This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Looking for a gentle, natural way to soothe your baby’s skin? This diaper rash ointment cream with calendula oil is simple to make, budget-friendly, and free from unnecessary chemicals. With just a few nourishing ingredients, you can whip up a cream that’s safe, soothing, and effective for protecting delicate skin from severe diaper rash. This recipe utilizes our simple tutorial for How to Make Calendula Oil. If your baby is suffering from severe diaper rash, be sure to check out our guide Natural Remedies for Severe Diaper Rash (14 Fast, Parent-Tested Solutions).
Table of Contents
I’ve mentioned a few times that my son struggles with chronic eczema. By chronic, I mean angry. By angry, I also mean demanding.
It requires particular methods of cleaning and is even more particular about the types of creams it will accept.
We have a whole basket full of creams for our little guy, and the common ingredient in all of them is calendula flowers (more on that later).
Because of his eczema, he’s more prone to diaper rash. If his diaper rash goes untreated, it turns into a bacterial infection.
If you didn’t know that diaper rashes can get infected, PRAISE GOD.
We’ve learned over the last few months that keeping diaper rash at bay is crucial, and the best way to do that is by changing diapers frequently and applying his favorite diaper rash cream every time.
The diaper rash cream that words best for us is Botao. It works to not only keep diaper rash at bay, but also heal it quickly when it creeps in. The problem is that it can go on back order and then those of us who need it like we need our next breath are not ok.
So, I came up with this recipe that uses almost the same exact ingredients to have on hand. It’s all-natural, simple to make, and super affordable!
Why Make Your Own Diaper Rash Ointment Cream with zinc Oxide and Calendula Flowers?
- Safer ingredients (no harsh chemicals). Conventional baby product manufacturers want you to believe that if they slap a cartoon animal holding a lavender bouqet on the front of their product, it’s safe for your baby. That couldn’t be further from the truth. By making your own diaper rash cream, you can control everything that goes on your baby’s most sensitive area.
- Budget-friendly. It’s worth spending money on diaper rash cream that works for your baby, but making your own will save you so much money!
- Customizable. When you narrow down exactly which ingredients work for you and your family, you can build your self-care routine around it. If you know that your baby responds better to lavender or chamomile, you can use our guide for how to make calendula oil and swap the calendule for lavender, chamomile, or any other herb!
- Gentle for baby’s skin. I don’t think there’s anything on earth more sensitive than a baby’s bottom. Making your own diaper rash cream ensures only the best quality ingredients soak into their skin.
Ingredients for Diaper Rash Cream
It’s easy to forget that the skin is the largest organ in the body, and everything we put on it absorbs right into our body. We can’t afford to cover it in toxic creams that claim to be natural. When it comes to soothing diaper rash, every ingredient in this cream was chosen for a purpose. Here’s why each one matters:
Calendula Flowers
Calendula is well-known for its gentle, skin-healing properties. Infusing the flowers into oil helps draw out their natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, making the cream extra soothing for irritated baby bottoms. I like Earthwise Aromatics organic calendula flowers.
Beef Tallow
Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, beef tallow is incredibly nourishing for the skin. Its fatty acid profile is very similar to human skin’s natural oils, which makes it deeply moisturizing and healing. Tallow also provides a natural barrier to protect against further irritation. I use this grass-fed and finished beef tallow.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a classic base in natural skincare thanks to its antimicrobial, antifungal, and hydrating properties. It softens skin, helps prevent infection, and works perfectly with calendula to calm redness and inflammation. I use Carrington Farms organic coconut oil.
Beeswax
Beeswax thickens the cream and locks in moisture, forming a breathable protective barrier. Unlike petroleum-based products, it still allows the skin to breathe while protecting against wetness and friction from diapers. I prefer these cosmetic-grade, pure beeswax pellets.
Bentonite Clay
This mineral-rich clay helps absorb excess moisture and toxins while soothing irritation. Its silky texture also adds a smooth, powdery feel to the cream, making it comfortable to apply. I’ve been using this bentonite clay for years with excellent results.
Zinc Oxide Powder (non-nano)
Zinc oxide is one of the most effective natural ingredients for preventing and treating diaper rash. It forms a strong yet gentle barrier against moisture, reducing irritation and giving skin time to heal. Using non-nano zinc means it stays on the surface and doesn’t absorb into the skin. This is the zinc oxide powder I use and trust.
