Why People Are Putting Diaper Rash Cream on Their Face (And What You Should Use Instead)

It’s great for baby butts, but is the latest viral skincare trend any good for your face? Discover why diaper rash cream is being recommended by everyone from influencers to dermatologists, and some alternatives that you’ll actually find in the skincare aisle.

If you’ve read any of this blog, you’ll know that I’m, what you’d call, an extreme skeptic when it comes to viral skincare trends. The more bizarre the trend, the higher my eyebrows rise in suspicion. And sure, I’ve been proven wrong on a few occasions (here’s looking at you, fermented beans), but more often than not, trends come and go without impacting my skincare routine in the slightest.

And yet, social media never ceases to amaze me, because lately, there’s a rather unexpected new trend making the rounds. It has come to my attention that people are slathering diaper rash cream—yes the stuff you put on baby butts—on their faces in the name of clearer, calmer skin (insert joke about skin as smooth as a baby’s bottom). But does it actually work? And more importantly, is it really the best option for your skin? Let’s break it down.

Why Are People Putting Diaper Cream on Their Faces?

In all seriousness, there is a very sane, and actually quite logical, reasoning behind this trend. Most diaper rash creams contain zinc oxide, an ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, and some kind of emollient, usually petrolatum or shea butter, that can soothe dry, sensitive skin and help to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. I’ll give it to you, that is a pretty good combination of ingredients, and I can see why some people (especially those who enjoy slugging with vaseline—another trend that’s not for me) may want to reach for this over a traditional moisturizer.

Who Might Benefit from Using Diaper Rash Cream on Their Face?

While I wouldn’t personally recommend it as a go-to skincare product, especially for those with my oily skin type, there are a few scenarios where it might be useful:

• Extremely dry, compromised skin types – The thick, occlusive nature of these creams may help lock in moisture for those with very dry, flaky skin. (Think: post-retinol peeling or a damaged skin barrier.)

• Those looking for a spot treatment – If you have an angry, inflamed pimple, dabbing a tiny amount of zinc-based cream (without comedogenic ingredients) might help calm it down overnight.

• People with temporary skin irritation – If you’re dealing with a minor skin rash, chafing, or post-waxing redness, a thin layer of diaper rash cream could provide temporary relief.

Who Should Avoid Diaper Rash Cream on Their Face?

In my opinion , for a lot of people (myself included), diaper rash cream is not an ideal solution for everyday skincare. Here’s who should definitely steer clear:

• Oily and acne-prone skin types – The heavy, occlusive ingredients can trap oil and bacteria, potentially making breakouts worse rather than better.

• People prone to clogged pores (comedogenic skin types) – the petrolatum, shea butter and other ingredients in diaper rash creams, are known to be pore-clogging culprits.

Better Alternatives to Diaper Rash Cream for Your Skin Concerns

If you’re tempted to try diaper cream for your skin concerns, consider these better (and actually face-friendly) alternatives:

For Acne and Breakouts

If you’re interested in zinc for its acne-fighting properties, look for skincare products specifically formulated for facial use:

• Mineral sunscreens – The key ingredient in most mineral sunscreens is Zinc Oxide, and if it’s an effective sunscreen, it’ll be formulated with a fairly high percentage of zinc too. As an acne-prone, oily faced girl, I would choose a mineral sunscreen over diaper cream any day of the week.

• Zinc serums – If mineral sunscreens aren’t for you, then you could opt for a serum with zinc instead. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% combines 2 great acne-fighting ingredients in one.

• Calamine lotion – An oldie but a goodie, there’s a reason we used to put calamine lotion on spots, and it’s because it contains zinc oxide that helps dry out blemishes quickly and effectively.

For Redness and Sensitivity

Instead of diaper rash cream, I opt for skincare products with anti-inflammatory properties that won’t suffocate your skin. My faves are:

• Centella asiatica (Cica) creams – A K-beauty staple that helps calm irritation and repair the skin barrier.

• Colloidal oatmeal-based creams – Great for sensitive, red, or irritated skin, the Purito Oat-In Calming Gel Cream is a personal fave.

• Aloe vera gel – Hydrating, soothing, and lightweight, great for especially oily skin types.

For Strengthening the Skin Barrier

If your goal is to strengthen your skin barrier, a thick diaper cream isn’t your only option. There are several other ingredients that could work just as well:

• Products with ceramides – Ceramides are the hottest ingredient in barrier repair right now, and for good reason, because they help restore and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier

• Humectants – humectants like panthenol (Vitamin B5), glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, attract and trap moisture into the upper layers of the skin, helping to preserve the skin’s moisture barrier.

• Non-comedogenic emollients – A non-comedogenic, skin-friendly oil like, my favourite, squalane oil, can moisturize without clogging pores.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use Diaper Rash Cream on Your Face?

At the end of the day, diaper rash cream isn’t necessarily harmful, but it’s not the best skincare solution either. While the zinc oxide in these creams can help with irritation, there are much better options that won’t clog pores or leave your skin feeling suffocated.

So if you’ve been eyeing this trend on social media, I’d say: skip the baby aisle and opt for skincare products actually designed for your face. Have you tried using diaper rash cream for your skin? Let me know in the comments!

About The Skinimalist

Hi, I’m Mal, a 30-something recovering skincare addict, and this is my blog. A space where I attempt to de-influence you from chasing trends and buying more skincare products you may not need.

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