12 Cloth Diaper Safe Creams That Actually Work (2024)

Regular diaper creams are unsuitable for cloth diapers and can easily ruin them.

Choose a cloth diaper safe cream that won’t leave residue, stains, or use oils that reduce the diaper’s absorbency. 

Avoid zinc oxide, sesame seed oil, petroleum, and panthenol (or use sparingly) as they often cause wetness to repel.

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Cloth Diaper Safe Creams

1. Esembly Every Day Organic Diaper Balm

Esembly Everyday Organic Balm is a cloth diaper-friendly diaper cream formulated to wash out of cloth diapers and inserts easily. 

Many parents review Esembly Organic Balm as the best cloth diaper rash cream because it is fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and organic. 

Not only is Esembly Every Day Balm diaper cream, but it can be used as a nipple cream, cradle cap, and dry, chapped skin. Moms can even massage it into their hands as a cuticle cream! 

A bonus to this wonder cream is that it is one of the most affordable diaper creams for cloth diapers. It is, twice the size of most competitors at roughly the same price!

What We Liked

• In addition to being fragrance-free, it is also dye-free and paraben-free.
• Contains no petroleum, so it won’t leave residue on your cloth diapers
• Has a thin, ointment-like consistency, so it easily goes onto your baby’s bottom
• Safe to use on a baby’s face to prevent rashes from drooling
• U.S. owned and operated company

2. Dyper Vegan Diaper Balm

Dyper Vegan Diaper Balm contains zero animal products. It is never tested on animals making it an excellent cloth diaper ointment for vegetarian and vegan parents. It is also phthalate, paraben, and gluten-free. 

Dyper Vegan Diaper Balm is a natural cloth diaper cream; its main ingredients are organic grapeseed oil, candelilla wax, and organic olive fruit oil. 

Candelilla wax is safe for use with most cloth diapers. However, parents should avoid it with stay-dry fleece or charcoal bamboo products because it can cause these fabrics to repel moisture.

Parents can order a four-pack of this vegan cream directly from the website to save on cash or a single 2-ounce  jar on Amazon; free shipping with prime membership.

What We Liked

• A cruelty-free product and made using sustainable practices
• Infused with Vitamin E to soften your baby’s bottom
• Smooth and soft and easily glides onto your baby’s bottom
• Has a neutral, fresh scent
• You can set up a subscription on their website, so you never run out!

3. Grandma Els Diaper Rash Cream

Grandma Els may be the most straightforward diaper rash cream for cloth diapers with only two ingredients. It is made of 75.95% amber petrolatum and 15.5% lanolin.

Amber petrolatum is lighter, softer in consistency than traditional petroleum jelly, and commonly found in beauty products.

While petroleum products are usually advised against when using cloth diapers, reviewers state that Grandma Els Diaper Rash Cream washes easily out of cloth diapers.

In addition, this cloth diaper-friendly rash cream is hypoallergenic and safe for even the most sensitive skins.

The combination of amber petrolatum and lanolin makes this product breathable and soothing. It can also be used as a hand salve and nipple cream.

What We Liked

• Pediatrician recommended.
• Earned a Top Choice Award in 2021 from Baby Maternity Magazine.
• Infused with Vitamin E to soothe and soften skin.
• Highly cost-effective.
• Not pasty and white like traditional diaper creams.

4. LuSa Booty Balm Cloth Diaper Rash Cream

LuSa Booty Balm Rash Cream is a cloth diaper rash cream that you can also use for other skin irritations. For example, LuSa Organics states you can use the cream to soothe cuts, scrapes, burns, and dry or sensitive skin. 

The main ingredients are olive oil, jojoba oil, beeswax, and avocado oil. The majority of the ingredients are organic, and it comes in a recyclable tin making this an eco-friendly diaper cream for cloth diapers. 

It is infused with lavender and chamomile oil, which soothes the skin and gives the product light, fresh scent.

What We Liked

• The tin container makes it easy to pack and for on the go 
• Cost-effective and one of the least expensive cloth safe diaper creams
• A little bit goes a long way; one container will last you a long time.
• When applied at night, the soothing scent may help your baby sleep.
• The container is manufactured in the U.S.

