Desitin Maximum Strength Original Paste (40% Zinc Oxide)
Quick verdict
- Verdict
- Avoid
- Evidence
- Limited
Lead at 3,303.8 ppb and cadmium were reported in the tested Maximum Strength ointment.
The report covers the tested sample, not every batch or every product from this brand. See version details.
- Avoid
- Lead at 3,303.8 ppb and cadmium were reported in the tested Maximum Strength ointment.
- Caution
- This report is for Maximum Strength, not Daily Defense.
What we could not verify
- The report covers the tested sample, not every batch or every product from this brand.
- This report is for Maximum Strength, not Daily Defense.
- This review does not establish skin absorption, individual health risk, or current results for an untested lot.
Why we reached this verdict
Lead was reported at 3,303.8 ppb and cadmium was also reported in the tested Maximum Strength ointment. The result is published by Lead Safe Mama with a linked laboratory report. The reported detections are the basis for its Avoid tier under our precautionary standard. The report covers the tested sample, not every batch or every product from this brand. The result does not establish the absorbed dose or the health effects of using this product.
What we like and what concerns us
- Avoid
- Lead at 3,303.8 ppb and cadmium were reported in the tested Maximum Strength ointment.
- Caution
- This report is for Maximum Strength, not Daily Defense.
What the evidence shows
Desitin Diaper Ointment Extra Strength
Tested Desitin Extra Strength 40% zinc diaper ointment was reported at 3,303.8 ppb lead and positive for cadmium; no cadmium value is given in the article text.
Why we reached this verdict
Lead was reported at 3,303.8 ppb and cadmium was also reported in the tested Maximum Strength ointment. The result is published by Lead Safe Mama with a linked laboratory report. The reported detections are the basis for its Avoid tier under our precautionary standard. The report covers the tested sample, not every batch or every product from this brand. The result does not establish the absorbed dose or the health effects of using this product.
Findings on this site reflect the specific products, lots, and formulations examined on the dates cited. Manufacturers change formulations and suppliers without notice; a result reported for one lot does not guarantee the same result for another. Check the "last reviewed" date and the cited source before relying on any finding.
Explore materials & ingredients
Explore the evidence
The ingredients discussed in this review
Zinc oxide
- Why it is discussed here
- The concern here is the reported metal finding in the finished product. This test does not identify zinc oxide as the source.
What we could not verify
- The report covers the tested sample, not every batch or every product from this brand.
- This report is for Maximum Strength, not Daily Defense.
- This review does not establish skin absorption, individual health risk, or current results for an untested lot.
Materials & ingredients
| Material or ingredient | What it is | Concern level | Why it's flagged here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc oxide | Zinc oxide is a mineral compound and the FDA-recognized active ingredient in most diaper-rash ointments and mineral sunscreens; it forms a physical barrier on skin and has a long safety record at the concentrations those products use. | Use with caution | The concern here is the reported metal finding in the finished product. This test does not identify zinc oxide as the source. |
Testing history
| Source | Date | Tested for | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory testing published by Lead Safe Mama | July 2025 | Lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic | Lead was reported at 3,303.8 ppb and cadmium was also reported in the tested Maximum Strength ointment. |
Explore the research
What the evidence tells us
Lead at 3,303.8 ppb and cadmium were reported in the tested Maximum Strength ointment. Our Avoid rating follows the reported detections, rather than the product’s marketing or certification claims.
What's still uncertain
- The report covers the tested sample, not every batch or every product from this brand.
- This report is for Maximum Strength, not Daily Defense.
- This review does not establish skin absorption, individual health risk, or current results for an untested lot.
Technical detail & sources
Reported testing
- Lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic: Lead was reported at 3,303.8 ppb and cadmium was also reported in the tested Maximum Strength ointment.. Laboratory testing published by Lead Safe Mama (July 2025). Read the published report.
Sources to read
- Published test report: Desitin Maximum Strength Original Paste (40% Zinc Oxide), Lead Safe Mama (2025)
Read the category’s editorial sources
Final verdict against our diaper-rash creams standard
Avoid Published as Avoid under the published standard for diaper-rash creams, based on the specific, dated findings above. That standard was written before this or any other product on the page was evaluated, and doesn't change to fit a favorite See the full site-wide standard for how every category is held to the same process.