Is your precious one crying and squirming in pain with diaper changes? As parents, you can’t help but feel awful when your baby suffers from skin problems around the diaper area. Even with frequent diaper changes, allergic skin is a common skin problem for newborns. Apart from regular diaper changes, applying hypoallergenic nappy balms can soothe your baby’s irritated skin while preventing the rashes from recurring.

With an infinite list of skin repair balms available on the market, it is absolutely normal to feel puzzled, especially if you’re a new parent. Fret not, scroll down below to see our pick of the best hypoallergenic skin repair balms that are loved by seasoned parents.

What Causes Diaper Skin Problem?

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels

The most common misconception is that diaper rash only occurs due to infrequent diaper changes. Although it is true, there are several other contributing factors as well, including: 

  • Friction:  The continuous friction between the diaper and your child’s skin can cause irritation, specifically if it is an ill-fitting diaper
  • Candida infection:  Candida is a fungus that thrives in warm and moist environments. One of the visible signs of a Candida infection is a bright red rash with smaller red spots around the edges
  • Allergic reaction: Although it may seem insignificant, common daily items like soap, detergent, fabric softener, diapers, baby wipes, or skincare products can actually irritate the baby’s skin
  • Diet: Dietary changes, which include new foods, can cause changes in the stools. Thereby, it makes the baby more susceptible to diaper rashes
  • Antibiotics: Yeast infections that cause diaper rashes are common after a baby has consumed antibiotics or if the mother is taking antibiotics while breastfeeding.
  • Irritation from stool and urine: When the baby is exposed to a wet diaper for an extended period of time, skin irritation can occur. 

What Are The Ingredients To Look For When Buying Hypoallergenic Nappy Balms?

So, how do you exactly know which diaper skin repair balm works wonders? There are selective ingredients that are known for their regenerating abilities. Make sure that the product contains these active ingredients: 

  • Zinc oxide: A powdery mineral that forms an impenetrable barrier to prevent moisture from absorbing.
  • Calendula: It is derived from marigold flowers, which are known for their natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
  • Aloe vera: This ultra-soothing ingredient helps to calm inflamed skin
  • Lanolin: A hydrator that forms a protective barrier on the skin to prevent rashes
  • Petroleum: It protects the skin from irritation caused by rashes
  • Vitamin B5 (Panthenol): A water-soluble vitamin B5 moisturiser helps keep skin soft, smooth, elastic, and healthy
  • Dimethicone: A water repellent moisturiser prevents and repairs diaper problems
  • Chamomile: A powerful antioxidant that repairs and protects the skin from free radical damage
  • Soybeans oil: Helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier function

The Best Hypoallergenic Nappy Balms in Malaysia

1. EUBOS Baby Nappy Balm 5% Panthenol

Praised as one of the best nappy ointments, the EUBOS Baby Nappy Balm 5% Panthenol is a product loved by parents all over the world. It boasts various essential ingredients, including vitamin E, dimethicone, and vitamin B5, or panthenol, which we find effective in soothing irritated skin while retaining moisture levels. Infused with chamomile, this highly antioxidant ingredient accelerates skin repair, while soybean oil, packed with the essential fatty acid linoleic acid (Omega 6), fortifies the skin’s barrier function. Aside from its water-repellent benefits, we like how it has a rich texture that will absorb easily into the skin to protect while relieving the skin instantly.

Why we love it:

  • Alleviates skin discomfort
  • Provides instant soothing effects
  • Accelerates skin repair

Cons:

  • Some users might find it too heavy or greasy

Price: RM26.50

Where to buy: EUBOS’ official website

2. Anakku Baby Nappy Cream

Anakku Baby Nappy Cream is a local favourite known for its ability to protect the skin from dampness, helping to prevent rashes. It is powered by chamomile extract, which soothes irritation and inflammation to calm skin discomfort. Plus, its top-notch formulation ensures that the skin stays clean and fresh even for long-lasting hours. The nappy cream is also free from colourants, parabens, and alcohol, making it safe for your little angel. We love that it comes with an affordable price tag — it’s definitely a go-to product for most parents in Malaysia.

Why we love it:

  • Prevents rashes
  • Delivers soothing properties
  • Shields the skin from dampness

Cons:

  • May be hard to find in stores due to its popularity

Price: RM9.00

Where to buy: Anakku’s official website 

3. Sudocrem Nappy Cream

If you ever decide to take a peek into any parent’s diaper bag, we bet you will surely see Sudocrem Nappy Cream. This highly coveted gentle nappy cream contains must-have ingredients, including zinc oxide and lanolin, to help minimise discomfort from nappy wetness and other minor skin concerns. It delivers multiple benefits by protecting, soothing, and hydrating inflamed skin. Based on reviews we have received from several parents, it forms a water-repellent barrier to prevent irritants from further damaging your baby’s skin with just one application.

