GUIDE
Desitin Maximum Strength vs. Boudreaux's Butt Paste
Published on ·Updated on
Desitin Maximum Strength contains 40% zinc oxide, making it one of the strongest over-the-counter barrier creams available — ideal for treating active rashes. Boudreaux's Butt Paste Original uses 16% zinc oxide in a softer, easier-to-spread formula that works well for everyday prevention. Both are pediatrician-recommended and fragrance-free.
Desitin and Boudreaux's Butt Paste are two of the most trusted diaper rash creams in the United States. They take different approaches — Desitin goes heavy on zinc oxide for maximum barrier protection, while Boudreaux's prioritizes a smoother texture and gentler formulation that doubles as a daily preventive. The best pick depends on whether you are treating an active rash or trying to prevent one.
“If your child just seems to have a generalized diaper rash, it's best to keep the area clean using plain water and a soft cloth so that you don't irritate the skin even more. Allowing the air to reach that area can sometimes be really helpful.”
Dr. Jacqueline Kaari, DO, Pediatrician, Cleveland ClinicWhich Is Better, Desitin or Boudreaux's Butt Paste?
It depends on whether you're preventing a rash or treating one. Boudreaux's Butt Paste (16% zinc oxide) is better for everyday prevention — it spreads easily and cleans off without scrubbing. Desitin Maximum Strength (40% zinc oxide) is better for active, angry rashes — it creates a thicker barrier that stays in place. Most experienced parents keep both on hand and pick the right one for the moment.
Think of it like the difference between a heavy-duty rain jacket and a comfortable everyday windbreaker — both keep water out, but one is built for storms. Desitin is the storm gear. Boudreaux's is what you wear every day.
16% zinc oxide — spreads easily, wipes off without a fight. Use at every change.
16% / 12.8% zinc oxide — enough to catch irritation before it escalates.
40% zinc oxide — thickest barrier available over the counter. Leave it on overnight.
Decision guide for diaper rash cream selection. For prevention, use Boudreaux's Butt Paste (16% zinc oxide). For mild or early rashes, use Boudreaux's or Triple Paste (12.8-16% zinc oxide). For active, red, or severe rashes, use Desitin Maximum Strength (40% zinc oxide).
What's the Difference Between Desitin and Boudreaux's Butt Paste?
The core difference is zinc oxide concentration and intended use. Boudreaux's Butt Paste Original contains 16% zinc oxide in a smooth, easy-to-spread formula that's built for daily prevention. Desitin Maximum Strength contains 40% zinc oxide in a thicker, stickier paste that's built to treat existing rashes. Both are fragrance-free and pediatrician-recommended — they just solve different problems.
Desitin Maximum Strength packs 40% zinc oxide into a thick, dense paste that forms a near-impenetrable moisture barrier on your baby's skin. It's the cream most pediatricians reach for when a rash has already set in. The tradeoff is that it's sticky, hard to spread, and even harder to remove.
Boudreaux's Butt Paste Original takes a lighter approach with 16% zinc oxide in a creamier base of beeswax, castor oil, and Peruvian balsam. It goes on smoothly, comes off without a fight, and provides reliable everyday protection against moisture and irritation. It works well on mild rashes too.
