The Short Answer
If you are choosing strictly between these two drugstore giants, Boudreaux's Butt Paste Maximum Strength (Red Tube) is the safer choice.
While both creams use 40% Zinc Oxide to blast diaper rash, Desitin Maximum Strength (Purple Tube) contains synthetic fragrance. Putting perfume on open, irritated wounds is a recipe for stinging and further inflammation.
However, Boudreaux's isn't perfect. It uses Peruvian Balsam (Myroxylon Pereirae) to get its signature scent. While natural, this is one of the top contact allergens in the world. If your baby has ultra-sensitive skin or eczema, both of these might cause a reaction.
Winner: Is Boudreauxs Butt Paste Safe|Boudreaux'S Butt Paste (Red Tube)
Loser: Is Desitin Safe|Desitin Maximum Strength (Purple Tube)
Better Alternative: Safest Diaper Cream|Triple Paste (Fragrance-free and Balsam-free)
Why This Matters
Diaper rash creams are applied to skin that is already compromised. The skin barrier is broken, pH is elevated, and the area is inflamed. This means ingredients penetrate deeper and faster than they would on healthy skin.
Desitin's Fatal Flaw:
Desitin Maximum Strength contains "Fragrance" (Parfum). Manufacturers aren't required to disclose the dozens of chemicals that make up that word. For a product designed to heal raw skin, adding a potential irritant for the sake of a "fresh scent" is a major formulation failure.
Boudreaux's Hidden Risk:
Boudreaux's avoids synthetic fragrance but relies on Peruvian Balsam. This sticky tree resin is a mild antiseptic and smells like vanilla/cinnamon. It's great for sealing out moisture, but it triggers allergic reactions in a significant number of people. If your baby's rash gets worse after using Boudreaux's, this ingredient is likely the culprit.
What's Actually In Them
Here is the breakdown of the "Maximum Strength" (40% Zinc) versions of both brands.
Desitin Maximum Strength (Purple)
- Zinc Oxide (40%) — The gold standard for protection. Is Zinc Oxide Diaper Cream Safe
- Petrolatum — The base barrier. Effective, but derived from petroleum. Is Petroleum In Diaper Cream Safe
- Cod Liver Oil — Source of Vitamins A & D. Good for healing.
- Talc — Often used as a thickener. While modern talc is asbestos-free, many parents prefer to avoid it due to inhalation risks.
- Fragrance — The dealbreaker. Unnecessary synthetic irritant.
Boudreaux's Butt Paste Max (Red)
- Zinc Oxide (40%) — Same protection level as Desitin.
- Petrolatum — Same barrier base.
- Castor Oil — A natural emollient that soothes skin.
- Mineral Oil — Another petroleum derivative. Is Mineral Oil In Baby Lotion Bad
- Peruvian Balsam — Natural fragrance and antiseptic. High allergy risk.
What to Look For
Green Flags (Boudreaux's):
- No Synthetic Fragrance — Doesn't hide chemicals under "Parfum".
- Simple Preservatives — Avoids some of the harsher parabens found in older formulations.
- Castor Oil — A rich, natural oil that helps texture.
Red Flags (Desitin):
- Synthetic Fragrance — The purple tube smells "fresh" because of chemicals that don't belong on a baby's butt.
- Potentially Talc — Some formulations still list talc; check your specific tube label. Is Talc In Baby Powder Dangerous
The Best Options
If you want the power of 40% Zinc Oxide without the "dirty" ingredients of Desitin or the potential allergens of Boudreaux's, these are the superior choices.
| Brand | Product | Zinc % | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triple Paste | Medicated Ointment | 12.8%* | ✅ | The "Goldilocks" cream. No fragrance, no balsam, thick barrier. (*Lower zinc but highly effective formulation). |
| Boudreaux's | Max Strength (Red) | 40% | ⚠️ | Good if baby isn't allergic to Peruvian Balsam. |
| Badger | Zinc Oxide Cream | 40% | ✅ | The cleanest high-zinc option. Certified organic base. |
| Desitin | Max Strength (Purple) | 40% | 🚫 | Contains synthetic fragrance. Avoid. |
| Desitin | Rapid Relief (Blue) | 13% | ⚠️ | Clean (fragrance-free), but too weak for bad rashes. |
The Bottom Line
1. Skip the Purple Desitin. There is no medical reason to put perfume on a diaper rash.
2. Try Boudreaux's Red Tube first. It is widely available and effective. If it works, great.
3. Watch for reaction. If Boudreaux's makes the rash redder or itchier, your baby likely has a Peruvian Balsam allergy. Switch to Safest Diaper Cream|Triple Paste immediately.
4. Go Natural for Prevention. Use a 40% zinc cream for treatment, but for prevention, a simpler balm like Earth Mama or Badger is safer for daily use.
FAQ
What about Desitin Rapid Relief (Blue Tube)?
The Blue tube is actually cleaner than the Purple one because it is fragrance-free. However, it only contains 13% Zinc Oxide. It's fine for daily prevention, but it won't heal a screaming red rash like the 40% creams will.
Is Peruvian Balsam dangerous?
It is not "dangerous" like a toxin, but it is a potent allergen. It is one of the top substances used by dermatologists to test for skin allergies. If your family has a history of sensitive skin or eczema, Boudreaux's might trigger a flare-up.
Does Desitin contain talc?
Older formulations of Desitin often contained talc. While many newer batches are talc-free, ingredient lists vary by retailer and region. You must check the back of the specific tube you are buying. If you see "Talc" listed, put it back. Is There Asbestos In Baby Powder
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