5. Earth Mama Organic Cloth Diaper Balm

Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm is USDA Certified Organic and is verified by Oregon Tilth or OTCO and an independent third-party certifier.

The product is almost entirely vegan, except for beeswax, which is harvested in an eco-friendly and humane manner. 

The main ingredients in Earth Mama Diaper Balm are olive fruit oil, shea butter, beeswax, and jojoba seed oil. It also contains essential oils, St. John’s Wort, and plantain extract.

Of all the cloth diaper rash creams, Earth Mama is chosen more often than any other for use in NICU wards. It is gentle and baby’s skin and can be used as a general skin salve and beauty product.

What We Liked

• Dermatologist tested. 
• Ha received the Leaping Bunny Standard and is not tested on animals
• You can order single jars or set up a subscription to save 10%
• A little goes a long way; a 2-ounce container can last several months
• Does not leave an oily or pasty residue on cloth diapers

6. Noleo Cloth Diaper Safe Cream

Noleo is a 3-in-1 cloth diaper-safe diaper rash cream with only five ingredients. This multipurpose product contains lime water, sunflower oil, olive oil, glycerin stearate, and beeswax. 

Lime water cleans and balances your baby’s skin pH. Sunflower and olive oil create a wet barrier and nourish the skin. 

Noleo cleans your baby’s bottom while leaving a protecting layer between them and their diapers. Because of its gentle formula, it is safe to use on newborns and babies, and tots with sensitive skin.

What We Liked

• The pump action dispenser on the bottle makes it easy to dispense with one hand during diaper changes.
• Certified organic and dermatologist tested
• Eliminates the need for disposable diaper wipes and baby lotion
• Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
• Has an Amazon Climate Friendly Pledge product

7. Thirsties Booty Love Diaper Ointment

Besides the fun name, this product is touted by some parents as the best diaper rash cream for cloth diapers. It is one of the highest-rated cloth-safe diaper creams available.

Booty Love ointment is petroleum-free and certified organic. In addition, the product is U.S.-made using fair and sustainable practices. 

Booty Love contains olive oil, beeswax, Oregon grape root, myrrh gum, yarrow herb, and calendula flower. Olive oil and beeswax are moisturizing agents to keep your baby’s skin soft, and Oregon grape root and myrrh gum are antifungal and antibacterial. 

In addition to being a cloth diaper-friendly diaper rash cream, you can use booty love to treat minor scrapes, burns, and skin irritations.

What We Liked

• Cost-effective
• No animal testing is used
• Great for older kids learning how to wipe themselves during potty training to relieve redness and prevent yeast infections
• Can be used for eczema 
• Washes easily out of cloth diapers and clothing

8. Honest Company Organic All-Purpose Balm

Honest Company is still relatively new to the market, and its all-purpose balm was only released in March of 2020. However, despite being a newcomer, the product has quickly become a top diaper rash treatment with cloth diapers. 

The Honest All-Purpose Balm is certified organic and contains no petroleum, mineral oil, phthalates, or dyes. The products used to make the oil are sustainably grown and sourced. 

This ultra-soothing balm works great on diaper rash, but its soothing ingredients like shea butter and sunflower seed oil work well on any skin irritation. In addition, it contains organic chamomile oil to calm and soothe skin.

What We Liked

• An all-purpose body balm but gentle enough for a baby’s bottom.
• Plant-based and hypoallergenic.
• Reasonably priced 
• Received the Amazon Climate Friendly Pledge
• Vegan and plant-based

9. CJ’s BUTTer Shea Butter Balm

CJ’s BUTTer Shea Butter Balm is indeed a cloth diaper safe rash cream, but it can also be used to treat eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, chapped and dry skin, cradle cap, and burn scars! 

This miracle balm’s main ingredients are shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, and lanolin. Lanolin is the natural oil found in sheep’s wool and used by nursing mothers to soothe cracked and sore nipples. Lanolin is naturally soothing and safe on cloth diapers.