| Feature | Desitin Maximum Strength | Boudreaux's Butt Paste | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Johnson & Johnson | Prestige Consumer Healthcare (C.B. Fleet) | Both are well-established brands. J&J is a pharmaceutical giant. Boudreaux's is a specialty brand with deep roots in the South. |
| Active ingredient | 40% zinc oxide | 16% zinc oxide | Desitin has more than double the zinc oxide concentration, creating a stronger moisture barrier. |
| Other key ingredients | Cod liver oil, lanolin, petrolatum, BHT | Peruvian balsam, beeswax, castor oil, mineral oil, paraffin | Different supporting ingredients. Desitin leans on cod liver oil for skin healing. Boudreaux's uses balsam and beeswax for soothing. |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free | No added fragrance (mild natural scent from balsam) | Neither adds synthetic fragrance. Boudreaux's has a faint natural scent that some parents notice. |
| Texture and consistency | Very thick, paste-like, sticky | Softer, creamier, easier to spread | Boudreaux's wins on spreadability. Desitin is harder to apply but stays put longer. |
| Ease of removal | Difficult — often requires oil or warm cloth | Moderate — comes off more easily with standard wipes | Boudreaux's is significantly easier to clean up. Desitin clings stubbornly to skin and fabric. |
| Best for | Treating active, moderate-to-severe rashes | Daily prevention and mild rashes | Different tools for different jobs. Desitin is the heavy hitter. Boudreaux's is the daily workhorse. |
| Pediatrician-recommended | Yes — widely recommended for active rashes | Yes — commonly recommended for prevention | Both appear on pediatrician recommendation lists. Desitin is more often suggested when a rash has already developed. |
| Staining potential | High — can stain clothing and cloth diapers | Moderate — less staining due to lower zinc content | Both can leave marks on fabric. Desitin is worse because of the higher zinc oxide concentration. |
| Tube sizes available | 1 oz, 2 oz, 4 oz, 4.8 oz | 1 oz, 2 oz, 4 oz, 16 oz tub | Similar range. Boudreaux's offers a 16 oz tub for heavy users, which Desitin does not. |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes — dermatologist-tested | No formal hypoallergenic claim | Desitin carries a hypoallergenic label. Boudreaux's does not, though most babies tolerate it well. |
How Desitin and Boudreaux's Compare to Other Diaper Rash Creams
Active, red, angry rashes — the heavy-duty option
Mild-to-moderate rashes in a creamier, easier-to-apply formula
Everyday prevention — lighter, smoother, for routine use
Desitin Maximum Strength (purple tube, 40% zinc oxide) is for active severe rashes. Desitin Rapid Relief Creamy (blue tube, 13% zinc oxide) is for mild-to-moderate rashes. Desitin Daily Defense (blue tube, 13% zinc oxide) is for everyday prevention.
Desitin and Boudreaux's aren't the only zinc oxide creams in the aisle. If you're weighing them against Triple Paste, Balmex, A+D, or Calmoseptine, here's how the most popular options line up by zinc oxide concentration — the key active ingredient in any diaper rash cream.
Zinc Oxide Concentration: The Core Difference
The single most important number on a diaper rash cream label is the zinc oxide percentage. Zinc oxide is the active ingredient that creates a physical barrier between your baby's skin and the moisture, enzymes, and bacteria in a wet or soiled diaper.
Desitin Maximum Strength sits at 40% zinc oxide — one of the highest concentrations you will find over the counter. That much zinc oxide creates a thick, opaque layer that physically blocks moisture from reaching irritated skin. It allows the skin underneath to heal while staying dry and protected.
Boudreaux's Butt Paste Original contains 16% zinc oxide, which is still effective but provides a lighter barrier. It is enough to prevent most rashes from developing and to treat mild irritation, but it will not stand up to a severe, raw rash the way Desitin will.
In practical terms: if your baby's bottom looks pink and slightly irritated, Boudreaux's will handle it. If the skin is red, angry, and your baby cries during diaper changes, reach for the Desitin.
Texture and Application: Where Boudreaux's Wins Easily
Ask any parent who has used Desitin Maximum Strength about the texture, and you will get an earful. It is thick. It is sticky. It does not spread so much as it smears. Getting an even layer on a squirming baby requires patience.
Boudreaux's Butt Paste, by contrast, glides on. The beeswax and castor oil base gives it a smooth, almost buttery consistency. You can spread a thin, even layer in seconds, which matters when you are doing your eighth diaper change of the day and your baby is trying to roll off the changing table.
The removal story is even more dramatic. Desitin Maximum Strength clings to skin like it has been welded on. Many parents resort to dabbing petroleum jelly or coconut oil on top, then wiping — because standard baby wipes alone just push it around. Boudreaux's comes off with regular wipes and a little effort. Not effortless, but manageable.
