Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Diaper Rash Ointment: What It Is and How It Works

Boudreaux’s Butt Paste is a pharmacist-formulated over-the-counter ointment used to treat and prevent diaper rash. Its active ingredient is zinc oxide – a classic, FDA-approved skin protectant – which soothes irritated skin and forms a waterproof barrier. By sealing out moisture, Boudreaux’s helps protect chafed, sensitive skin from further irritation. It is pediatrician-recommended and comes in several versions (original paste, maximum strength, aloe, and “sensitive skin” formula) to suit different needs.

• Active Ingredient: The original formula contains 16% zinc oxide. (A heavy-duty “Maximum Strength” version contains 40% zinc oxide for more severe rashes)
• Other Ingredients: Inactive ingredients typically include mineral oil, petrolatum and castor oil (in waxy or petroleum bases); some versions add natural aloe vera and beeswax (see Variants below). Many Butt Paste formulas are free of dyes, fragrances, parabens and talc.
• Form and Scent: It’s a thick white ointment (“paste”) that is fragrance-free. (The original paste has a very mild scent from natural balsam ingredients; the “Sensitive” formula has no added fragrance.)

Key Benefits

• Treats and Prevents Rash: Zinc oxide forms a protective shield between baby’s skin and wet diapers, helping to treat existing rashes and prevent new ones
• Soothing Relief: The formula starts to soothe on contact, thanks to its moisture-blocking barrier. Pediatricians note that a thick application is best – like icing on a cupcake – to keep irritants away from the skin.
• Versatile Uses: Besides diaper rash, Butt Paste can protect any chafed or irritated skin (for example, toddler thighs against chafing, baby acne, or minor cuts). It’s essentially a heavy-duty skin protectant ointment.
• Pediatrician-Recommended: Boudreaux’s highlights that it’s “pharmacist-formulated” and a pediatrician-recommended brand. The Sensitive Skin version is even dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic.

How to Use (Instructions)

Applying Butt Paste correctly maximizes its effectiveness:

1. Change and Cleanse: As with any diaper cream, change wet or soiled diapers promptly. Gently cleanse the diaper area with water or a non-irritating cleanser and pat the skin dry.
2. Apply Liberally: Coat the affected area with a thick layer of Butt Paste. The cream should sit visibly between the skin and diaper, acting as a shield. (AAP advice: don’t worry about “excess” – if the paste isn’t soaked or dirty, you can simply add more on top at the next change)
3. During Changes: Reapply at every diaper change (especially before naps/bedtime) to keep a fresh barrier. Continue use with each change as long as the rash persists.
4. After Use: If the paste contacts clothing, it may leave a white residue or slight staining – this is normal. Don’t rub it all off when changing diapers; just clean as usual and reapply more paste as needed.

If the diaper rash does not improve after 7 days of use, or if it quickly worsens, discontinue use and consult a doctor.

Variants and Ingredients

Boudreaux’s offers several formulations:

• Original Butt Paste (16% ZnO): White petroleum-based paste (minerals oils, paraffin, castor oil). Free of dyes, parabens, fragrances and talc.
• Maximum Strength (40% ZnO): Thicker barrier (often in a larger tub) for more severe/more persistent rashes. Contains higher zinc oxide to treat active rashes.
• With Natural Aloe (16% ZnO): 4-oz tube that swaps out petroleum jelly for an aloe vera/ beeswax base. Still 16% zinc oxide. Advertised as “plant-based”: contains aloe, carnauba wax, castor oil, etc., and is free of petrolatum, dyes and parabens.
• Sensitive Skin (16% ZnO): A simple, 5-ingredient formula (mineral oil, paraffin, petrolatum, castor oil and zinc oxide) designed for fragrance-sensitive skin. No fragrances or dyes, hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested.

All versions list zinc oxide as the skin-protectant active ingredient. Secondary ingredients (like castor oil and petrolatum or waxes) serve to create the thick, protective consistency. (Note: Myroxylon pereirae resin, a natural balsam in some formulas, can have a mild vanilla scent and may rarely irritate very sensitive skin.)

Safety and Precautions

• For External Use Only: Do not apply near the eyes; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly. Avoid spreading to unhealthy skin.
• Keep Out of Reach: As with all baby products, store away from children to prevent accidental ingestion. If swallowed, seek medical help or call Poison Control.
• Allergic Reactions: Hypersensitivities are rare, but stop use if you notice increased redness, rash, or irritation. The Sensitive formula exists for babies prone to allergies (it cuts out common irritants).
• Duration of Use: Limit use to the diaper area. If the rash doesn’t significantly improve within 7 days, consult a pediatrician.

Tips and Effectiveness

• Barrier Cream Strategy: As the American Academy of Pediatrics advises, think of Butt Paste as a shield: its purpose is to remain on the skin to block urine/stool from contact. If the paste layer isn’t visibly dirty, you don’t need to wipe it all off – just add new paste on top at diaper changes.
• Diaper Choice: Use highly absorbent diapers and change them frequently. A dry environment plus the paste’s barrier greatly speeds healing.
• Normal Appearance: A healed diaper area may remain slightly white from the paste for a day or two; this is normal as the skin recovers.
• Efficacy: Many parents and pediatricians consider Boudreaux’s Butt Paste as effective as other zinc-oxide creams (like Desitin). It tends to stay in place well. One nursing magazine even gave Boudreaux’s Sensitive Skin 4 oz a “Best Diaper Rash Cream for Sensitive Skin” award in 2025, reflecting its popularity.

In summary, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste is a thick, zinc-oxide based barrier ointment that relieves and prevents diaper rash by sealing skin from wetness. Used properly (clean area, apply generously at each change), it forms a protective layer that helps vulnerable baby skin heal. Its various formulations allow parents to choose the right mix of ingredients (e.g. fragrance-free or aloe-based) for their baby’s needs.