This post is in partnership with Coterie. I only endorse products I believe in.
I’ve become a believer in the power of an all-over ointment because having one solution that works head-to-toe just makes sense.
Of course, we all know Aquaphor. It’s been the classic go-to for forever, but I couldn’t help wondering how it stacks up against a new generation of baby care. Here’s my honest take on Coterie’s new Bun Balm vs. Aquaphor.
Criteria #1: Effectiveness
A baby’s skin barrier is thinner, loses water more quickly, and is more sensitive to cold weather, drool, or sweat trapped in adorable baby rolls, so I’m looking for a product that truly protects and soothes their skin.
Coterie Bun Balm
Coterie’s Bun Balm has been both clinically tested and parent tested, and the results are impressive. I especially appreciate the brand’s transparency in sharing their testing and findings.
- Clinically proven hydration: Bun Balm immediately improved the skin barrier’s ability to retain moisture by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Even 6 hours after application, the skin stayed significantly more hydrated, meaning longer-lasting comfort and protection for baby.
- Parent-approved results: In user testing, 95% of parents who used Bun Balm daily for at least one week agreed it helped relieve dry, sensitive skin. For parents, that kind of near-unanimous feedback speaks volumes.
- Microbiome friendly: Clinically tested to protect, not disrupt, the skin’s natural microbiome, which is important because a healthy skin microbiome plays a role in our overall health. Plus, greater bacterial diversity can potentially lead to less skin irritation and flare-ups.
Aquaphor
Aquaphor is a widely used classic, but there’s no publicly available information on clinical or parent testing specific to diaper rash. 🤯
Effectiveness Winner: Coterie Bun Balm
Criteria #2: Ingredient Safety
Coterie Bun Balm
- EWG-verified, meeting the strictest health standards and without chemicals of concern.
- Hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and accepted by the National Eczema Association
- In a 28-day dermatologist-supervised clinical study, Bun Balm was shown to soften and soothe dry skin patches while creating a protective barrier against common irritants (think wet diapers, drool, sweat, dry air, or chafing)
- Fragrance-free
- Made without essential oils, petrolatum, mineral oil, paraffin wax, lanolin, zinc, alcohol, dyes, parabens, phthalates, phenoxyethanol, and free of animal products.
Aquaphor
- Dermatologist recommend
- Its active ingredient is petrolatum (41%), and while it’s highly refined and purified, some parents feel uneasy about using it because it’s derived from fossil fuels, which feels less than natural
- Preservative free
- Fragrance free
Ingredient Safety Winner: Coterie Bun Balm
Criteria #3: Texture and Ease of Use
Coterie Bun Balm
Coterie Bun Balm has a silky, creamy texture that melts into the skin. Unlike thick creams that can feel pasty or heavy, Bun Balm spreads smoothly and absorbs quickly, leaving skin protected without any sticky residue.
Aquaphor
Aquaphor has a thick, sticky texture that leaves behind a tacky residue and it tends to get everywhere. The heaviness can feel less convenient for everyday skincare. Fun fact: When I was 20, I babysat for a baby with eczema and had to cover him head to toe in Aquaphor after his nightly bath, then put him in footie pajamas…take it from me there is nothing harder than trying to get a sticky, slippery baby into footies.
Texture & Ease of Use Winner: Coterie Bun Balm
Criteria #4: Cost
Coterie Bun Balm
$40 per 4.7 ounce jar, or $8.51 per ounce.
Aquaphor
$6.69 per 1.75 ounce tube, or $3.82 per ounce.
Cost Winner: Aquaphor
Coterie Bun Balm is my preference without question!
I reach for Coterie Bun Balm every time because I know it works, and I never have to worry about my baby’s delicate skin, or the messy aftercare.
✅ Highly effective, both clinically tested and parent approved
✅ EWG-verified
✅ Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested
✅ Microbiome friendly
✅ Fragrance-free
✅ Made without irritants or harsh chemicals
✅ Smooth texture and easy to apply
✅ No sticky residue
Get 10% off your purchase of Coterie Bun Balm: EXTRA10
Author
