When it comes to caring for your little one's skin, baby barrier creams - also known as nappy creams – can be a useful addition to your changing bag.
“Unlike regular creams or lotions, which primarily moisturise, barrier creams provide an additional layer of protection, to shield sensitive baby skin against the irritating effects of moisture and friction, while also offering soothing relief and hydration,” says Dr Bisola Laguda, consultant paediatric dermatologist, at The Portland Hospital (HCA Healthcare UK).
Whether you want to fend off nappy rash, soothe a sore bottom, alleviate dribble rash or treat rough patches, a good barrier cream can make all the difference in ensuring your baby’s skin stays calm and comfortable.
When shopping for a barrier cream, bear in mind that there are different types.
“Formulas containing ingredients like petroleum jelly, silicone and zinc oxide are longer lasting as they don’t dissolve in water,” says Dr Laguda.
“Creams made with glycerin, sorbitol, urea and hyaluronic acid help the skin to retain water. Babies with eczema may benefit from creams containing ceramides and vitamin B3, because these ingredients support the skin barrier function. Try to steer clear of ingredients like alcohol, parabens and synthetic fragrances which could irritate and trigger allergic reactions,” Dr Laguda adds.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to perform a patch test by applying a small dab to the inside of your child’s elbow and waiting 24 hours to check for a reaction before using the product.
What skin conditions can a barrier cream treat?
Barrier creams can be effective at managing conditions like mild eczema, dribble rash, minor burns, cuts and scrapes, but they are commonly used to prevent and treat nappy rash.
“Nappy rash symptoms can range from shiny red, scaly and dry patches, to a more severe rash, such as hot, sore and spotty skin,” says Dr Laguda. “Sometimes the skin can be lighter in the affected areas and this can be more so in skin of colour,” she adds.
Where should a barrier cream be applied to infants?
“Apply a barrier cream to the bottom during every nappy change, as well as any skin folds that are prone to irritation,” advises Dr Laguda. “Frequent application should prevent irritation from occurring. It can also be used on other places prone to chafing or irritation, like under the chin where dribble rash might occur, or any areas experiencing frequent rubbing from clothing.”
The thick, occlusive nature of barrier creams may clog the pores or cause discomfort if used inappropriately on the face. “Use sparingly, particularly around the eyes and mouth, to avoid irritation or ingestion,” warns Dr Laguda.
“When it comes to application, make sure the skin is clean and dry. Then, with clean hands, apply a liberal layer of cream to the affected area.”
Best baby barrier creams at a glance
- Best for multi-use: La Roche-Posay Baby Cicaplast B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm - £18.90, La Roche Posay
- Best for lightweight formula: Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment - £3.55, Boots
- Best for soothing: Aveeno Daily Care Barrier Nappy Cream - £4.25, Amazon
- Best for treating sore skin: Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream - £7, Amazon
- Best for organic option: Neal’s Yard Remedies Baby Barrier Cream - £7, John Lewis
- Best for vegetarians: Weleda Calendula Nappy Change Cream - £5.81, Holland & Barrett
- Best for affordability: Boots Baby Moisturising Nappy Cream - £3.99, Boots
- Best for sensitive skin: B Organic Baby & Kids Organic Soothing Body & Bottom Balm - £15, B Organic
- Best for dry skin: Childs Farm Nappy Cream - £4.25, Boots
- Best for vegan-friendly: My Little Coco Bottom Balm Unscented - £6.99, Boots
How we tested
We tested various barrier creams, balms and ointments on the skin of babies and young infants aged three months and twelve months, over a period of one week. We assessed how the product felt, its ease of application and how well it soothed and protected the skin on various parts of the body and face.
Each product was applied consistently to the affected areas, allowing us to observe its soothing, healing and protective properties. Our selection also includes a range of price points to suit all budgets.
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La Roche-Posay Baby Cicaplast B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm
Best for: Multi-use
This multitasking balm is an absolute gem for soothing, protecting and restoring sensitive young skin. Rich in nourishing shea butter and glycerin, strengthening vitamin B5 and antibacterial zinc, the balm has been put through rigorous dermatological testing.
Stored in a squeezy tube, the cream-like texture applies easily and a little goes a long way. It provides a pleasant barrier to shield against nappy rash and worked speedily to soothe a dribble-induced chin rash on our little tester.
It’s suitable for babies aged three months and over and it’s safe to use daily on the face and body.
The hypoallergenic formula is fragrance and paraben-free, plus it’s non-comedogenic - so it won’t block pores. In addition to nappy rash, you can use it to treat a range of issues including cradle cap, eczema flare-ups, dry patches, grazes and even insect bites, making it a versatile option for the family first aid kit.
Buy now £18.90, La Roche-Posay
Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment
Best for: Lightweight formula
This ointment is designed for the delicate skin of all babies, including premature infants.
It comes in a handy tube and its silky soft texture glides on effortlessly. The formula is infused with provitamin B5, which keeps skin nourished and supports the natural healing process.
The water-in-oil blend seals in the skin’s natural moisture and forms a thin, breathable barrier that does a great job at protecting sensitive areas from irritants and rubbing.
It’s free from fragrance, preservatives and antiseptics, ensuring the utmost care for young skin. Please note that this product contains a nut-derived ingredient, prunus amygdalus dulcis oil (sweet almond oil). While the refining process usually removes any allergy-causing proteins, it’s always a good idea to speak to your GP or pharmacist before purchasing if your child has a nut allergy.
Buy now £3.55, Boots
Aveeno Daily Care Barrier Nappy Cream
Best for: Soothing
Designed specifically for newborns, Aveeno’s barrier cream combines the soothing properties of colloidal oatmeal with the protective and antibacterial power of zinc oxide. Together, these ingredients form a breathable barrier that not only prevents, but also treats nappy rash.
