13 best nappy rash creams to soothe sore bottoms – Tried and tested

Awards: The Childs Farm Nappy Cream was awarded Silver and Gold for Best Nappy Cream at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 and 2024.

Childs Farm's nappy cream is formulated with natural and naturally derived, ethically sourced and skin-soothing ingredients to keep baby bottoms protected from nappy rash.

We like that it contains super moisturising aloe vera, cocoa butter, and shea butter, and this light and absorbent cream is suitable for all skin types, including dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

Aloe vera, cocoa butter, and shea butter are really beneficial for the skin. They have moisturising properties that not only help to soothe irritation but also have the potential to improve the skin's elasticity - perfect for your growing bubba.

It is also approved by paediatricians and dermatologists, which is reassuring for parents looking for a safe everyday cream.

However, a few of our testers didn't think it was as effective at treating nappy rash as other creams, such as Metanium nappy rash ointment. However, in our expert opinion, it is the best option for nappy rash.

Our expert tester said: "This is a really nice cream which works very well as an everyday nappy cream. It goes on easily and is absorbed quickly with no greasy residue. It left my baby’s bottom soft and was gentle on his skin. It didn’t cause any rash or irritation. It has a very slight fresh fragrance of aloe vera. I was impressed with how quickly it was absorbed and liked the silky texture. It is great for everyday use and for mild irritation, but I didn’t find it as effective as my usual product in treating an established case of nappy rash."

Read the full Childs Farm Nappy Cream review.

Awards: The Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment 100g was awarded Silver for Best Nappy Cream and Best Baby Skincare Range/Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2019 and 2024.

This is one of the most popular nappy rash creams on the market, and mums worldwide swear by it. We love that you can use it as a barrier cream to prevent the rash from occurring, or, if the rash appears, apply it to soothe and heal that red bottom as well. The ointment contains dexpanthenol, which helps to prevent nappy rash and soothe it if it has already begun.

Our testers were impressed with how long one tube lasts; a little goes a long way, making it a fantastic, cost-effective choice.

However, if you are looking for a completely natural product, it is good to know that some ingredients include paraffin, petroleum and lanolin, which not all testers like to use on their little one's skin. Paraffin, petroleum, and lanolin are not ideal ingredients for baby products due to potential skin irritation, and some parents have found that it is heavy on their babies' delicate skin.

Mum Georgina says: "I would recommend this cream to a friend as it does what I would expect from a nappy cream. Luckily, it is rare for my baby to get a nappy rash, but at the first sign of any redness, I have put a small layer of Bepanthen on, and the redness has resolved by the next nappy change. One small tube lasts a very long time."

Read what more mums had in our Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment review.

Awards: Won Bronze for Best Nappy Cream at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Use Sudocrem Naturals Nappy Cream at every nappy change to help care for your baby’s delicate skin and leave it feeling soft and supple.

This is an excellent choice for preventing nappy rash, and our testers love that it contains 96 per cent naturally derived ingredients to calm, soothe and nourish your baby’s delicate skin daily.

Our testers thought applying it was easier than traditional Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream, but it was more expensive.

Our mum tester said: "We love using any Sudocrem product for nappy rash, but we especially liked the Sudocrem Naturals Nappy Cream as it was nice and easy to squeeze from the tube the desired amount, and it smelt a lot nicer than the traditional Sudocrem. It was super easy just to pop in a nappy bag or on a changing table to use. It would be nice to get a larger version of this product also."

Read our full Sudocrem Naturals Nappy Cream review.

Specially formulated to look after babies' bottoms, this gentle but effective cream is a Mother and Baby favourite. We love that it contains completely natural organic ingredients and that a team of midwives and pharmacists has researched each Weleda baby product to support the development of healthy skin.

Our testers thought this was great because you only need a small amount; although some said the consistency was a bit runny, they agreed it is quickly absorbed and effective at preventing nappy rash.

The creamy texture is effortless to apply and provides long-lasting moisture, leaving the baby's skin feeling soft, especially if used regularly. Unlike some nappy creams on the market, we love that this cream doesn't leave your little one's bottom feeling too greasy.

One of the most unique properties of the Weleda Baby Calendula Nappy Cream is that it contains calendula extract. This ingredient is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Calendula is rich in flavonoids, triterpenoids, and other compounds that have been found to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin.

Our mum tester, Victoria says: "I would recommend the Weleda range as they are a reasonably priced complete range that is suitable for a baby as well as older children, particularly those with sensitive skin. The whole range smells divine, and they last well, as you only need a small amount. The nappy cream is also good; it rubs in easily, and it seems to prevent nappy rash all."

