What You Need To Know  

Some diaper rash creams and baby lotions contain harmful chemicals you don’t want on your baby’s skin. Here are some tips to make sure what you use is both soothing and safe: 

AVOID 

• Synthetic antioxidants, like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), are ethoxylated ingredients and can contain trace amounts of carcinogenic byproducts, notably 1,4-Dioxane. They can be tricky to spot on a label, but checking for polyethylene glycol compounds (PEGs) or ingredients such as sodium laureth sulfate and chemicals that end with ‘-eth’ (like laureth, ceteareth or steareth) is a good start.
• Certain preservatives, like parabens, and many antimicrobial agents work to prevent microbial growth by releasing formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen (a substance capable of causing cancer). 
• Chemical UV filters contain endocrine disrupting chemicals that interfere with the healthy functioning of hormones in your body.
• Fragrances that contain phthalates to boost the scent’s staying power on your skin (be cautious if you simply see ‘fragrance’ as an ingredient). Two pure essential oils, tea tree and lavender, often added for fragrance, have been shown to have estrogenic properties that could impact reproductive health. Other essential oils have not been tested to date for these properties so it is unknown whether there is any reason for concern. 
• Other chemicals of concern: Retinyl palmitate, a derivative of Vitamin A, has been associated with increased risk of cancer in mice exposed to sunlight. It’s not clear if it can impact humans the same way, but you probably best avoid it; and triethanolamine, used to balance the pH in various body lotions, may irritate skin and the respiratory system and disrupt the immune system. 

BETTER CHOICES  

• Zinc oxide without any fragrances or other additives is considered safe and can rapidly help diaper rash. Do read the warning labels and use only the appropriate amount indicated. Note that some zinc oxides contain nanoparticles, which increase absorption but are being studied for possible health impacts. Given the unknowns, best to get “non-nano” zinc oxide if possible.  
• Pure shea butter, cocoa butter and jojoba oil -- without additives and fragrances -- can help sooth your baby’s skin without harmful contaminants. 

DIY 

• You can find plenty of online recipes with different combinations of jojoba oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil and/or olive oil. Ideally use organic ingredients and make sure they don’t have fragrances or any other additives.