Small saucepan for melting oils.
Small glass jar for storing diaper cream.
Wooden sticks for dipping out diaper cream. This is optional, but dipping into diaper cream without washing your hands can transfer bacteria into the cream.
I’ve rounded up my favorite ingredients and tools so you can easily grab everything you need in one place:
Tools
Prefer Not to DIY?
How to Make Homemade Diaper rash Ointment Cream
Before you get started, check out our tutorial for How to Make Calendula Oil. This recipe utilizes beef tallow and coconut oil that has been infused with calendula flowers. All you have to do is follow the how-to guide, using 1/4 cup of beef tallow, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, and dried calendula flowers. You won’t believe how easy it is to make your own calendula oil!
If you’d rather skip this step, you can still make natural, homemade diaper ointment cream with just coconut oil and tallow.
Once you have your calendula infusion:
Step 1: In a small saucepan, melt the calendula oil and beeswax pellets over medium-low heat.
Step 2: Add the bentonite clay and zinc oxide powder. Stir until the powders dissolve and no clumps remain.
Step 3: Pour the oil into a clean glass jar and let it set at room temperature until the mixture solidifies.
How to Store and Shelf Life
To keep your homemade diaper rash cream fresh and effective, store it in a clean, airtight glass jar or tin container. Place it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight, such as a cabinet or drawer. If you live in a warm climate, you may want to refrigerate it during summer months to prevent the oils from softening too much.
Shelf life: About 6 months when stored properly. If you notice any change in smell, texture, or color, it’s time to make a fresh batch.
How to Use DIY Diaper Rash Ointment Cream
Using your cream is simple:
- Clean & dry baby’s bottom gently at diaper changes.
- Remove diaper rash cream with a wooden popsicle stick to avoid transferring bacteria. Apply a pea-sized amount of the cream directly onto the rash-prone areas.
- Spread in a thin, even layer to create a soothing protective barrier.
- Reapply with each diaper change as needed.
Tip: A little goes a long way—because this cream is rich and concentrated, you only need a small amount each time.
FAQs
How to Help Diaper Rash if I ran Out Of Cream?
If you run out of diaper rash cream, you can still help your baby’s rash by making homemade baby powder with arrowroot powder and dried herbs or essential oils.
Can coconut oil Heal Diaper Rash?
Coconut oil can help soothe and protect baby’s skin thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. It creates a light barrier that helps reduce irritation while keeping skin soft. However, while coconut oil can ease mild diaper rash, it may not always be enough on its own for more severe rashes. That’s why it works beautifully when combined with other ingredients—like calendula, zinc oxide, and beeswax—in a diaper cream for added protection and healing power.
How to Heal a diaper rash Naturally?
Frequent diaper changes and applying a diaper cream with clean, all-natural ingredients is a great start to healing diaper rash. For a more thorough list of remedies to try, check out our guide Natural Remedies for Severe Diaper Rash.
Diaper Rash Ointment Cream (with Calendula Oil)
Equipment
- 1 small pot or double boiler
- 1 small glass jar
Materials
- 1/2 cup Coconut oil and beef tallow infused with calendula oil see note 1
- 3 tbs zinc oxide powder
- 1 tbs bentonite clay
- 2 tsp beeswax pellets
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt the calendula oil and beeswax pellets over medium-low heat.
- Add the bentonite clay and zinc oxide powder. Stir until the powders dissolve and no clumps remain.
- Pour the oil into a clean glass jar and let it set at room temperature until the mixture solidifies.
Notes
- This recipe utilizes our calendula oil tutorial, which infuses coconut oil and beef tallow with dried calendula flowers. You can omit this step and use coconut oil and beef tallow without the calendula if you prefer.
You’re on Your way to Kicking Diaper Rash
Making your own diaper rash ointment cream with calendula oil is an easy DIY that gives you peace of mind about what’s going on your baby’s skin. With its soothing, protective, and healing properties, this cream can become a staple in your natural baby care routine so you don’t have to rely on the supply chain. Whether you’re trying to avoid store-bought creams or love DIY remedies, this recipe is one you’ll reach for again and again.
[…] sure to check out our recipes for Diaper Rash Ointment Cream and Homemade Baby Powder to help heal your little one’s diaper […]