Dealing with diaper rash as an adult can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. However, diaper rashes are common among adults wearing adult diapers or incontinence products.
The hot, moist environment and friction can lead to skin irritation and rashes. Choosing the right diaper rash cream is important to help soothe, heal, and prevent further rashes.
Here are the 10 best adult diaper rash creams to buy in 2024.
Also read: Adult Diaper Rash: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, And Prevention.
1. Balmex Adult Care Rash Cream:
Balmex is one of the most popular and highly rated diaper rash creams on Amazon among adults. It contains 16% zinc oxide, which creates a breathable barrier on the skin, protecting it from moisture, friction, and acidity, which can all contribute to rashes.
It also has aloe vera to soothe the skin.
Balmex is fragrance-free and paraben-free making it a good option for sensitive skin. It goes on thick and provides long-lasting protection for up to 12 hours. The 15-ounce jar lasts 1-2 months for daily use.
How to Use:
Clean and dry skin thoroughly before application. Apply liberally at each diaper change spreading cream over the entire diaper area or any irritated spots. It can be used for prevention or treatment.
Pros: Zinc oxide protection, aloe vera, fragrance-free, paraben-free, affordable price
Cons: Thick texture isn’t preferred by some
Also Read: How To Change An Adult Diaper
2. Calmoseptine Adult Care Rash Cream:
Calmoseptine contains zinc oxide as a protective barrier and talc and mineral oil to provide additional moisture barriers. It has aloe to soothe irritated skin.
The ointment’s texture glides over the skin and stays in place, providing moisture protection.
It is fragrance-free and dye-free. Calmoseptine has long been a favorite diaper cream for its effectiveness on stubborn, painful rashes. It has won awards from pharmacists for being an excellent choice. The 16-ounce jar supplies for months.
How to Use:
- Change diapers frequently and clean skin.
- Apply a thick coating over areas where urine/feces contact with the skin.
- It can be used for other rashes and skin irritations, too.
- Reapply each change.
Pros: Zinc oxide protection, fragrance-free, affordable pricing
Cons: Thick ointment texture can feel uncomfortable to some
3. Z-Bum Daily Moisturizing Diaper Rash Cream:
Z-Bum cream is made for daily use to help prevent rashes from occurring. It moisturizes with sweet almond oil and soothing aloe vera. The cream also contains zinc oxide for extra protection and calendula to promote natural healing.
It is fragrance-free, paraben-free, dye-free, and free of phthalates. Rashes are often a result of the skin barrier being disrupted, so regular moisturizing and protecting is key.
This is a top choice for prevention that goes on smoothly and keeps skin soft. The cream comes in a large 18 ounce tub.
How to Use:
- Make applying a part of the daily care routine.
- Spread all over the clean diaper area at each change.
- Reapply liberally with changes.
- It can be used to treat existing rashes, too.
Pros: Sweet almond oil and aloe moisturizers, zinc oxide protection, fragrance/dye-free
Cons: Preventative features focus on healing existing rashes
Also Read : Distance from Wall to Toilet Flange
4. Desitin Rapid Relief Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Cream:
Desitin Rapid Relief Cream provides fast-acting relief for painful diaper rashes. This maximum strength formula contains 40% zinc oxide to form a protective barrier on the skin immediately. It also has aloe to soothe inflammation and rash irritations.
The smooth cream glides onto the skin, even with diaper friction and moisture. Expect to see improvement in diaper rashes within 12 hours. It comes in a 4-ounce tube with a screw cap to prevent messy leaks.
How to Use:
Clean and dry skin thoroughly before use; allowing it to completely air dry is best. Generously coat the affected areas, bringing the cream just beyond the edge of the rash. Reapply at each change of a soiled diaper.
Pros: 40% zinc oxide for maximum protection barrier, fast relief in 12 hours
Cons: Higher price point for a small 4-ounce tube
Also read: Distance from Wall to Toilet Flange
5. Weleda Baby Calendula Diaper Cream
Weleda Calendula is top-ranked for the best natural diaper cream, with nearly 35,000 Amazon reviews. The formula is based on biodynamic calendula grown on Weleda’s own gardens. Soothing calendula oils and extracts promote skin healing.
Natural oils and beeswax form protective barriers without chemicals. Weleda is NATRUE-certified natural, using responsible processing and sustainable ingredients. It’s fragrance-free and clinically tested for sensitive skin.
The cream goes on thick but not greasy. Its soothing ingredients make it gentle enough for frequent use. Weleda Baby Calendula comes in a convenient 2.8-ounce tube with a screw cap.
How to Use:
- Change wet and soiled diapers promptly.
- Clean the diaper area gently and allow the skin to dry fully.
- Apply a thick layer of cream with each diaper change at the first sign of redness and overnight for moisture protection.
- Can apply sparingly to prevent too.