It contains natural oils and comes in various scents; unscented, peaches and cream, sweet orange, and warm vanilla are just a few options! 

It is sold in four different sizes: .35 ounces, 2 ounces, 6 ounces, and 12 ounces, so you can try it worry-free until you find the one perfect for you and your baby!

What We Liked

• A multi-purpose ointment that everyone in the family can use
• Contains all-natural ingredients
• Sulfate, paraben, phthalates, and gluten-free
• Has Amazon’s Climate Friendly pledge and Compact by Design certification, indicating it is made and packaged sustainably
• Pediatricians recommend it as a cloth-safe diaper cream.

10. Made Of Organic Diaper Rash Cream

Made Of is an organic cloth diaper cream that uses only organic oils combined with non-nano zinc oxide. Non-nano means the particles are large enough that they do not penetrate the skin and therefore are unlikely to irritate. 

Most sunscreens and many diaper rashes contain zinc oxide. As a result, non-nano products are often thicker and more difficult to apply. But, because it is blended with vitamin E and essential oils, Made Of natural cloth diaper cream goes on smooth.

Zinc-oxide can stain cloth diapers and make them repel moisture. Made Of Diaper Rash Cream is intended to prevent and treat diaper rash. To extend the life of your cloth diapers, consider only applying Made Of cream overnight or if your baby’s skin shows signs of irritation.

What We Liked

• NSF Organic Standard Certification.
• Leaping Bunny Certification and is certified cruelty-free
• The main ingredient is Vitamin E to condition and soften your baby’s skin
• Contains lavender and coconut oil making it smell great.
• Contains no GMOs

11. Motherlove Diaper Balm

Motherlove Diaper Balm is petroleum and zinc-oxide-free, meaning parents can use it on all types of cloth diapers worry-free. T

his cloth diaper-safe rash cream not only soothes irritation, but the antifungal and antibacterial herbs also help control yeast growth. You can also use it to treat thrush and other skin irritations such as cracked and sore nipples.

It is USDA Certified Organic making it the perfect cloth-diaper diaper cream for all-natural parents. 

Motherlove Diaper Balm contains only six natural ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, Oregon grape root, myrrh gum, yarrow herb, and calendula flower.

The manufacturers note the consistency may change from jar to jar because of the natural beeswax.

What We Liked

• Motherlove is a woman-owned and family-operated company.
• An Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly product.
• Has a smooth and silky non-greasy feel, no tacky residue
• Cost-effective and a little goes a long way
• Made in the U.S.A in a solar power facility

12. Grovia Magic Stick Cloth Diaper Balm

Grovia Magic Stick is self-titled the “Magical Diaper Balm.” Its main ingredients are grapeseed oil, beeswax, and lavender oil, and it does not contain any petroleum.

Many parents consider it the best diaper cream for cloth diapers because it only contains natural ingredients, is mess-free, and is manufactured in the U.S. using fair and conscious practices. 

Parents can use the Grovia Magic Stick with each diaper change to prevent diaper rash, or they can use it to treat minor irritations on their baby’s bottom.

It is the ideal cloth diaper cream for parents who want all-natural products and babies or toddlers with sensitive skin. You can purchase the Grovia Magic Stick directly from their website and it is a great value for the cost!

What We Liked

• Contains organic ingredients.
• Infused with Vitamin E to soften your baby’s skin
• Zinc-free so that it won’t damage cloth diapers
• The applicator allows parents to apply the cream without getting their hands messy.
• Natural ingredients mean it smells great, with no chemical odor.

Ingredients to Look For in a Cloth Diaper Rash Cream

It is essential you use a diaper rash cream safe for cloth diapers to maintain their lifespan. Natural ingredients wash easily out of most cloth diapers and typically won’t leave behind stains or residue. In addition, they won’t inhibit your diaper’s ability to absorb wetness which could leak to leaks or diaper rash. 

