Is Boudreaux's Butt Paste Safe?

The Short Answer

Boudreaux's Butt Paste is effective but not clean.

If your priority is blasting a severe rash quickly, the Maximum Strength (40% Zinc Oxide) works wonders, largely because it uses petrolatum (petroleum jelly) to create an impenetrable seal. However, if your priority is non-toxic, eco-friendly ingredients, this brand is a Caution.

Most versions contain Peruvian Balsam, a plant resin that smells nice and aids healing but is a common skin allergen that can actually worsen irritation for sensitive babies. The only version that removes this allergen is the "Sensitive" tube, but it still relies on petroleum.

The "Natural Aloe" green tube is the most "crunchy" option—it swaps the petroleum for plant-based waxes but retains the Peruvian Balsam.

Why This Matters

Diaper cream is applied to the most permeable, sensitive area of a baby's body, often multiple times a day.

1. The Petroleum Problem

The base of the Original and Max Strength formulas is a mix of petrolatum, mineral oil, and paraffin. While "medical grade" petroleum is generally considered safe from contaminants like PAHs, it is a non-renewable byproduct of the oil industry. More importantly for skin health, it creates a complete seal (occlusive) that doesn't allow the skin to "breathe" or release heat as well as plant-based oils do. Is Petroleum In Diaper Cream Safe

2. The Hidden Allergen

Peruvian Balsam (Myroxylon Pereirae) sounds lovely and natural. It's a resin from a tree grown in Central and South America. However, dermatologists know it as a top contact allergen. If your baby has a rash that just won't go away despite using Butt Paste, the cream itself might be the problem.

What's Actually In Boudreaux's Butt Paste

The ingredients vary significantly by version. Here is the breakdown:

Original (Yellow Tube)

Verdict: Caution

• Zinc Oxide (16%) — The active ingredient. Treats rash.
• Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Paraffin — Three different forms of petroleum. Is Mineral Oil In Baby Lotion Bad
• Peruvian Balsam — Fragrance and mild antiseptic, but a potential allergen.
• Castor Oil — A safe, effective plant oil.
• Note: Older formulations contained Boric Acid. Check your tube if it's been sitting in a drawer for years.

Maximum Strength (Red Tube)

Verdict: Caution (Use for emergencies only)

• Zinc Oxide (40%) — Extremely high concentration. Excellent for severe rashes.
• Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Paraffin — Heavy petroleum base.
• Peruvian Balsam — Allergen risk.

Sensitive Skin (White/Blue Tube)

Verdict: Caution

• Zinc Oxide (16%)
• Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Paraffin
• NO Peruvian Balsam — This is the key difference. It removes the allergen but keeps the petroleum.

Natural Aloe (Green Tube)

Verdict: Acceptable

• Zinc Oxide (16%)
• Aloe & Beeswax — Replaces the petroleum.
• Peruvian Balsam — Still present.
• NO Petrolatum — The only petroleum-free option in their lineup.

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• High Zinc Oxide % — 16-40% is the gold standard for healing.
• Castor Oil — A thick, effective natural barrier oil.
• Aloe Vera — Soothing for inflamed skin (found in the Natural version).

Red Flags:

• Petrolatum/Paraffin — Synthetic occlusives derived from crude oil.
• Peruvian Balsam — Watch for "Myroxylon Pereirae" on the label if your baby has sensitive skin.
• Boric Acid — A reproductive toxin found in very old versions (rare now, but check labels).

The Best Options

If you want the heavy-duty protection of zinc without the petroleum, there are better options.

The Bottom Line

1. Avoid the Original (Yellow) for daily use. There is no reason to use a product with both petroleum and potential allergens when cleaner options exist.

2. Use the "Natural Aloe" (Green) if you love the brand but hate petroleum. Just watch for allergic reactions to the balsam.

3. Use Max Strength (Red) only as a "nuclear option" for severe rashes that aren't healing. The 40% zinc is powerful, but you don't need that heavy petroleum base for every diaper change.

FAQ

Does Boudreaux's Butt Paste contain Boric Acid?

Most likely not anymore. Older formulations included Boric Acid, a chemical of concern for infants. Recent labels for all major versions (Original, Max, Natural) have removed it. However, always check the back of the tube if you are using an older product found in a medicine cabinet.

Is Boudreaux's Butt Paste cloth diaper safe?

Generally, no. The Original, Max Strength, and Sensitive formulas contain petrolatum and paraffin, which can coat cloth fibers and cause repelling issues (leaks). The Natural Aloe version is petroleum-free but contains beeswax and castor oil, which are safer but can still cause some staining or buildup without hot water washing. Are Cloth Diapers Safer

What is Peruvian Balsam?

It is a resin from the Myroxylon tree used for its scent and healing properties. While natural, it is a potent allergen that causes contact dermatitis in many babies and adults. If your baby's rash gets worse after using Butt Paste, this ingredient is the likely culprit.

Is the "Sensitive" version better?

It depends on what you are avoiding. The Sensitive (White) tube removes the Peruvian Balsam (allergen) but keeps the petroleum. The Natural (Green) tube removes the petroleum but keeps the Peruvian Balsam. There is currently no Boudreaux's product that is free of both petroleum and Peruvian Balsam.

---

References (20)

1. 1. nih.gov
2. 2. babycenter.com
3. 3. ewg.org
4. 4. raskana.com
5. 5. buttpaste.com
6. 6. drugs.com
7. 7. buttpaste.com
8. 8. grovemedical.com
9. 9. whatsinproducts.com
10. 10. reddit.com
11. 11. incidecoder.com
12. 12. buttpaste.com
13. 13. mountainside-medical.com
14. 14. buttpaste.com
15. 15. locatelonline.com
16. 16. walmart.com
17. 17. incidecoder.com
18. 18. skinsafeproducts.com
19. 19. babylist.com
20. 20. fredmeyer.com