Should I use diaper cream on my face?

July 26, 2024

The question:

Is it true that you can use diaper cream on your face to reduce inflammation and irritation?

The science:

TikTok users are slathering diaper cream on their faces to help heal dry and irritated skin — a beauty hack dubbed “face basting” by Shereene Idriss, a dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology in New York City. Idriss’s video, which shows her applying the thick white cream on her face, went viral. Videos showing people “basting” their skin have since gotten millions of views.

After having a baby a few years ago, Idriss started using the product on her face after experiencing inflammation and irritation, which she attributed to pregnancy, winter weather and wearing a mask.

“I had a lot of diaper cream at home, so it was accessible,” Idriss said.

Idriss recommends zinc oxide-based diaper creams. Studies have shown that the substance, a white powder derived from the mineral zincite, has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can reflect UVA and UVB rays, making it a common ingredient in sunscreens. Zinc oxide can give products a white cast. Because of this, Idriss suggests applying it at nighttime.

Diaper creams may also contain petrolatum, which can provide a protective barrier for dry skin, locking in moisture.

The evidence for using diaper cream for facial care is anecdotal, and experts say there aren’t many large quality studies to support the technique. Also, the creams may cause adverse reactions for certain people.

Diaper cream could make acne worse by clogging pores, which can cause breakouts.

“If you have oily or acne prone skin or for someone who suffers from blackheads and pimples, this technique with this type of product may exacerbate oiliness and flare your acne,” Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a Dallas-based dermatologist, said in an email.

Those with sensitive skin should also be cautious when applying diaper cream to the face as it can cause irritation, said Marisa Garshick, a dermatologist in New York.

Other dermatologists advise against the practice. “Diaper creams should be used for diaper rashes,” Charlene Lam, an associate professor of dermatology at Pennsylvania State University, said in an email.

“These diaper creams were not designed or formulated for long-term facial use,” she added.

Instead, they suggest opting for products designed for faces, including those made with petrolatum to protect the skin barrier.

For people who want to try diaper cream on their faces, dermatologists advise using it sparingly and only as needed at nighttime, mainly in the winter to help protect skin from extreme cold and dryness. Avoid the eye area, cuts or wounds. And do not apply any creams containing steroids to the face unless directed by a physician.

What else you should know:

Drugstore creams and ointments are often used off-label for facial skin care. Years ago, a beauty hack called “slugging” swept social media, showing TikTokers slathering on petroleum jelly — a highly effective barrier that can seal in moisture overnight, dermatologists said.

Others, however, have been discouraged, such as the fad of using calamine lotion as a makeup primer, which dermatologists said can increase dryness and irritation.

The bottom line:

Diaper cream can contain ingredients that may benefit your face, but its effectiveness hasn’t been studied. In some cases, the practice may cause breakouts or increased irritation.

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