Brand name 'Equate'? ~
Equate is the 'home brand' of products carried by Wal-mart. Also referred to as 'store brand' or 'white brand', these products are generally made of the same components as the major name brands, but in simpler packaging and with almost no adverting. Equate Diaper Relief Ointment is alleged to be comparable to Desitin brand diaper cream, which I'd used in the past, so I felt like I could compare them.
Value ~
Equate Diaper Relief Ointment comes in the same size tube as the major brands, but at about half the cost. A 4.25oz tube of Equate Diaper Relief Ointment is less than two dollars. According to the ingredient list, it contains the same active ingredient (zinc oxide), in the same amount (10%), along with a similar list of fillers and stabilizers. Apparently, the extra costs associated with the major brands is rolled into the advertising and packaging, because there isn't a substantial difference in the product contents. As a consumer, I'm happy to pay less for the same result. As long as the Equate Diaper Relief Ointment performs the same or better, that makes it a good value.
Thickness ~
The thickness of a diaper cream will determine how much you need to use. A tube of thinner diaper cream simply will not last as long as a tube of thicker diaper cream will. I was impressed with the thickness of Equate Diaper Relief Ointment. It was thick, but not stiff, so it wiped on smooth, without any waste. That excellent consistency will let me use less at each diaper change, which also helps make it a good value.
Staying power ~
Equate Diaper Relief Ointment is so nice and creamy, that it will leave a residual layer on the baby if you don't scrub too zealously. That lets the 'barrier' function of the cream do its job. I even found that I could apply it every other diaper change, saving both the cream and my time.
Effectiveness ~
I noticed a difference in my child's rash after just one application of Equate Diaper Relief Ointment. I also noticed that my child didn't cry when I put it on her. Apparently this brand of diaper cream didn't sting her at all when it was applied. That's a HUGE plus for me, because no matter how well a diaper cream works eventually, I don't want to aggravate my child's suffering while I'm trying to help her, by using something that hurts when it goes on.
Ease of use ~
Equate Diaper Relief Ointment has a nice wide opening on the mouth of the tube. Even though the cream was thick, I was able to squeeze it out quickly and easily, without making a mess. Considering that most parents will be applying diaper cream with only one hand, (while using the other to hold their wiggling child steady), this is a great feature. I also appreciated the flip-top lid, because I couldn't drop it or lose it.
Overall ~
The Equate Diaper Relief Ointment was an excellent product that I would recommend to other parents. It performed well and provided a good value.