Shortlisted for Best Baby Skincare Range/Product in 2019, read our Weleda Calendula range review.

Awards: Won Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 for Best Nappy Cream.

Aveeno Baby Daily Care Nappy Barrier Cream helps to soothe sensitive and delicate baby skin, protecting it from the causes of nappy rash.

The formula creates a breathable barrier on the nappy area, protecting it against external irritants, and our testers liked how easy it was to apply. It delivers rapid and long-lasting comfort and visible improvement in skin appearance, and we like that it is suitable for newborns.

Suitable for baby's normal to dry skin, with soothing colloidal oatmeal, it also contains zinc oxide, which is a great ingredient in creating a barrier to protect your little one's skin.

One of our expert testers said: "It was very easy to apply, you don’t have to use much at all, and it spreads really easily. It's not oily or thick like other products we have used before, and I also love the fact that it is made with oats and is all-natural; you know there are no hidden nasties. You know exactly what is going on your baby, the product is natural and lovely to use."

Read the full Aveeno Baby Daily Care Nappy Cream review.

Awards: Won Bronze in our 2023 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Nappy Cream.

Nearly all babies suffer from nappy rash at some point, so finding the best nappy cream to soothe and protect their skin is important.

This salve from KIT & KIN is made from 100 per cent natural ingredients, which we love, and it contains a blend of nourishing oils and botanical extracts to calm and protect your baby's delicate skin from further irritation.

Our testers were impressed with how smoothly it can be applied to a baby's skin, however, it is scented so some worried it might not suit sensitive skin.

A fragrance-free nappy rash cream like Aveeno Baby Daily Care Nappy Barrier Cream might be better for sensitive skin. However, this is approved by dermatologists, and we think it's a great balm for treating nappy rash or dry spots of skin on your own skin.

Our expert tester said: "This magic salve is indeed magic. It's intended primarily for nappy rash, but we didn’t need it for that so much and it was great to use on heat rashes and sore cheeks where my son is teething terribly at the moment. It feels thick, like a barrier cream, but smoothes into skin without much effort and does not noticeably sit on top of the skin unlike other brands. It's also great on my elbows and hands."

Read our full Kit & Kin range review.

If you don't have a pot of this in the bathroom, are you even a parent?

Parents have hailed Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream since its introduction in the 1930s. It gained popularity due to its effectiveness in treating various skin conditions, including eczema, minor burns, and cuts. Making it a must-have product for the home.

Just make sure you don't leave it within reach of little hands - it gets EVERYWHERE, and testers did say it is very thick. However, the water-repellent base will prevent rashes from occurring, and if there is a soreness, it'll soothe and calm that bottom straight away, which testers love.

Our top tip is a little goes a long way, if you apply too much, you will be left with a noticeable white coating on the skin.

Plus, if you need any more reasons to get a pot of Sudocrem in the house, there are some clever uses for your pot of Sudocrem that you've probably never thought of.

Our expert tester said: "This gentle cream protects your baby’s delicate skin from any chemicals that can cause the rash, softens the skin and guards against infection.The cream is affordable, safe and can clear up nappy rash in just a day. The smaller tube of cream is a good shape, practical and convenient for bringing it out and about, and is quick and easy to use when on the go."

Shortlisted for Best Baby Skincare Range/Product in 2014 and 2015 - read our Sudocrem Care and Protect review here.

Suitable to use from birth, the Metanium Ointment is 100 per cent vegan-friendly and gentle on your baby's delicate (and sore!) skin, which our testers liked.

The bright yellow tube also makes it incredibly easy to spot at the bottom of your baby bag, and this really clears up nappy rash.

Our testers did find that because it is a yellow colour, it can stain clothing, so if that is a worry, something white, like Sudocrem Antiseptic Cream, might be more suitable.

Our Commercial Content Editor, Sophie Knight: "I swore by this for my baby boy. It was rare for his little bottom not to be smeared in yellow cream for several months. If there was a hint of redness, I'd smear this emollient cream on, and it would clear up very quickly."

Canesten clotrimazole cream is used to treat fungal nappy rash. It's a pharmacy item, so you'll have to complete a questionnaire at checkout to buy this to make sure you're getting the right product for your needs, but our testers like how quickly it works and it might save you a trip to the doctor.

Canesten helps relieve symptoms associated with fungal infections as well as nappy rash, such as itching, burning, redness, and inflammation, providing relief and promoting comfort. Making it a great product even when your little one no longer requires nappies.

One expert parent tester said: "Worked instantly. The skin was clear by day two to three days." Another tester agreed, "This cream worked its magic after four days."