• Beeswax
• Olive Oil
• Vitamin E
• Jojoba seed oil
• Lanolin
• Coconut Oil
• Shea Butter
• Grapeseed Oil
• Cocoa Butter
• Lavender oil
• Chamomile oil
• Oregon grape root
• Myrrh gum

Ingredients to Avoid in a Cloth Diaper Rash Cream

Many common diaper creams contain zinc oxide and petroleum, two ingredients that excel at repelling moisture and keeping your baby’s bottom dry.

The issue is that these products can be tricky or downright impossible to wash out of cloth diapers. Not to mention, these creams often contain harsh chemicals that a baby’s sensitive skin may be allergic to. 

• Petroleum – Petroleum can be difficult to remove from cloth diapers. Look for products with amber petroleum as it has a lighter consistency.
• Zinc Oxide – Zinc Oxide forms a strong protective barrier; however, non-nano zinc oxide can be absorbed into the bloodstream. It is also difficult to clean out of cloth diapers.
• Candelilla wax – Candelilla wax is safe for most types of cloth diapers but should be avoided on charcoal bamboo or fleece as it clings to these fabrics more.
• Sesame Seed Oil – Sesame seed oil is extremely difficult to clean out of fabric. It is a thick, heavy oil and not well suited to cloth diapers. 
• Calamine – is an excellent itch and redness reliever, but it is not considered cloth diaper safe as it can stain fabrics.
• Paraffin – Paraffin, like beeswax, works as a protective barrier against wetness. However, paraffin can stick to cloth and is extremely challenging to clean. 

FAQ

What is the best diaper rash cream for cloth diapers?

If I were choosing a cloth-diaper diaper rash cream, I would opt for Motherlove Diaper Balm because of its antifungal properties and its ability to be used as a multipurpose balm. 

Can I use regular diaper cream with cloth diapers?

It is not recommended that you use standard diaper cream with cloth diapers as many can stain or leave behind residue, which will inhibit your diaper’s ability to absorb moisture. 

Is vaseline safe for cloth diapers?

Vaseline is petroleum-based and, therefore, should be avoided when possible. Petroleum build-up can hinder your cloth diaper’s ability to absorb moisture.

Is baby powder safe for cloth diapers?

Baby powder contains talc, which is not considered safe for cloth diapers. If needed, look for a talc-free all-natural baby powder. 

Is coconut oil safe for cloth diapers?

Yes, it is considered safe to use coconut oil with cloth diapers. It is all-natural, antibacterial, and smells great!

Is beeswax safe for cloth diapers?

Yes, beeswax is safe for cloth diapers and is, in fact, one of the most common ingredients in cloth diaper-approved ointments. 

Is Aquaphor diaper cream safe for cloth diapers?

Using petroleum-based products like Aquaphor with cloth diapers can be done, but it should be done sparingly and only if necessary. You will likely need to strip your diapers after you have used petroleum. 

Is Desitin diaper cream safe for cloth diapers?

While the recipe for Desitin has changed over the years, and it is a more natural product, it is still primarily zinc oxide which can stain and ruin cloth diapers. 

Is Weleda diaper cream safe for cloth diapers?

Weleda diaper cream is plant-based and has other natural ingredients; however, it contains zinc oxide, so it should be used with caution with cloth diapers.

Is Burt’s Bees diaper cream safe for cloth diapers? 

Burt’s Bese Multipurpose Ointment is all-natural and cloth diaper safe. It is plant-based, and pediatrician tested. 

Is zinc oxide safe for cloth diapers?

Zinc oxide is generally not considered safe for cloth diapers. However, nano-zinc oxide is the better choice when used. You may need to strip your diapers after using zinc0oxide products.

What ingredients are not safe for cloth diapers? 

Petroleum and zinc oxide should be used sparingly, if at all. Candelilla wax should not be used with fleece or charcoal bamboo. You should avoid sesame seed oil, calamine, and paraffin as well. 

How to get diaper cream out of clothes?

Cloth diaper-safe diaper creams should wash out in a regular wash cycle. However, you may need to pretreat first.

How to get diaper cream out of cloth diapers?

Cloth diaper-safe diaper creams should wash out in a regular wash cycle. However, in some instances, you made need to strip your cloth diapers; a more intensive cleaning process.