zinc-based rash creams as rash preventative: yes or no?

FTM building my registry and found lots of great moderately granola diaper rash reccs on this thread!

All of the popular reccs (hello bello, tubby todd's, earth mama) seem to use non-nano zinc, but I'm curious about how people feel about zinc-based diaper creams in general for everyday use? I'm not opposed to using zinc, but it seems unnecessary unless there's actual rash, right? Are there alternatives? Or am I overthinking it? Just trying to stock up on both everyday and "bring in the big guns" options!

Similarly: what are the options if trying to avoid a food-based diaper cream for allergy reasons?

Thanks!