The light texture makes it a breeze to apply and we were particularly impressed by how quickly it alleviated redness in the bottom area and kept our baby’s skin feeling comfortable throughout the night.
It also worked wonders to repair damaged skin on the knees caused by crawling.
This formula is fragrance-free and has been put through the paces by paediatricians and dermatologists, so you can trust that it is safe for delicate skin, including little ones who are prone to eczema.
Buy now £4.25, Amazon
Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream
Best for: Treating sore skin
With a formula that has remained unchanged since 1931, this baby barrier cream is frequently recommended by doctors and midwives for the treatment of nappy rash and skin irritations. Gentle enough to use from birth, the water-repellent base stayed put for hours and stopped irritants from coming into contact with our baby’ skin.
The cream is enriched with anti-inflammatory zinc oxide to speed up healing, anhydrous hypoallergenic lanolin to soothe and soften along with a gentle local anaesthetic to ease pain.
The formula is thicker than others we tested, it required more effort to rub in, and it also took longer to wipe off. You can use it to treat other skin conditions like sunburn, rashes and grazes, so it’s a versatile cream to have around.
Buy now £7.00, Amazon
Neal’s Yard Remedies Baby Barrier Cream
Best for: Organic option
This British brand has been a leader of natural and organic skincare for decades and they've proudly held their Soil Association certification since 1991. Dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic, this barrier cream is gentle enough for newborns (as long as they are over 3kg/ 6lb 10oz). It’s enriched with calming chamomile, nourishing beeswax, moisturising sunflower oil and glycerin, plus zinc oxide to prevent nappy rash.
It worked well on our 12-month-old tester, keeping her bottom protected, soft and free from irritation. Dry spots on the elbows were also quickly eliminated.
It has a thick, balmy texture that quickly dissolves on the fingers, making application simple.
Buy now £7.00, John Lewis
Weleda Calendula Nappy Change Cream
Best for: Vegetarians
A popular choice for families and midwives for over 40 years, this cream has been created to care for sensitive baby skin from birth. Its blend of pure refined lanolin from Australia and zinc oxide work well to create a protective barrier against excess moisture and rubbing from nappies.
Chamomile extracts add a soothing touch, while calendula provides natural anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties, to noticeably calm and heal sore, red skin after just one use.
You only need a pea-sized amount to treat sore bums - a little goes a long way.
The cream is free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colourants and mineral oil-derived ingredients. Plus, it’s dermatologically tested.
Buy now £5.81, Holland & Barrett
Boots Baby Moisturising Nappy Cream
Best for: Affordability
Unlike some heavier barrier creams that can be difficult to absorb, this lightweight formula stands out for its smooth and easy-to-apply texture. It's packed with protective and nourishing ingredients like zinc oxide and squalene, which work together to keep baby's bottom protected and well-moisturised.
The cream is filled in a convenient, recyclable tube, making it an environmentally friendly choice that's also simple and hygienic to use. Dermatologically tested, it’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Overall, it’s a fantastic budget buy for keeping your little one's delicate skin cared for and comfortable.
Buy now £3.99, Boots
B Organic Baby & Kids Organic Soothing Body & Bottom Balm Unscented
Best for: Sensitive skin
This multi-award-winning balm is suitable for babies aged one month and over. Made with organic ingredients, it contains an ultra-nourishing blend of natural butters and oils to soothe and moisturise the skin. Shea butter and olive wax create a protective, water-resistant barrier around the bottom - keeping it clear of rashes and chafing from nappies, while rosehip oil offers natural antiseptic and anti-fungal properties to calm angry skin.
Fragrance-free and exceptionally gentle, it did a fantastic job at hydrating delicate skin and softening rough patches on the body; online reviews confirm its effectiveness at soothing eczema too.
We even used it as a hand cream and luxurious baby massage aid at bedtime.
Buy now £15.00, B Organic
Childs Farm Nappy Cream
Best for: Dry skin
This barrier cream is loaded with cocoa butter, shea butter, aloe vera and sunflower seed oil, which are incredibly hydrating on baby’s skin.
It's ideal for use throughout the day and after every nappy change to stop irritation in its tracks. You can even dab it on dry patches on the face. It has a light, lotion-like consistency that wasn’t at all oily, absorbed quickly and left our tester’s skin soft and nourished.
Designed with sensitive skin in mind, it's unscented and approved by dermatologists and paediatricians, making it a trustworthy choice for delicate young skin.
While it's suitable for newborns, the brand suggests doing a patch test on the crease of your child's elbow 24 hours before use, especially if your baby has sensitive skin.
Buy now £4.25, Boots
My Little Coco Bottom Balm
Best for: Vegan-friendly
Filled with organic coconut oil, glycerin, calendula and chamomile extract, this balm is specially-formulated to use after every nappy change to help pamper and protect vulnerable baby skin. Despite being labelled a balm, its texture leans more towards a rich, cream-like consistency that glides over the skin beautifully, leaving behind a gentle layer of hydration.
It has a subtle coconut scent that is a delightful bonus, keeping little ones smelling fresh. It’s dermatologically tested and the paediatrician approved no-nasties formula is ideal for newborns as well as for parents. Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, it is a great choice for conscious families.
We love the nifty tube, which is a good size for popping into your nappy bag.
Buy now £6.99, Boots
Verdict
If you’re in search of a baby barrier cream, La Roche-Posay Baby Cicaplast B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm ticks all the boxes. It’s a gentle yet effective balm that’s easy to apply. It does a great job at protecting delicate areas from nappy rash and can also tackle a range of other skin issues.
It’s versatile enough to use on both the face and body, making it a useful addition to your changing bag. The Aveeno Daily Care Barrier Nappy Cream also deserves a mention for its speedy skin-soothing abilities.