Why we love it:

  • Lightweight
  • Packed with emollient properties 
  • Absorbs excess wetness

Cons:

  • The cream’s texture may be on the thicker side

Price: RM33.85

Where to buy: Guardian

4. Drapolene Cream

Our next pick for one of the best nappy balms is Drapolene Cream, easily found in any drugstore. This multipurpose product is known for its impeccable formulation that soothes nappy rashes, redness, and provides relief for minor burns and wounds. We have found it expertly formulated to create a barrier between the baby’s skin and irritants for optimal results. Simply apply the appropriate amount of cream during diaper changes and pay extra attention to the folds of the skin.

Why we love it:

  • Versatile product
  • Prevents rashes from recurring
  • Soothes minor burns and wounds

Cons:

  • Allergic reactions may occur if your baby’s skin is very sensitive

Price: RM23.50

Where to buy: Watsons

5. Pureen Nappy Rash Cream

We believe nothing can truly beat Pureen Nappy Rash Cream. It is an antiseptic nappy rash cream that targets rash-causing bacteria and germs from your baby’s urine and stool. Its triple-action formula forms a protective barrier to minimise the risk of skin contact with impurities and irritants, while its thick texture prevents rashes and redness from spreading. It is highly effective in alleviating the symptoms of atopic or infantile eczema. This cream comes in 50g and 100g sizes and is available in most supermarkets and drugstores.

Why we love it:

  • Contains antiseptic properties
  • Prevents the formation of nappy rash
  • Enriched with zinc oxide

Cons:

  • May need to control the amount you use because of its thick texture

Price: RM17.99

Where to buy: Shopee 

6. Organic Diaper Balm by Earth Mama

We highly recommend Bepanthen Baby Ointment Organic Diaper Balm by Earth Mama if you’re looking for one of the best hypoallergenic nappy balms that is free from harmful ingredients. This certified organic diaper balm harnesses the power of botanical extracts such as organic lavender, tea tree essential oil, St. John’s Wort, chickweed, plantain, and calendula. We have found that it glides seamlessly on the skin to nourish, protect, and soothe, alleviating signs of irritation and itchiness. What’s more, it can also be applied to treat various conditions, such as cuts, chafing, and minor burns.

Why we love it

  • Dermatologist tested
  • Free from petroleum, parabens or artificial fragrance
  • Certified organic

Cons:

  • Some reported that it has a strong scent

Price: RM45.00

Where to buy: Babydash’s official website 

7. Aquaphor Baby 3-in-1 Diaper Rash Cream

With its high-quality formulation and efficacy, we laud the Aquaphor Baby 3-in-1 Diaper Rash Cream among the best hypoallergenic nappy balms you can find in Malaysia. It features a three-in-one formulation that soothes, prevents, and treats diaper rashes by forming a protective skin barrier. Enriched with zinc oxide and panthenol to balance excess moisture, we love how it comes in a convenient tube design, ideal for travelling. So, you can simply pop it into your diaper bag and use it whenever you need it.

Why we love it:

  • Easy application
  • Free from preservative and fragrance
  • Suitable for babies with sensitive skin 

Cons:

  • On a pricier side

Price: RM48.80

Where to buy: Shopee 

8. Bepanthen Baby Ointment

Bepanthen Baby Ointment is a hypoallergenic nappy rash product with an ointment base formula, offering breathable barrier protection against irritants that can cause nappy rashes. It contains an active ingredient like dexpanthenol that penetrates deeply into the baby’s delicate skin to accelerate the process of natural healing from within. Formulated with vitamin B5, known for its skin-repairing properties, we appreciate how it helps tackle nappy rash, sore nipples, and dry skin. We also love that it is fragrance-, colourant-, and preservative-free, making it suitable for minor skin injuries.

Why we love it:

  • Penetrates deeply into the skin
  • Offers a breathable barrier protection
  • Free from fragrance

Cons:

  • Can take longer to absorb

Price: RM38.53

Where to buy: Shopee

9. Sebamed Diaper Cream

Sebamed Diaper Cream is enriched with the components needed to address baby diaper rashes. It contains panthenol to stimulate the healing process and vernix-related squalane, which is excellent for providing lipid support and protection. Thanks to the rich emollient water-in-oil formulation, we have discovered that this product effectively provides reliable relief from redness and irritations while strengthening the skin’s defence against aggressive inflammation-causing substances. Additionally, it keeps a baby’s skin healthy and soft.

Why we love it:

  • Strengthens the skin’s defence
  • Gives relief from redness
  • Keeps the skin healthy

Cons:

  • Needs both hands to get the product out

Price: RM39.50

Where to buy: Shopee

10. Ceradan Diaper Cream

Formulated for every skin type and all age groups, Ceradan Diaper Cream is beneficial in providing triple protection actions to prevent diaper rash. We have found that it contains three active ingredients: zinc oxide to repel wetness, a ceramide-dominant ratio to regenerate the skin’s protective barrier, and octenidine, which manages yeast growth in the diaper area. All you need to do is apply it evenly to dry skin with every diaper change to see noticeable results.

Why we love it:

  • Rebuilds the skin’s protective barrier
  • Controls yeast growth
  • For all age groups

Cons:

  • The size may not justify the price

Price: RM48.42

Where to buy: Shopee

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