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Which Diaper Cream Is Best for Your Baby's Skin?
- Rosemary Campbell
- Dec 8, 2024
- 3 min read
Comparing Popular Diaper Creams: A & D Ointment, Maximum Strength Desitin, Pure Haven Baby Balm, and My Homemade Recipe
When it comes to choosing a diaper cream for your baby, understanding the ingredient list is key. Let’s explore the differences between A & D Ointment, Maximum Strength Desitin, Pure Haven Baby Balm, and my own homemade diaper cream recipe, while addressing the potential concerns around petroleum and fragrance.
Ingredient Breakdown
A & D Ointment
Key Ingredients:
Petrolatum (53.4%): A petroleum byproduct used to create a moisture barrier on the skin. While effective, some prefer to avoid it due to its synthetic origins and potential for contamination with impurities like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)nolin (15.5%)**: Derived from sheep’s wool, it’s highly moisturizing but can be an allergen for some.
Cod Liver Oil: Natural but brings a strong scent and can cause sensitivity in some users.
Other Ingredients: Mineral oil, paraffin, and microcrystalline wax—all petroleum derivatives.
Pros: Affordable and widely available.
Cons: Heavy use of petroleum-based ingredients and potential allergens.
Maximum Strength Desitin
Key Ingredients:
Zinc Oxide (40%): A highly effective skin protectant and barrier against moisture, commonly used in diaper creams.
Petrolatum: Provides additional moisture barrier properties.
Fragrance: Synthetic fragrances can irritate sensitive skin.
Other ingredients include sorbitan sesquioleate (an emulsifier) and beeswax.
Pros: High zinc oxide content for fast relief from rashes.
Cons: Includes synthetic fragrance and petroleum-based components, which may not align with those seeking natural products & low tox living.
Key Ingredients:
Organic Coconut Oil: Moisturizing and antibacterial properties.
Organic Sunflower Oil: High in vitamin E and antioxidants, soothing for the skin.
Beeswax: Natural barrier to lock in moisture.
Organic Calendula Extract: Known for its calming and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Other Ingredients: Essential oils like lavender and chamomile for soothing properties.
Pros: Completely free of synthetic and petroleum-based ingredients, with a focus on organic and gentle botanicals.
Cons: Higher price point compared to conventional options.
Homemade Diaper Cream Recipe
This simple, all-natural recipe is an affordable and effective way to care for your baby’s skin. The ingredients are gentle, customizable, and easy to source, although hard to know if there are any contaminations and likely higher cost upfront.
RecipeIngredients:
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Instructions:
Melt the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax in a double boiler over low heat.
Remove from heat and stir in zinc oxide powder (wear a mask to avoid inhaling).
Add lavender and frankincense oils, if desired.
Pour the mixture into a clean jar and let it cool.
Pros: Fully customizable, cost-effective, and free from synthetic or petroleum-based ingredients.
Cons: Requires preparation time and difficult to be certain that you are sourcing quality ingredients.
Breaking Down Petroleum Concerns
Petrolatum is widely used in diaper creams, but there are concerns regarding potential contaminants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known carcinogens. While USP-grade , trace contaminants can still exist. Avoiding petroleum-based ingredients eliminates this risk entirely.
The Hidden Risks of Fragrance
Fragrance in diaper creams often contains undisclosed chemicals like phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption . Babies’ sensitive skin can easily be irritated by synthetic compounds. Choosing fragrance-free or naturally scented products reduces this risk.
It can be a challenge to make things at home!
The most recent time I made diaper cream, I had to stay up late to do it. With three little ones three and under, making recipes—especially ones I don’t make all the time—can feel overwhelming. Throw in a few crying kids, and it can feel like just too much. That’s why I LOVE Pure Haven! Not only do they get affidavits to confirm their suppliers are providing the purest, best ingredients, but they also manufacture 95% of their products in their own manufacturing plant. That is so rare! So many companies outsource manufacturing.
If making your own cream feels like too much, I totally get it. I highly recommend Pure Haven’s diaper cream—it’s a lifesaver and a time-saver. 🫶🏼
We've got this!
Mama, I get it—there’s a lot to think about when it comes to what’s best for your baby. That’s why I’m sharing everything I’ve learned (including what didn’t work for me) so you can feel confident in your choices. 🫶🏼
Listen, none of us are perfect, and I believe any and all small changes to decrease our toxin loads are worth it. Above all, I believe God’s got us, and He is ultimately in control. He gives us the free will to discern what’s best for our families. Surrender, take the pressure off yourself, and let Him lead you as the gatekeeper of your home.
Sources:
Diaper Cream Recipe:
Petroleum:
Fragrance:
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