The Short Answer
Tubby Todd Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste is clean.
If you are looking for a petroleum-free and fragrance-free option, this is one of the best on the market. Instead of mineral oil (which is a byproduct of crude oil refining), Tubby Todd uses a base of organic sunflower oil, castor oil, and shea butter.
The active ingredient is 14% non-nano zinc oxide. This creates a physical barrier on the skin to block wetness without absorbing into the bloodstream. While the $19 price tag is steep, you are paying for high-quality, food-grade inactive ingredients rather than cheap fillers.
Why This Matters
The skin on a baby's bottom is exceptionally thin and absorbent, especially when inflamed by diaper rash.
Most conventional diaper creams (like Is Desitin Safe|Desitin) rely on petrolatum (petroleum jelly) as their main barrier. While effective at stopping water, petrolatum can be contaminated with PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) if not fully refined. Perhaps more importantly, petroleum-based creams are not cloth diaper safe—they clog the fibers and cause leaks.
Tubby Todd solves both problems. It uses plant-based oils that wash out of cloth diapers and nourish the skin rather than just coating it. It is also completely void of synthetic fragrance, a common allergen that can sting raw skin.
What's Actually In Sweet Cheeks
Tubby Todd keeps the ingredient list short and recognizable. Here is the breakdown:
- Zinc Oxide (14%) — The active ingredient. It sits on top of the skin to repel water. "Non-nano" means the particles are large enough that they cannot penetrate the skin barrier to enter the bloodstream. Is Zinc Oxide Diaper Cream Safe
- Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil — The primary carrier oil. High in Vitamin E and helps repair the skin barrier.
- Beeswax — Provides the "stickiness" needed to keep the cream on the bum.
- Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil — A thick, viscous oil that adds water resistance.
- Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter — Deeply moisturizing fat derived from the shea nut.
- Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil — A liquid wax that closely mimics human sebum (skin oil).
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- Non-Nano Zinc: Safe physical barrier.
- Petroleum-Free: No crude oil byproducts.
- Fragrance-Free: Zero scent, which is crucial for irritated skin.
- Cloth Safe: Won't ruin expensive reusable diapers.
Red Flags:
- Price: At ~$5 per ounce, it is 3-4x more expensive than drugstore brands.
- Low Zinc %: 14% is great for prevention and mild rashes. For severe, bleeding rashes, pediatricians often recommend 40% zinc.
The Best Options
Tubby Todd is a premium choice, but there are other clean contenders if you need something stronger or cheaper.
| Brand | Product | Zinc % | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubby Todd | Sweet Cheeks Paste | 14% | ✅ | Best for daily use & cloth diapers. |
| Boudreaux's | Butt Paste (Green Tube) | 16% | ✅ | Good clean budget option (Aloe version). |
| Honest | Rapid Relief Cream | 14% | ✅ | Very similar formula, often on sale. |
| Desitin | Max Strength (Purple) | 40% | 🚫 | High zinc, but contains parabens/petrolatum. |
The Bottom Line
1. Buy it for daily protection. If you want a clean, aesthetic, effective barrier cream for every diaper change, this is top-tier.
2. Use it with cloth diapers. It is one of the few effective zinc creams that won't destroy the absorbency of your cloth stash.
3. Skip it for severe medical rashes. If your baby has a raw, bleeding rash, you may need a 40% zinc formula (like Triple Paste) temporarily to heal it fast, then switch back to Tubby Todd for maintenance.
FAQ
Is Tubby Todd Diaper Paste cloth diaper safe?
Yes. Unlike petroleum-based creams (like Vaseline or Desitin), the plant oils in Sweet Cheeks wash out of natural fibers in hot water. Note that the zinc oxide may leave a white stain on dark fabrics, but it will not cause repelling or leaks. Are Cloth Diapers Safer
What is the difference between Sweet Cheeks and All Over Ointment?
Huge difference. Sweet Cheeks contains Zinc Oxide, which blocks wetness. Is Tubby Todd Lotion Clean|All Over Ointment (AOO) is a moisturizer with colloidal oatmeal but no barrier ingredient. Use AOO for eczema or dry skin; use Sweet Cheeks for diaper rash.
Is the zinc oxide non-nano?
Yes. Tubby Todd confirms their zinc oxide is non-nano, meaning the particles are too large to be absorbed into the skin. This is the safest form of sun/barrier protection for infants. Is Nano Zinc Oxide Safe For Babies
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