Baby skin is wonderfully soft — and incredibly sensitive. From nappy changes to dry patches and the occasional flare-up, it’s no surprise that most parents are on a constant search for skincare products that truly work without causing irritation.
One ingredient that has earned its place in nappy bags and nurseries for generations is zinc oxide. Naturally protective, soothing, and safe even for newborns, it’s often found in the most trusted nappy creams and balms — and for good reason.
In this article, we’ll explore why zinc oxide nappy cream is such a valuable tool in your baby care routine. We’ll look at how it works, when to use it, what to look for in a high-quality product — and why we include it in our own Matylda Baby BUM + BODY balm, a gentle, multi-purpose blend designed to calm and protect delicate skin, from top to tiny bottom.
What Is Zinc Oxide and Why Is It Used in Baby Skincare?
Zinc oxide is a white, powdery mineral that’s become a trusted staple in baby skincare — and for good reason. Known for its gentle, non-irritating nature, it’s widely used in nappy creams, barrier balms, and soothing ointments designed for sensitive or inflamed skin.
What sets zinc oxide apart is its ability to sit on the surface of the skin, forming a light but effective barrier. This barrier protects against moisture, friction, and irritants — three of the most common triggers for nappy rash. It doesn’t absorb deeply, which means it acts locally and is safe for even the most delicate skin.
In addition to protection, zinc oxide supports the healing process. It has mild antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help calm redness and promote skin repair without clogging pores.
You’ll find zinc oxide in a wide range of baby products, including:
- Nappy rash creams
- Barrier balms
- Baby-safe sunscreens
- Multi-purpose ointments for dry or irritated patches
Many natural brands — including ours — choose zinc oxide for its proven safety and effectiveness. In our Matylda Baby BUM + BODY balm, we include non-nano zinc oxide as part of a gentle blend designed to soothe and protect, without the unnecessary additives found in many conventional creams.
Benefits of Zinc Oxide Nappy Cream
When it comes to protecting your baby’s skin, prevention is often the best approach — and that’s where zinc oxide truly shines. As a key ingredient in many nappy creams, it offers a range of benefits that go far beyond surface-level relief.
Creates a Protective Barrier
Zinc oxide forms a breathable, protective layer over your baby’s skin. This barrier helps shield against excess moisture from wet nappies, which is one of the leading causes of nappy rash. By keeping irritants out and allowing the skin to breathe, zinc oxide gives delicate skin the space it needs to stay dry, calm, and healthy.
Soothes Redness and Irritation
If your baby already has signs of irritation — redness, small bumps, or dry patches — zinc oxide helps to calm things down quickly. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties reduce discomfort and support skin recovery without the need for harsh chemicals or medicated formulas.
Supports Skin Healing
Zinc oxide doesn’t just prevent damage; it actively promotes healing. Whether it’s a mild nappy rash or a small flare-up, it helps restore the skin’s natural balance. That’s why it’s often recommended not only for nappy changes but also for minor scrapes or dry spots elsewhere on the body.
Safe for Daily Use
One of the biggest advantages of zinc oxide is that it’s safe enough to use multiple times a day, even on newborns. You can apply it with every nappy change or as needed, with peace of mind that you’re not overloading your baby’s skin with unnecessary additives.
Many parents love having a multi-purpose balm on hand — one that works for bottoms, bellies, and everything in between. That’s part of the reason we chose to include zinc oxide in our Matylda Baby balm: it brings all of these benefits together in one gentle, easy-to-use formula.
Zinc Oxide for Treating Diaper Rash and Eczema
A Gentle Ally for Common Baby Skin Concerns
From nappy rash to the dry, red patches caused by eczema, baby skin often needs a little extra support — especially during the first year. Zinc oxide is one of the few ingredients that’s both effective and gentle enough to help with both.
How Zinc Oxide Helps with Diaper Rash
Nappy rash is usually caused by a combination of moisture, friction, and exposure to irritants (like urine or stool). When that protective barrier of the skin is compromised, redness and inflammation can follow.
Zinc oxide helps in two key ways:
- Barrier protection – It creates a physical shield between your baby’s skin and the source of irritation.
- Soothing and healing – It calms inflamed skin and supports natural regeneration without being harsh or drying.
For most cases of mild to moderate nappy rash, a zinc oxide-based cream applied at each change can dramatically improve the skin within 1–3 days.
Is Zinc Oxide Safe for Eczema-Prone Skin?
Yes — zinc oxide is considered one of the most eczema-friendly ingredients in baby care. It’s non-sensitising and has a calming effect on the skin, which can help reduce redness and prevent itching from worsening.
While it’s not a treatment for eczema itself, it can be used as a protective layer over irritated areas to guard against further flare-ups — especially when nappies, drool, or clothing might otherwise rub against sensitive spots.
This versatility is one reason why many parents prefer multi-use balms with zinc oxide. Our Matylda Baby BUM + BODY balm, for example, includes zinc oxide in a rich, tallow-based formula that supports both everyday protection and gentle spot treatment when skin is flaring.
How to Use Zinc Oxide Cream on Your Baby
Zinc oxide nappy creams are simple to use — and when applied correctly, they can make a noticeable difference in your baby’s comfort. Whether you’re using it daily for prevention or during flare-ups for healing, a few small habits can go a long way.