Here is a practical tip that experienced parents swear by: you do not need to remove every trace of Desitin at each change. If there is still a thin layer on your baby's skin, just clean the soiled area and apply fresh cream on top. The old layer is still doing its job.
Tinylog tracks diapers so you can spot patterns.
Log every diaper change, note rashes and which cream you used, and see patterns over time. Bring the data to your next pediatrician visit.
| Product | Typical Price | Cost Per Ounce | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desitin Maximum Strength (4 oz tube) | $7–$10 | ~$1.75–$2.50 | ~$7–$15 |
| Boudreaux's Butt Paste Original (4 oz tube) | $7–$9 | ~$1.75–$2.25 | ~$7–$14 |
| Boudreaux's Butt Paste Original (16 oz tub) | $17–$22 | ~$1.06–$1.38 | ~$5–$10 |
Cost: Nearly Identical Per Ounce, but Usage Varies
On a straight per-ounce basis, Desitin and Boudreaux's Butt Paste are priced within a dollar of each other for the standard 4 oz tube. Neither one will strain your budget more than the other.
Where cost differences sneak in is usage volume. If you use Boudreaux's at every single diaper change as a preventive, you will go through it faster than if you only pull out Desitin when a rash appears. Boudreaux's offsets this with their 16 oz tub, which drops the per-ounce cost significantly and is a solid deal for families who use cream daily.
Desitin does not offer a comparably large economy size, so families who use it heavily may pay more over time simply because they are buying more 4 oz tubes.
A few ways to stretch your diaper cream budget:
- Use Boudreaux's for prevention and Desitin only for active rashes — this is the most cost-efficient approach
- Buy the 16 oz Boudreaux's tub if you use cream at every change
- Subscribe and save on Amazon for 5–15% off either brand
- Check store brands — many pharmacies sell 40% zinc oxide creams at lower prices
Supporting Ingredients: Cod Liver Oil vs. Peruvian Balsam
Beyond zinc oxide, each cream includes different supporting ingredients that affect how the product feels, smells, and works on your baby's skin.
Desitin Maximum Strength includes cod liver oil, which contains vitamins A and D — both of which support skin healing. It also contains lanolin (a natural moisturizer derived from sheep wool) and petrolatum (petroleum jelly), which add to the moisture barrier. The downside: cod liver oil gives Desitin a distinct smell that some parents find unpleasant, and BHT (a preservative in the formula) is an ingredient that some parents prefer to avoid.
Boudreaux's Butt Paste includes Peruvian balsam (a natural resin with mild antiseptic and soothing properties), beeswax (adds structure and skin protection), castor oil (a natural emollient), and mineral oil. The formula feels more "natural" to many parents, though it is worth noting that Peruvian balsam can cause contact allergic reactions in a small number of people.
Neither formula is objectively better. They are different ingredient philosophies — Desitin goes clinical and heavy-duty, Boudreaux's goes softer and more traditional. Most babies do fine with either.
When Neither Cream Is Working
Zinc oxide creams treat irritant diaper rash — the kind caused by prolonged moisture, friction, and contact with urine and stool enzymes. They are effective for the majority of diaper rashes your baby will experience.
Let your baby go diaper-free for short stretches when you can — it speeds healing alongside any cream you are using.
But not all rashes are the same. If you have been applying cream consistently for 2–3 days and the rash is not improving — or is getting worse — you may be dealing with something else:
- Yeast diaper rash looks bright red with well-defined borders and small red dots (satellite lesions) around the edges. Zinc oxide will not clear a yeast infection. Your pediatrician will likely recommend an antifungal cream like nystatin or clotrimazole.
- Bacterial infection may present with yellow crusting, pus-filled bumps, or fever. This needs medical attention and possibly topical or oral antibiotics.
- Allergic contact dermatitis can be caused by a new wipe, diaper brand, or even the rash cream itself. If the rash appeared right after introducing a new product, try eliminating it.
Tracking diaper changes and rash patterns in Tinylog can help you and your pediatrician figure out what is triggering persistent or recurring rashes. Note which cream you used, how the rash looked, and whether anything else changed (new food, new diapers, antibiotics).