Help keep your baby's skin soft and comfortable with this cream.

It is made with nourishing organic beeswax and organic chamomile. It is suitable for a baby's delicate skin, 100 per cent natural, and our testers love that the ingredients are all organic.

Unfortunately, it is not suitable for newborns and is recommended for babies from three months old. The cream contains essential oils that could be too harsh or irritating for a newborn's delicate skin.

Upon our further inspection of the ingredients, this product contains Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil; this is chamomile flower oil, and while chamomile oil is generally considered safe for topical use in diluted forms, it can sometimes cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially in individuals with particularly sensitive skin, such as newborns and infants.

So, if you want a more gentle nappy cream, try Good Bubble Organic Coconut Oil.

However, for older children, you can apply at each nappy change to help keep your little one's bottom soft and comfortable and prevent nappy rash in the future.

Our mum tester Danielle said: "My daughter has been using this cream for three weeks now, and we are yet to have a nappy rash breakout, so it’s a big thumbs up from me. I love the smell and texture of the cream and a little bit goes such a long way. In addition to this, it’s so easy to apply, and I find there’s less residue left behind after using the product compared to others I have used in this market. This makes it easier for me when trying to get the clean nappy on after applying. We both don’t get in such a mess!"

Shortlisted for Best Nappy Cream in 2021, read our Neal's Yard Remedies Baby Barrier Cream review.

Awards: The My Expert Midwife No Harm Bum Balm won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Nappy Cream category.

This rich but simple nappy cream provides gentle, effective relief and protection and helps to prevent skin damage and soreness.

Midwife-developed and mum-approved, this 100 per cent naturally derived, ultra-smooth serum takes care of delicate skin.

This rich but thin serum glides on easily without dragging sore skin, containing only five key ingredients, including medical-grade lanolin for skin protection and calendula for soothing redness and soreness.

Unfortunately, Lanolin isn't suitable for vegans. This ingredient is a natural substance extracted from sheep's wool. It is very popular in skincare products but not wholly cruelty-free.

Our testers loved how the one-handed dispenser is hygienic and helps when managing a wriggling baby. However, testers did think it was expensive.

Our mum tester Julianne said: "This product is so smooth and easy to put on. It has reduced the time spent changing my daughter's nappy as she no longer suffers from redness after I have been using it for over two weeks. I have found other products that are larger to carry around, so this fits perfectly into my changing bag, so it is the ideal product for a busy mum."

Read the My Expert Midwife No Harm Bum Balm review.

Burt's Bees Baby™ 100% Natural Diaper Rash Ointment has protecting properties to treat and prevent diaper rash. It's 100 per cent natural with 40 per cent zinc oxide, which impressed our testers because that is the maximum strength needed to seal out moisture, which can irritate your baby's bottom.

It'll nourish and recondition your baby's skin naturally with shea butter, lavender oil and jojoba seed oil, although these do mean this nappy cream is fragranced, which not all testers like, so a nappy rash cream like Aveeno baby Daily Care Nappy Barrier Creammight be preferable. However, it creates an effective emollient layer to absorb wetness, leaving the baby's skin soft, dry, and smooth.

Our mum tester Tammy said: "The Burts Bees Diaper Ointment is easy to use and smells great. It dries in quickly which definitely makes life and nappy changing a lot easier! I have used the cream on my newborn and two-year-old, and both have been fine with it. My newborn kept getting a nappy rash, but since using this she has been fine."

Shortlisted for Best Nappy Cream in 2021, read our full Burt's Bees Baby review.

Awards: The Good Bubble Organic Coconut Oil won Silver in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Nappy Cream category.

We really like how the multi-purpose wonder balm can be used on dry skin on for the whole family. Suitable for newborns and those with sensitive skin, this lovely tub of virgin, organic coconut oil is an ideal moisturiser for happy bottoms, helping to protect delicate skin, which our testers loved.

Coconut oil contains fatty acids and antioxidants to help soothe and calm sensitive or inflamed skin, reducing redness and irritation. We love this natural ingredient that has a lovely, subtle scent.

It's also perfect for winding down after bath time with a gentle baby massage, but check that your little one has no allergies to coconut. Paediatrician-approved and clinically proven as suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone little ones, this is a great option for newborn skin.

Our mum tester Carol says: "I really love all of this range. The containers that they all come in are excellent and suitable for what's inside. My favourite is the wash with the push-down lid as the fragrance is lovely. Another favourite is the coconut oil moisturiser that's suitable for newborns. My little one has dry skin, and this has been amazing. I like how the products are all-natural based, and there are no nasties inside."

Read our Good Bubble Organic Cocobut Oil review.