All-Natural Diaper Cream with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties and is ideal for making diaper rash cream. Using less beeswax and an oil that’s saturated at room temperature, this recipe yields a smooth, pudding-like consistency. It is not as thick as the original diaper rash cream yet still plasters on easy. I still prefer to store in a wide-mouth jar simply because I can use up every last bit and it’s easier to clean, but this one is thin enough to be poured into a tube. Since there’s no water base, the cream will last longer than my lotion formulations. I don’t store in the refrigerator since it changes the texture too much. I use this cream with all my cotton cloth diapers and it comes out in the wash. Your results will vary. I don’t know about microfleece diapers such as Fuzzi Bunz.
- Ingredients for a 5 oz batch by weight
- 4 oz coconut oil
- 0.5 oz beeswax
- 0.5 oz zinc oxide
2 oz coconut oil, 2 oz almond oil, 0.5 oz beeswax, 0.5 oz zinc oxide
Note on temperature effects of coconut oil: Coconut oil has a melting point of about 77 degrees F where it turns to liquid. So, the the first recipe may be too thick in cooler temperatures and the alternative may be too runny in warmer temperatures. At either extremes, the creams are still useable. Adjust your recipes accordingly.
Cooling water bath
- Directions
- Combine the olive oil and beeswax in a heatproof container. I prefer either a glass measuring cup or a stainless steel container.
- Heat the oil/wax mixture in a hot-water bath over the stovetop.
- When the mixture has melted, remove the container and whisk in the zinc oxide as it cools.
- To speed up the cooling, place your container in a cool water bath as you stir. Gradually add ice to the water bath to bring down the temperature. If you’re using glass, make sure the temperatures aren’t too drastic or the glass can shatter.
Comments
Comment from Got wick?
Time January 15, 2009 at 2:12 pm
For those who want vegan cream, instead of using the beeswax, you can use carnauba or candelilla wax. I am not sure if the same amount/ratio can be used, but I use it in my lip balms and it works great!
Comment from sunscreen
Time April 3, 2009 at 8:47 am
I want to make a sunscreen for myself with zinc oxide and coconut oil. Do you know where one can buy zinc oxide?
Comment from sunscreen
Time April 3, 2009 at 8:55 am
I just found the answer on your site for where to buy zinc oxide- Liberty Natural. Thanks.
Comment from Sara
Time May 8, 2009 at 6:32 pm
how do you make a sunscreen?
Do you use different ingredients if it’s for babies/kids?
Comment from Wabi Sabi Baby
Time May 12, 2009 at 8:20 am
Great question – see latest post:
http://www.wabisabibaby.com/blog/2009/zinc-oxide-sunscreen-and-diaper-rash-ointment/
Comment from Ekho
Time November 7, 2009 at 1:57 pm
I was wondering if you happen to know the measurement conversion for the zinc- how many tsp. 0.4 oz would be? I don’t have a food scale.
Comment from Iryna
Time November 17, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Thank you so much for this recipe! I made it for my baby and forgot about red, irritated skin! I also added Calendula oil and a few drops of Tea Tree oil. Thank you, thank you!
Comment from CoconutOilGuy
Time November 6, 2008 at 5:20 am
Hello! Absolutely! Coconut oil has natural antifungal properties that can address the underlying cause of diaper rash.
Diaper rash is an infection caused by candida in the stool. You can use 100% pure coconut oil and rub it onto the infected skin and make sure this is done every time the diaper is changed.
Cheers,
CoconutOilGuy
http://www.coconut-oil-central.com
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