Choose Desitin Maximum Strength If
- Your baby has an active, red, angry-looking diaper rash that needs serious treatment
- You want the highest zinc oxide concentration available without a prescription
- Your pediatrician has recommended a maximum-strength barrier cream
- You need a cream that stays in place through overnight diapers
- You prefer a hypoallergenic formula with dermatologist testing
Choose Boudreaux's Butt Paste If
- You want a cream that is easy to spread and does not feel like spackling paste
- You are looking for an everyday preventive cream to use at every diaper change
- Your baby gets mild rashes that need gentle, consistent protection
- Easy cleanup matters to you — you do not want to scrub cream off at every change
- You prefer natural-leaning ingredients like beeswax and Peruvian balsam
- You go through cream quickly and want the value of a large 16 oz tub
Where to Buy
If your baby has an active rash that needs serious protection, Desitin Maximum Strength (~$2/oz) is the cream most pediatricians recommend. The 40% zinc oxide formula creates one of the strongest over-the-counter moisture barriers available, and it stays in place through wet and messy diapers. It is thick and stubborn to remove, but that is exactly why it works so well.
If you want an everyday cream that goes on smoothly and prevents rashes before they start, Boudreaux's Butt Paste (~$2/oz, less in the 16 oz tub) is the one to grab. The 16% zinc oxide formula provides reliable daily protection without the hassle of heavy paste, and the 16 oz tub is a fantastic value for families who cream up at every change.
Our honest advice: get both. Use Boudreaux's Butt Paste as your daily go-to and keep Desitin Maximum Strength in reserve for the rashes that mean business. Most seasoned parents land on exactly this strategy.
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The Bottom Line
Desitin Maximum Strength and Boudreaux's Butt Paste are both excellent diaper rash creams that earn their spot on store shelves. They are not interchangeable, though — they fill different roles.
Desitin Maximum Strength is the heavy hitter. With 40% zinc oxide, it creates the thickest, most protective barrier you can get without a prescription. It is the cream to reach for when a rash has already developed and your baby needs serious skin protection. The tradeoff is a thick texture that is hard to apply and harder to remove.
Boudreaux's Butt Paste is the everyday workhorse. At 16% zinc oxide in a smooth, spreadable formula, it prevents rashes reliably and handles mild irritation with ease. It goes on fast, comes off without a battle, and costs less per ounce when you buy the large tub.
The smartest approach is not choosing one over the other — it is keeping both on hand and using the right tool for the situation. Prevention gets Boudreaux's. Active rash gets Desitin.
If you are logging diaper changes and rash patterns — which is especially helpful when dealing with recurring irritation — Tinylog makes it simple to track what is happening and share that information with your pediatrician.
Related Guides
- Baby Diaper Rash — Causes, treatment, and when to call your doctor
- Pampers Swaddlers vs. Huggies Little Snugglers — The two most popular diapers compared
- Pampers Sensitive Wipes vs. WaterWipes — Gentle baby wipes compared side by side
- Baby Eczema — How to manage your baby's eczema at home
Sources
- Desitin.com. "Desitin Maximum Strength Original Diaper Rash Paste — Product Information." 2026.
- BoudreauxsButtPaste.com. "Boudreaux's Butt Paste Original Diaper Rash Ointment — Product Information." 2026.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. "Diaper Rash." HealthyChildren.org, 2025.
- Mayo Clinic. "Diaper Rash — Diagnosis and Treatment." mayoclinic.org, 2025.
- Cleveland Clinic. "Diaper Rash: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention." clevelandclinic.org, 2025.
- Healthline Parenthood. "The Best Diaper Rash Creams." healthline.com, 2026.
- Consumer Reports. "Best Diaper Rash Creams From Our Evaluation." consumerreports.org, 2026.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Diaper rash cream choice depends on your baby's individual skin needs and the severity of any rash. If your baby develops a persistent or worsening rash that does not respond to over-the-counter treatment, consult your pediatrician.
