentle botanicals and minerals to soothe irritation, provide a protective barrier, and help skin heal faster. In this guide, we’ll walk through what makes a diaper cream “natural,” highlight the best organic and plant-based options, and share practical tips for choosing the right one for your baby.

Best Natural Diaper Rash Ointments – Side-by-Side Comparison

What to Look for in a Natural Diaper Rash Ointment

When shopping for natural diaper rash creams, here are key factors parents should consider:

• Ingredient transparency – Short ingredient lists with recognizable names.

• Soothing botanicals – Calendula, chamomile, or aloe vera help calm inflamed skin.

• Barrier agents – Natural zinc oxide, beeswax, or shea butter create a protective layer.

• No synthetic fragrances – Babies with sensitive skin can react to hidden fragrance chemicals.

• Cloth diaper safety – Some ointments are too greasy and can affect cloth diaper absorbency.

• Third-party certifications – Look for EWG Verified, USDA Organic, or MADE SAFE seals for extra peace of mind.

💡 Pro Tip: If your baby has eczema or food allergies, patch test any new ointment on a small area first. Even natural ingredients can cause reactions in highly sensitive skin.

Best Natural Diaper Rash Ointments (with Pros & Cons)

1. Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm

• Ingredients: Organic olive oil, shea butter, calendula, beeswax.

• Pros: USDA organic, cloth diaper safe, multipurpose (works on minor cuts and scrapes too).

• Cons: No zinc oxide, so barrier protection may be lighter.

• Parent Review: “We’ve used Earth Mama since day one. It’s the only balm that clears redness overnight without being sticky or smelly.”

2. Motherlove Diaper Balm

• Ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, calendula, chamomile.

• Pros: All ingredients certified organic, very gentle for newborns.

• Cons: Texture is softer and less protective during heavy rash episodes.

• Parent Review: “Perfect for everyday use! It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, but we switch to zinc-based creams if the rash is severe.”

3. Weleda Calendula Diaper Cream

• Ingredients: Calendula, lanolin, zinc oxide, almond oil.

• Pros: Strong barrier plus calming calendula, European-certified natural formula.

• Cons: Contains lanolin, which may irritate babies with wool allergies.

• Parent Review: “Weleda is the only cream that actually cleared my baby’s stubborn rash in two days. It’s thick but spreads well.”

4. Honest Company Diaper Rash Cream

• Ingredients: Zinc oxide, organic coconut oil, shea butter.

• Pros: Widely available, strong protection with zinc oxide, fragrance-free.

• Cons: Slightly pricier than drugstore brands.

• Parent Review: “We love Honest cream for flare-ups. It goes on smoothly, doesn’t leave a strong smell, and clears redness quickly.”

5. Green Goo Baby Balm

• Ingredients: Olive oil, beeswax, calendula, yarrow, comfrey.

• Pros: 100% natural herbs infused in oils, also great for dry skin patches.

• Cons: Not zinc-based, so best for prevention or mild rashes.

• Parent Review: “We use Green Goo as a daily balm. It keeps irritation away and works for eczema spots too.”

6. BOTAO Natural Baby Diaper Cream

• Ingredients: Plant oils, natural waxes, non-toxic formula.

• Pros: Vegan, no petroleum, hypoallergenic.

• Cons: Newer brand, not always available in major stores.

• Parent Review: “I was nervous trying a smaller brand, but BOTAO surprised me—it’s light, effective, and cleared my baby’s rash faster than big names.”

DIY Natural Diaper Rash Ointment (Safe Home Remedies)

For parents who love a DIY approach, here’s a simple natural ointment recipe:

• Ingredients: 2 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tbsp shea butter, 1 tsp zinc oxide powder (non-nano), a few drops of calendula oil.

• Instructions: Melt coconut oil and shea butter, stir in zinc oxide, let cool in a small jar.

• Note: Always consult your pediatrician before using DIY creams, especially on newborns.

Safety Tips & Myths

• Avoid strong essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, or citrus—they may burn sensitive skin.

• Don’t overapply zinc: More isn’t always better; too much can make cream harder to wash off.

• When to see a doctor: If a rash lasts more than 3 days, has open sores, or looks like a yeast infection.

Natural vs. Conventional Ointments

• Natural creams: Gentle, safer for long-term use, great for prevention.

• Conventional creams (petrolatum, high-zinc): Stronger barrier for severe flare-ups but not always breathable or eco-friendly.

• Many parents find success by using a natural balm daily and keeping a stronger zinc-based ointment for stubborn rashes.

Choosing the Best Natural Ointment for Your Baby

Finding the best natural diaper rash ointment comes down to your baby’s skin needs. For daily prevention, lighter organic balms like Earth Mama or Motherlove work beautifully. For tougher rashes, zinc-based creams like Weleda or Honest are stronger options. And for eco-friendly families, Green Goo or DIY recipes provide clean, chemical-free alternatives.

💡 Final Pro Tip: Keep one natural balm in your diaper bag and a stronger cream at home—so you’re prepared for every kind of rash.