Cradle cap, medically known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is the most common skin condition that affects newborns and babies.
It usually leads to the appearance of thick, greasy yellow scales and flakes on the baby’s scalp, along with redness and inflammation on other parts of the body, such as behind the ears, on the neck, in the skin folds, and in the diaper area.
The scales may look bothersome, but the good news is that cradle cap is a harmless and painless skin condition that can be easily managed at home with the help of a cradle cap shampoo for babies.
But which is the best shampoo? Below, we’ve rounded up the best cradle cap shampoos for babies, focusing on formulas that are mild, pediatrician-approved, and proven to work.
1. Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo and Body Wash
Pros:
- Fragrance-free
- Pediatrician-developed
- Hypoallergenic
- Can be used on hair, face, and body
Best for: Mild to stubborn cradle cap and recurring flakes.
When it comes to managing cradle cap effectively without compromising safety, Happy Cappy Cradle Cap Shampoo for babies stands out as the top choice among pediatricians and parents.
Developed by a pediatrician, this shampoo contains 095% FDA-approved pyrithione zinc as an active ingredient that is clinically proven to reduce the growth of malassezia yeast on the skin and scalp.
Which ultimately helps reduce the appearance of scales and flakes associated with cradle cap.
Its formula is fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, dye-free, and free from any of those harsh chemicals that may irritate your baby’s skin.
The best part about this shampoo is that it serves as a body wash and face wash as well, and can be used by people of all ages.
You can use it daily to help reduce the scales, and once the condition is under control, you can use it 2 to 3 times a week to prevent future flare-ups.
2. Mustela Foam Shampoo for Newborns
Pros:
- Plant-based formula
- Fragrance-free
- Easy to use foaming pump
Best for: Newborns with mild cradle cap and sensitive skin
Mustela’s foam shampoo is a great choice for newborns, especially those with sensitive skin. It is made with 99% plant-based ingredients, such as avocado polyphenols, which help protect the baby’s natural skin while cleansing.
The best part about it is its lightweight foam texture, which makes it easier to apply and rinse off. Additionally, it helps prevent the shampoo from running into the baby’s eyes.
However, one drawback of this shampoo is that it comes in a small size because it is not a cost-effective option, especially for long-term use.
3. CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo
Pros:
- Suitable for eczema-prone skin
- Tear-free
- Fragrance-free
Best for: Babies with dry, sensitive, eczema-prone skin
CeraVe baby wash is a great choice for babies experiencing cradle cap and eczema at the same time. It is developed by pediatric dermatologists and is awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
This is why you can rest assured that its formula is soap-free and free from any of those strong chemicals that may irritate the baby’s skin or make their eczema worse.
It is infused with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E that not only cleanse the skin but also help strengthen its skin barrier and keep it hydrated.
It is gentle enough to be used daily. However, its gentle nature may take longer to deliver visible cradle cap improvement as compared to the medicated shampoos.
4. Weleda 2-in-1 Gentle Shampoo & Body Wash
Pros:
- Tear-free
- Doctor-recommended
Best for: Babies with dry scalp and skin
Weleda shampoo and body wash is a great option for parents who prefer botanical ingredients.
It contains sweet almond oil that helps hydrate the scalp and calendula extract to gently cleanse the scalp and soothe irritation.
Its moisturizing formula helps soften flakes, making it easier to remove them during bath time.
The best thing about it is that it is tear-free and can be used as a body wash at the same time. This makes it a cost-effective option.
However, it is not a great choice for babies who have almond or almond oil allergies, as it may lead to allergic reactions. This is why it is essential to patch test the product or consult a doctor before using it.
5. Dermazen Cradle Calm Treatment
Pros:
- Can be used by adults
- Moisturizing and soothing
Best for: Stubborn and persistent cradle cap
Dermazen is a more intense option that is designed to manage stubborn or moderate to severe cradle cap by addressing its underlying root cause, the presence of excess oil and malassezia yeast.
It is formulated with willow bark, xylitol, niacinamide, aloe, and squalane that help soothe the inflammation while balancing the scalp. This product is more like a cleansing serum than a shampoo because it does not create any lather.
Even though it is helpful for stubborn cradle cap, it has a few drawbacks, such as it has a high price point and may be too strong for babies with extra-sensitive skin. This is why it is recommended to consult a doctor before using it.
Conclusion
Cradle cap is common among newborns and babies. It often leads to the appearance of thick scales and flakes along with redness on the skin, but fortunately, it is manageable.
Choosing the right shampoo can make a noticeable difference in how quickly flakes clear and how comfortable your baby’s scalp feels.
Some of the best cradle cap shampoo options available for babies are:
- Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo
- Mustela Foam Shampoo
- CeraVe Baby Wash
- Weleda Gentle Shampoo
- Dermazen Cradle Calm Treatement
While these gentle cleansers may help with cradle cap, our top pick is Happy Cappy, which is often the most effective choice for persistent or recurring cradle cap.
Happy Cappy with it right balance of safety and science, parents can confidently use it and care for their baby’s scalp without harsh ingredients or unnecessary irritation.