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, Desitin or Boudreaux's Butt Paste?
- It depends on whether you're preventing or treating. Boudreaux's Butt Paste (16% zinc oxide) is better for everyday prevention — it spreads easily and wipes off without a fight. Desitin Maximum Strength (40% zinc oxide) is better for active, angry rashes — it creates a thicker barrier that stays in place. Most experienced parents keep both on hand and use each for what it does best.
- What's the difference between butt paste and Desitin?
- The main difference is zinc oxide concentration and intended use. Boudreaux's Butt Paste Original contains 16% zinc oxide in a smooth, easy-to-spread formula — built for daily use. Desitin Maximum Strength contains 40% zinc oxide in a thicker, stickier paste — built to treat existing rashes. Both are fragrance-free and pediatrician-recommended, but they solve different problems.
- What's the difference between Desitin Maximum Strength and Desitin Daily Defense?
- They're two different products in Desitin's lineup. Desitin Maximum Strength (purple tube) contains 40% zinc oxide — it's the heavy-duty rash treatment. Desitin Daily Defense (blue tube) contains 13% zinc oxide in a lighter, creamier formula — it's for everyday prevention. Desitin Rapid Relief sits in the middle at 13% zinc oxide with additional soothing ingredients. Pick the line based on whether you're treating or preventing.
- How do Desitin and Boudreaux's compare to Triple Paste, Balmex, and A+D?
- They're all zinc oxide barrier creams but at different concentrations. Triple Paste has 12.8% zinc oxide and is often favored for sensitive skin. Balmex has 11.3% zinc oxide with added vitamins. A+D Ointment is petroleum-based with vitamins A and D but contains no zinc oxide — it's a moisture barrier only, not a rash treatment. Desitin Maximum Strength (40%) remains the highest zinc oxide concentration among mass-market options; Boudreaux's (16%) sits in the middle of the pack.
- What percentage of zinc oxide does Desitin Maximum Strength contain?
- Desitin Maximum Strength contains 40% zinc oxide, which is one of the highest concentrations available in an over-the-counter diaper rash cream. This heavy-duty formula creates a thick barrier that seals out moisture and allows irritated skin to heal underneath. It is designed for treating active rashes rather than daily prevention.
- Can you use Boudreaux's Butt Paste at every diaper change?
- Yes. Boudreaux's Butt Paste Original with 16% zinc oxide is gentle enough for everyday use at every diaper change. Many parents use it as a preventive measure, applying a thin layer each time they change a diaper. The formula spreads easily and washes off without scrubbing, which makes routine use practical.
- Is Desitin hard to wipe off baby's skin?
- Yes — Desitin Maximum Strength is notoriously thick and sticky. The 40% zinc oxide formula creates a paste-like layer that clings to skin, which is the point (it forms a strong barrier). Removing it often requires oil-based wipes, petroleum jelly, or a warm washcloth. You do not need to remove every trace at each change — leaving a thin layer is fine.
- Do either of these creams contain fragrance?
- Desitin Maximum Strength is fragrance-free. Boudreaux's Butt Paste Original is also fragrance-free. However, Boudreaux's does have a mild, distinctive smell from its beeswax and Peruvian balsam ingredients. Neither product adds synthetic fragrance, but the natural scent of Boudreaux's is noticeable.
- Can you use both Desitin and Boudreaux's Butt Paste together?
- Many parents keep both on hand and use them for different situations. Boudreaux's Butt Paste works well as an everyday preventive cream, while Desitin Maximum Strength is pulled out when an active rash appears. You should not layer them on top of each other at the same time — pick one per application.
- When should I call the pediatrician about diaper rash?
- Contact your pediatrician if the rash does not improve after 2–3 days of consistent cream use, if it spreads beyond the diaper area, if you see open sores or blisters, if the rash looks bright red with satellite dots (possible yeast infection), or if your baby seems to be in pain. Over-the-counter zinc oxide creams treat irritant diaper rash but will not clear a fungal or bacterial infection.