Explore our Top 10 curated Balms & Salves—evaluated based on Skin Protection, Moisturizing Effectiveness, Ease of Application, Value for Money and more. Use our prompt box below to refine your need or look for additional products.
Petrolatum-based healing ointment with ceramides for baby skin
CeraVe Baby Healing Ointment
$9.98 - $11.99
LushLife Pick
Customer Sentiment
Parents and testers consistently praise its effectiveness in soothing diaper rash, preventing dryness, and supporting sensitive baby skin; its fragrance‑free, dermatologist‑developed formula is frequently cited; texture described as thick but melts in; some note higher price; rare reports of reactions in very sensitive skin; occasional concerns about counterfeit products.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Highly occlusive barrier locks in moisture effectively
Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to support skin barrier
Fragrance‑free, lanolin‑free, and free of common irritants
NEA Seal of Acceptance indicates eczema‑friendly formulation
Developed with pediatric dermatologists
Highly rated by parents and testers for soothing diaper rash and dry skin
Cons
Thick, balm‑like texture may feel greasy to some
Some babies with very sensitive skin or eczema may still react
Price per ounce higher than plain petrolatum alternatives
Reports of counterfeit products in secondary markets
Key Features
Petrolatum‑based (46.5%) for occlusive moisture
Three essential ceramides to restore skin barrier
Hyaluronic acid for hydration
Vitamin E for soothing benefits
Fragrance‑free and lanolin‑free
Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, dyes, gluten
Across retailers, parents consistently praise its effectiveness in healing diaper rash and chapped skin, its gentle, fragrance‑free formula, and versatility for multiple skin issues. The thick, protective texture is noted as both a benefit for barrier protection and a drawback for feeling greasy. Color variation is mentioned but not seen as affecting performance. Travel‑size convenience is appreciated. A few users report limited effectiveness on severe raw rashes compared to zinc‑based pastes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Highly effective at soothing and healing diaper rash and chapped skin
Fragrance‑free and gentle for sensitive baby skin
Versatile multi‑use for various skin irritations
Available in convenient travel and larger sizes
Highly rated by parents on major retailers
Cons
Thick, greasy texture may feel heavy
Some users report color variation (white to light yellow)
May not improve severe raw diaper rash as well as thicker zinc‑based pastes
Requires reapplication and proper diaper‑change hygiene
Customers consistently praise its effectiveness on extra‑dry or itchy baby skin, its clean organic formulation, and fragrance‑free nature; some note its greasy texture and higher price; packaging sensitivity to temperature and oil separation are occasional minor concerns.
Pros and Cons
Pros
High safety certifications (USDA Organic, EWG Verified)
Fragrance‑free and free of common irritants
Rich, multi‑use balm that soothes extra‑dry patches
Pediatrician tested and cruelty‑free
Uses sustainably sourced, plant‑based ingredients
Positive user reports of relief for itchy or eczema‑prone skin
Cons
Higher price point noted by some users
Greasy texture may not suit all preferences
Oil separation and sensitivity to heat/cold require handling care
Potential allergen for those with bee or nut sensitivities
Key Features
USDA Organic Certified (≥95% organic)
EWG Verified® for strict health and safety standards
Fragrance‑free (no synthetic fragrance or essential oils)
Free of mineral oil, petroleum, silicones, parabens, phthalates, synthetic colorants, soy, dairy, high‑allergy nuts
Made with plant‑based ingredients including shea butter, sunflower oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, Nutri‑Soothe® Herbal Blend
Pediatrician tested
Cruelty‑free
Suitable from birth
Multi‑tasking for face, hands, body, elbows, knees, heels, lips
How2Recycle packaging information
Top Vetted Retailers
Clean and multipurpose balm with deep hydration and soothing benefits
Pipette Baby Balm
$10.99
Customer Sentiment
Customers consistently praise its clean, effective hydration, multipurpose versatility, and gentle formula, while a minority report skin irritation or packaging issues; overall sentiment leans positive with emphasis on soothing dry or eczema‑prone skin.
No parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance
Plant‑based ingredients
Cruelty‑free
Recyclable packaging
Contains sugarcane‑derived squalane
Top Vetted Retailers
Hypoallergenic and dermatologist approved with long lasting hydration
Honest Company Eczema Soothing Therapy Cream
$13.99 - $27.94
Customer Sentiment
Customers frequently praise its soothing effect and long‑lasting hydration for eczema‑prone skin, especially in babies and toddlers. Many highlight its clean, gentle formulation and safety for daily use. A few report skin reactions such as rashes or hives. Some note that applying too much causes pilling. Comparisons to other creams vary, with some users preferring alternatives for faster relief.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Provides long‑lasting moisturization for eczema‑prone skin
Gentle, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist‑approved
Free from steroids and common irritants
Recognized by National Eczema Association
Contains prebiotics and colloidal oatmeal to soothe and repair skin barrier
Safe for newborns and up
Cons
Some users reported allergic reactions or worsening rash
May pill if applied in thick layers
Effectiveness may vary compared to other eczema creams
Key Features
Contains 1% colloidal oatmeal as skin protectant
Includes prebiotics to support skin barrier
Natural oils: safflower, coconut, shea butter
Hypoallergenic and dermatologist‑approved
Steroid‑free, paraben‑free, mineral oil‑free, silicone‑free, phenoxyethanol‑free
Fragrance‑free
Accepted/recognized by National Eczema Association
Cruelty‑free
Safe for newborns and up
7 fl oz tube
Top Vetted Retailers
Premium hypoallergenic baby ointment with advanced safety features
Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Baby Healing Ointment with Bonus
$19.99 - $38.49
Customer Sentiment
Parents consistently praise its effectiveness for diaper rash, drool rash, and chapped skin, noting its gentle, multi‑purpose use and dermatologist recommendation; some mention the bonus tube as a helpful travel size; others caution about greasy residue staining clothes and potential lanolin sensitivity; overall sentiment is positive with minor concerns about texture and rare reactions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Generous size with bonus tube offers value and convenience
Effective barrier that soothes diaper rash, drool rash, chapped skin
Hypoallergenic and free of parabens, dyes, fragrance
Clinically proven formula allows oxygen flow aiding healing
Dermatologist‑recommended and trusted by parents
Cons
Greasy texture can stain clothing and bedding
Contains lanolin alcohol which may irritate sensitive individuals
Thick consistency may feel heavy or slow to absorb
Some users report allergic reactions or worsening eczema
Key Features
Includes 14 oz jar plus 1.75 oz bonus tube
41 % petrolatum skin protectant
Hypoallergenic
Free of parabens, dyes, and fragrance
Allows oxygen flow to aid healing
Multi‑purpose: diaper rash, drool rash, chapped skin, minor scrapes
Clinically proven to restore smooth, healthy skin
Dermatologist‑recommended
Top Vetted Retailers
Hypoallergenic petroleum jelly with excellent moisturizing
Vaseline Baby Healing Petroleum Jelly
$5.48
Customer Sentiment
Customers across retailers consistently praise its effectiveness at locking in moisture, soothing diaper rash, and being gentle on sensitive skin; many highlight its multi‑use versatility for lips, hands, and dry patches; some note a slightly greasy feel or fragrance in baby variant; overall sentiment is highly positive with occasional minor caveats.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Locks in moisture effectively
Gentle and hypoallergenic
Dermatologist recommended
Eczema‑friendly (NEA Seal)
Triple‑purified for purity
Multi‑use for dry skin and diaper rash
Cons
May feel slightly greasy to some users
Contains fragrance in some variants which may irritate very sensitive skin
Jar packaging may raise hygiene concerns if not handled cleanly
Not absorbed—acts as barrier only
Key Features
Triple‑purified 100% pure petroleum jelly
Forms protective moisture‑locking barrier
Hypoallergenic
Dermatologist recommended
Fragrance‑free or light baby powder fragrance
Non‑comedogenic
Clinically proven to help heal dry, cracked skin
Awarded National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
Top Vetted Retailers
Steroid-free nighttime balm for soothing baby eczema
Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Nighttime Balm
$9.98 - $53.99
Customer Sentiment
Parents consistently praise its soothing, deeply moisturizing overnight relief, non‑greasy texture, and effectiveness in improving eczema symptoms. Many note the large tub size offers good value. A few report stinging on cracked skin or allergic reactions to oatmeal. Overall sentiment across retailers is strongly positive with occasional caveats about sensitivity.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Provides immediate and long‑lasting relief from itchy, dry skin
Non‑greasy texture absorbs well
Steroid‑free and formulated without parabens, phthalates, fragrance
Accepted by the National Eczema Association
Pediatrician‑recommended and dermatologist‑tested
Large tub offers value for frequent use
Cons
May sting on cracked or inflamed skin
Not ideal for severe eczema cases
Some users report allergic reactions to oatmeal or other ingredients
Key Features
Contains colloidal oatmeal and ceramide NP for barrier support
Helps soothe dry, itchy, irritated skin due to eczema
Available in 1 oz and 11 oz tubs
Top Vetted Retailers
Triple-purified hypoallergenic jelly for sensitive skin
Vaseline Healing Petroleum Jelly Baby
$5.48 - $26.91
Customer Sentiment
Customers across retailers consistently praise its moisturizing effectiveness, gentle formula, versatility for multiple uses (diaper rash, dry patches, lips), and trust in the brand’s purity and safety, while noting occasional greasiness or fragrance sensitivity in scented versions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Locks in moisture effectively
Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested
Non‑comedogenic
Versatile for diaper rash, dry skin, minor cuts
Cons
Slightly greasy texture
Some scented variants may irritate ultra‑sensitive skin
Not absorbent—needs to be applied over moisturized skin
Fragrance in some versions may cause reactions
Key Features
100% pure triple‑purified petroleum jelly
Hypoallergenic
Dermatologist tested
Non‑comedogenic
Fragrance‑free or light baby‑powder scent variants
Creates protective moisture barrier
Clinically proven to heal dry, cracked skin
Accepted by National Eczema Association
Top Vetted Retailers
+1
Steroid and fragrance free with zinc oxide for skin protection benefits
Noodle & Boo Ultimate Baby Ointment
$8.00 - $31.99
Customer Sentiment
Customers across retailers consistently praise its effectiveness on eczema, diaper rash, cradle cap and dry patches, noting quick visible improvements, gentle formulation, and versatility; a few mention strong scent, thick texture, or rare irritation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Recognized by National Eczema Association for sensitive skin
Gentle, fragrance‑ and steroid‑free formulation
Effective barrier with zinc oxide, bisabolol, allantoin
Hypoallergenic and tested by pediatricians and dermatologists
Versatile use for eczema, cradle cap, diaper rash, chapped skin
Made in USA, cruelty‑free, free from harsh chemicals
Cons
Some users report strong scent not ideal for newborns
One reviewer experienced rash and irritation
Thick consistency may require warming/emulsifying before application
Higher price compared to standard diaper creams
Key Features
Zinc oxide 2% active ingredient for skin protection
Bisabolol and allantoin to reduce redness and inflammation
