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.
Shop the ingredients
The following are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.:)
Want essential oils 25% off? Sign up HERE for a wholesale account.
Download the all natural diaper cream label

Print the recipe Best diaper rash cream remove
The Best Diaper Rash Cream
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.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shea butter
- 4 tbsp coconut oil
- 4 tbsp zinc oxide
- 4 tbsp 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.
Grab my free ebook with even more natural body essential oil recipes
[thrive_lead_lock id=’14105′]Hidden Content[/thrive_lead_lock]
DaVonya Hanson says
What if I don’t have a double broiler Is there another way I could do it?
Lisa says
You can create a doubler boiler with a pot with a few inches of water at the bottom and a heat safe glass or metal bowl that sits on top.
Kelly Pulver says
Hi, mine did not set up at all. Granted I didn’t add the zinc, would that be why?
Lisa says
My guess is it is because the zinc adds thickness.
Angela says
Thank you for sharing all that you do on the internet. I am a new young wife, and finding you has helped me better make our home so much. I share the same values you do, and every question I have; you have an answer! You are a wealth of knowledge. The Randolph home thanks you 🙂 May God bless you abundantly!
In Corde Mariae,
Angela
Lisa says
Thank you for your kind words!
Michelle says
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?
Lisa says
Yes, you want to use non-nano zinc oxide.
Kate says
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.
Lisa says
Wow! That is so amazing to hear. Glad it works so well for you.
Kate says
Thanks Lisa! Will be trying this soon! How long can it keep for at room temp in the jar?
Lisa says
Around 3 months.
Connie Hanold says
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
Lisa says
Sometimes the bentonite clay makes it a little gritty.
Michelle says
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.
Lisa says
I usually use a glass bowl over a pot with a little water to create the double boiler. So no metal is used.
Michelle says
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.