Last Updated on January 24, 2025 by Kiersten

This homemade diaper rash cream without zinc oxide is incredibly soothing, works quickly, and will not build up on cloth diapers.

mason jar filled with homemade diaper rash cream. Title reads "DIY Baby: Natural Diaper Rash Cream" by Natural Home Apothecary

As I converted our house from conventional to a more natural approach, baby products were the first to go.

While there are some products on the shelves claiming to be all natural, I’m not sure I believe it.

Preparing homemade baby products allows me to source ingredients that I feel comfortable with and know exactly what is going into the final product.

You Only Need 6 Ingredients

Shea Butter: Shea butter is a necessary component of any homemade diaper rash cream due to its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. It helps combat any yeast growth that could lead to a yeast infection later on.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is found in many natural skin care products for good reason. It helps reduce swelling, redness, itching, and burning.

Beeswax Pastilles: Beeswax has been found to be effective in the healing of burns and inflammation. There are a few studies that show beeswax has antimicrobial activity against staph infections, salmonella, and Candida (which causes yeast infections).

Bentonite Clay: Bentonite clay is made from volcanic ash and carries a weak electrical charge. When it becomes wet, the bentonite clay naturally removes impurities, heavy metals, and toxins from the skin. This helps to fight bacterial growth and conditions that could make the diaper rash worse.

Calendula Oil: Calendula is a traditional herbal ingredient used to prevent and heal inflammatory skin conditions due to its high linoleic acid content.

Roman Chamomile & Lavender Essential Oils: Roman chamomile and lavender essential oils are safe to use in baby products when properly diluted. They also have a wonderful ability to soothe irritation and inflammation.

Is It A Diaper Rash or Yeast Infection?

Diaper rashes come and go with many different causes. Food can be a huge cause for diaper rashes and simple eliminations from the diet can go a long way.

My son had horrible eczema with widespread “chicken skin” when he was an infant. Eliminating gluten almost all but cleared it up.

Yeast infections cause very red patches of skin and tend to hide out in the folds and crevices of thighs and genitals.

If you notice the rash is persisting after a day or two, it has most likely progressed from a simple diaper rash to a yeast infection.

Stop using the diaper rash cream and switch over to safe-for-baby anti-fungal remedies.

Best Homemade Diaper Rash Cream Without Zinc Oxide

diy diaper cream with ingredients on concrete background

Supplies

Double boiler or small glass/stainless steel bowl
Medium pot
Measuring cups
Mixing spoon
Glass or PET plastic storage container

Ingredients

1/4 cup shea butter
1/2 cup coconut oil
2 teaspoons beeswax pastilles
4 tablespoons bentonite clay
6 drops calendula oil
6 drops lavender essential oil
6 drops roman chamomile essential oil

Instructions

Using a double boiler, melt down the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax pastilles over low heat until they become liquid. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can use a mason jar or heat-resistant bowl placed in a small pot of water on the stove.
Add the bentonite clay to the liquid. Stir continuously until well combined.
Remove from heat.
When still warm but cool enough to safely handle, stir in calendula oil and essential oils.
Pour into a storage container and allow to cool/thicken.

How to Whip Homemade Diaper Rash Cream

Once you’ve mixed in the essential oils, pop the bowl in the fridge overnight to let it firm up.

If you’re in a rush, you can stick it in the freezer for about an hour or two—just until it’s solid enough to whip. Once it’s set, use a hand mixer to whip it into a creamy, silky cream.

Directions For Use

Sparingly apply a small amount of cream to affected areas of skin after diaper changes.