When to Apply
- At every nappy change if your baby is prone to rashes or has sensitive skin
- When redness first appears to help prevent it from worsening
- Before bedtime or long car journeys to create a lasting barrier during extended periods in a nappy
How Much to Use
A thin, even layer is all you need — think of it like frosting a cake. Too much can make cleanup trickier, but too little won’t offer proper protection. Aim to cover the entire nappy area, especially the folds where moisture tends to collect.
Steps for Application
- Clean and pat dry the nappy area gently with a soft cloth
- Apply a thin layer of zinc oxide cream or balm
- Avoid rubbing in completely — it should remain slightly visible as a barrier
- Reapply as needed, especially after wet or dirty nappies
Cloth Nappy Tip
If you’re using cloth nappies, check whether your brand recommends liners when using zinc oxide creams, as they can reduce absorbency over time. Many parents find that water-based creams or balms with natural oils (like the one in our Matylda Baby blend) are more cloth-friendly.
Choosing a Zinc Oxide Balm – What to Look For in a Gentle Formula
Not all nappy creams are created equal — especially when it comes to babies with extra-sensitive skin. While zinc oxide is the hero ingredient, the rest of the formula matters just as much.
Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing a zinc oxide balm for your baby:
✔️ Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
Look for non-nano zinc oxide, which means the particles are too large to be absorbed through the skin. This ensures that it stays on the surface, doing its protective job without entering the bloodstream.
✔️ Free from Fragrance and Harsh Additives
Babies don’t need perfume. In fact, synthetic fragrances are one of the most common causes of skin irritation. The best zinc oxide creams are free from added scent, alcohol, petroleum-based ingredients, and unnecessary fillers.
✔️ Rich in Skin-Nourishing Oils
A good balm doesn’t just protect — it should also nourish. Look for ingredients like:
- Tallow (rich in fat-soluble vitamins)
- Calendula (anti-inflammatory and calming)
- Beeswax (locks in moisture)
These ingredients support your baby’s skin barrier rather than just covering it.
At Matylda Baby, our BUM + BODY balm includes non-nano zinc oxide alongside a simple blend of nourishing whole-animal and plant-based ingredients — no synthetics, no shortcuts.
✔️ Easy to Apply and Clean Off
A thick paste might be effective, but it can also be messy and difficult to remove — which may lead to over-washing. A balm with a smooth texture is easier on your baby’s skin (and your sanity) during nappy changes.
Does Sudocrem Have Zinc Oxide?
Yes — Sudocrem does contain zinc oxide. In fact, it’s one of the key active ingredients, making up about 15.25% of the formula. This contributes to Sudocrem’s well-known ability to create a barrier on the skin and soothe mild nappy rash.
However, Sudocrem is a medicated cream with a more complex formulation than many natural alternatives. Alongside zinc oxide, it also includes:
- Benzyl alcohol (an antiseptic)
- Benzyl benzoate and benzyl cinnamate (from Peru balsam, which can be allergenic)
- Synthetic fragrance
While Sudocrem works well for many families, some parents prefer simpler, fragrance-free formulations — especially for everyday use or babies with particularly sensitive skin.
That’s why many newer balms on the market (like ours) focus on zinc oxide in its purest form, supported by a short list of natural, nourishing ingredients. The goal isn’t just to protect, but to work with the skin — encouraging balance and resilience over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use zinc oxide cream every day?
Yes — zinc oxide is safe for daily use, especially when applied as a preventative barrier during nappy changes. Many parents use it at every change or just overnight when the skin is exposed to more moisture.
Is zinc oxide safe for newborns?
Absolutely. Non-nano zinc oxide is widely considered one of the gentlest and safest barrier creams for newborn skin. It sits on the surface and doesn’t absorb into the body, making it ideal for early days.
Can zinc oxide cream help with eczema?
While it’s not a cure for eczema, zinc oxide can soothe and protect areas prone to flare-ups — especially where skin is raw, irritated, or likely to be rubbed by clothing or nappies.
Does zinc oxide stain clothing or nappies?
Most zinc oxide balms won’t permanently stain clothing, but they can leave a light residue on fabrics, especially those that are light-coloured or synthetic. If you use cloth nappies, consider using a liner or checking with your nappy brand for guidance.
What’s the difference between cream, balm, and ointment?
- Creams tend to be water-based and absorb quickly.
- Ointments are thicker and stay on the skin longer.
- Balms (like Matylda Baby’s) are oil-based, offering a rich, nourishing layer without synthetic additives — ideal for both prevention and healing.
Conclusion
Zinc oxide has earned its place as a trusted staple in baby skincare — and for good reason. It protects, soothes, and supports healing in a way that’s safe, simple, and effective, even for newborns or babies with extra-sensitive skin.
Whether you’re dealing with nappy rash, flare-ups, or just want to keep your baby’s skin as calm and comfortable as possible, a high-quality zinc oxide nappy cream is a reliable tool to have on hand.
If you’re looking for a minimalist, multi-purpose option, our Matylda Baby BUM + BODY balm blends non-nano zinc oxide with nourishing ingredients like tallow and calendula to care for baby skin naturally — from nappy changes to dry cheeks and everything in between.
As always, if a rash persists or you’re unsure what’s causing discomfort, it’s best to consult your GP or health visitor for tailored advice.
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