Pros: Natural, fragrance-free, sensitive skin friendly
Cons: Higher price tag for a natural diaper cream
6. Triple Paste :
Triple Paste Rash Cream For severe diaper rash cases, Triple Paste Medicated Ointment is regarded as highly effective, though expensive. The thick ointment contains 16% zinc oxide for a protective barrier and vitamins A & D to promote natural healing.
It also uniquely has an anti-fungal ingredient – undecylenic acid – to battle stubborn fungal infections contributing to rashes. The ointment consistency adheres well to skin without rubbing off from friction. It does leave a bit of a white residue, though.
A little goes a long way since it should be applied liberally and often. A 16-ounce jar lasts 1-2 months.
How to Use:
- Change diapers frequently and allow the skin to air dry before application.
- Apply generous layer over all affected areas extending just beyond the rash borders.
- Continue use with each diaper change until the rash resolves.
- It can alternate with a moisture-blocking cream at night.
Pros: Anti-fungal protection, high levels of healing vitamins
Cons: Expensive pricing, thick texture leaves residue
7. Babyganics Diaper Rash Cream:
Babyganics makes a great certified organic diaper rash cream. The plant-based formula contains protective zinc oxide and healing calendula flower extract. Skin-nourishing sunflower, cranberry, and black cumin oils enhance the skin barrier.
There are no fragrances, parabens, sulfates, or other unwanted ingredients. Clinical trials showed Babganics was as effective as prescription creams for diaper rash.
The smooth cream is applied cleanly without residue buildup. Prevention and relief of diaper rash signs all improve with regular use. It comes in an 8 ounce tube.
How to Use:
With each diaper change, thoroughly cleanse and dry the skin before applying a layer to coat the diaper area completely. Reapply after a bowel movement or when moisture is present on the skin.
Pros: USDA-certified organic, plant-based ingredients
Cons: Higher pricing for an organic specialized product
Also read: Measuring Toilet Rough-In Dimensions Accurately
8. Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment:
Aquaphor is a top pediatrician recommended multi-purpose product for all skin irritations.
The gentle formula contains 41% petroleum jelly to provide a soothing, protective barrier that preserves moisture and allows skin to heal. It also has glycerin, panthenol, and bisabolol to moisturize and calm inflammation.
The ointment is fragrance-free, dye-free, and preservative-free for extra sensitive skin. It goes on thick and slippery, providing long-lasting coverage even with friction. When used liberally for rash coverage, a 14-ounce jar provides at least a month’s supply.
How to Use:
With clean, dry skin, apply liberally, creating a thick barrier over the entire diaper area.
Reapply especially heavy in skin creases and overrash areas. Continue each diaper change until fully cleared. It can also be used for minor wounds, cuts, burns, and chapping.
Pros: Petroleum jelly protection, moisture preservation, multi-purpose
Cons: Thick, slippery texture
9. A+D Original Diaper Rash Ointment:
A+D Ointment is a pediatrician trusted for treating diaper rash for over 70 years. The original formula provides a protective barrier of zinc oxide together with the moisturizing powers of lanolin.
The creamy ointment glides onto the skin, sealing out wetness and irritants. A+D is clinically shown to help skin heal 2x faster by protecting it from the external factors causing rash and locking in moisture so skin can regenerate.
It spreads easily without mess or residue. Good for relief and prevention purposes. Comes in a 16 ounce jar.
How to Use:
Clean and pat skin dry before application. With each diaper change, smooth on a thick application, completely covering the diaper area and extending beyond rash borders.
Reapply after bowel movements and overnight.
Pros: Zinc oxide protection plus lanolin moisturizer
Cons: Lanolin allergy risk for some
Also Read : Adult Diaper Training Guidelines
10. Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm:
Earth Mama makes the best natural diaper rash balm based on healing organic calendula combined with natural skin barriers. Soothing oils create a protective layer instead of zinc oxide or petroleum-like others.
Organic beeswax and olive oil lock in moisture while allowing the skin to breathe. The formula is USDA organic with no fragrances or chemicals. It goes on thick like a salve over skin. The texture stays put even with friction.
Praised for being extremely effective at preventing and treating rashes without irritation. Comes in a 2-ounce tin.
How to Use:
- Apply a moderate amount with each routine diaper change for prevention.
- When treating rashes, coat the skin liberally, focusing on reddened areas.
- Reapply after a bowel movement and let air dry briefly before securing a clean diaper.
Pros: Organic, chemical/fragrance-free, healing focused
Cons: Earthy herbal scent
There are excellent options for tackling and preventing adult diaper rashes, no matter your specific needs. Key tips for getting the most effectiveness from diaper rash creams include changing incontinence pads/adult diapers frequently to allow the skin to air dry before application.
Apply products liberally, ensuring full coverage over the entire diapered region and beyond visible rash borders. Reapply after bowel movements and overnight for moisture blocking.
Most creams and ointments can treat and prevent, but daily moisture protection keeps rashes at bay.
