Image: MomJunction Design Team
Get your hands on the best shampoo for cradle caps and say goodbye to your baby’s scalp woes. Cradle caps are a common condition that occurs in babies. It causes flaky skin and can develop in less than year-old babies. It usually occurs because your newborn is not accustomed to the environment and can be highly uncomfortable. However, there are tons of shampoos available in the market to give your baby some relief from cradle caps. We have listed the best ones below to help you pick a suitable one.
Top Picks
11 Best Shampoos For Cradle Cap
1. Best Antioxidant:Weleda Calendula Baby 2-in-1 Gentle Shampoo and Body Wash
Weledashampoo is mild and doesn’t damage the baby’s skin’s natural balance. It is formulated from extracts of calendula, chamomile, and sweet almond oil. These ingredients have cleansing, soothing, hydrating, and antioxidant properties. The shampoodoes not cause eye irritationand leaves the child’s hair soft and tangle-free. You can checkthis YouTube videofor more information about the product.
Pros
- Syntheticfragrance-free
- Suits sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Smell may be strong
2. Best Hypoallergenic:Bella B Bee Gone Cradle Cap Baby Shampoo
Made from tea tree oil, amino acids, shea butter, aloe vera, oatmeal, and organic extracts of chamomile and marigold flowers, these ingredients help treat itchy and dry scalp, unclog hair follicles, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy hair growth. Cleaning the hair with this shampoo helpskeep the scalp clean and softand heal the cradle cap condition.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Light scent
- Vitamin E helps repair follicle damage
Cons
- Bottle pump may be hard to use
3. Best Moisturizing:Mustela Baby Cradle Cap Bundle – Shampoo and Cream
Mustela bundle contains two hair care products designed for newborns with cradle cap. The cream helpsremove flakes and relieve discomfort, while the foam shampoo washes and rinses away the flakes gently. The key ingredient, avocado, helps moisturize the scalp’sskin. If you are still unsure about purchasing, you can check out areviewof this product on YouTube.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Dermatologist-and pediatrician-tested
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Some may not like the cream’s smell
Did You Know?4. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Baby 2-in-1 Shampoo & Wash
The 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash contain oatmeal, coconut oil, shea butter, calendula oil, and oat milk that leave the baby’s hair soft, silky, and lustrous. The shampoo contains Babo’s organic nutri-soothe complex, a blend of antioxidants and vitamins from chamomile, calendula, and watercress. It is suitable for newborns as it is hypoallergenic anddoes not contain allergy-causing products, such as walnuts, peanuts, soy, or dairy.
Pros
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-and phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Smell may be too strong
5. Best For Sensitive Skin:Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo & Body Wash
Dr. Eddie’s shampoo and body wash aremade of natural ingredients,including oatmeal extract, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, and pro-vitamin B5, known for their soothing and moisturizing characteristics. Most of the ingredients are derived from natural plant sources. The shampoo’s pH is similar to our skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin. You can check outthis YouTuber’s reviewof the product if you require more convincing.
Pros
- Paraben-and phthalate-free
- Alcohol-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- May not be tear-free
Quick Fact6. Best Cruelty-Free:Baby Mee Bee Gentle Baby Wash/ Shampoo
With natural ingredients, such as honey and aloe vera, this product helps nourish, protect, and soothe the scalp. It does not irritate and is free of harmful components. The nature-based ingredients help make dry scalp soft and moisturized. It is gentle and suitable for all ages.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Tear-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Smell may be unpleasant
7. Best pH-Balanced:T is for Tame Gentle Foaming Shampoo
For newborns and toddlers, this pH-balanced cradle cap shampoo gently lifts and rinses away flakes. It contains salicylic acid,a natural exfoliator, and calendula oil that helps calm irritation. This hypoallergenic formula was created specifically for sensitive skin to help reduce allergic reactions.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Fragrance may be strong
8. Best Plant-Derived Formula:Lemyka Naturals Shampoo and Wash
Image:Lemyka
Lemykashampoo is formulated for cradle cap. Aloe vera, algae, calendula, and panthenol are among its 99.5% of plant-derived ingredients. It is pH-balanced and irritant-free.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May not lather well
9. Best Non-Toxic:EverJoyn Organics Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
The baby shampoo from EverJoyn is made from nine plant-based ingredients, which are 76% USDA-certified organic, while the rest are gentle and tear-free. This shampoo is 100% waterless, making it more premium, and does not contain any preservatives. The main organic ingredients are orange peel oil, aloe vera extracts, and lavender extract.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- SLS-free
- Non-toxic
Cons
- Consistency may be watery
10. Best Anti-Inflammatory:Botanical Therapy Pure Baby Shampoo
With natural ingredients, this shampoo helps remove the pollutants while retaining the hair and skin’s natural oils. Calendula, witch hazel, and hibiscus flower extracts help cleanse, moisturize, and protect the baby’s skin. It is suitable for daily use for babies and adults.
Pros
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-bacterial
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
- Chemical-free
Cons
- May not be tear-free
11. Best Dye-Free:Babe LaboratoriosPediatricCradle Cap Shampoo
Suitable for adults and children, BabéLaboratorios’cradle cap shampoo helps eradicate and prevent cradle cap gradually. It helps in treatment and prevention and makes the hair smooth and shiny. The pH boosts the efficacy of removing crusts and flakes.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-and phthalate-free
- Dye-free
- Pediatrician-and dermatologist-recommended
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- Might take time to wash off the shampoo
How To Choose The Right Shampoo For Cradle Cap?
Here are a few pointers to assist parents when buying shampoo for cradle cap.
- Ingredients:Check the ingredient list and pick natural shampoos without harsh or toxic chemicals to prevent skin allergies. Look for shampoos without sulfates and phthalates to protect scalp and hair from drying and damage.
- Tearless:It is wise to look for tearless shampoos to keep the bathing experience fun.
- Fragrance:Choose unscented shampoos to prevent irritation. Shampoos with strong fragrances might put the baby off.
Why Trust MomJunction?
To compile this list of the best shampoos for your baby’s cradle cap, we have scoured multiple websites and reviewed numerous user reviews. These shampoos are highly recommended by multiple users for resolving the problem of cradle caps in babies. We have analyzed the product ingredients and quality to ensure they are safe and gentle. This article includes detailed information about each product’s contents, pros, and cons to help you choose the most suitable and safest one for your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is cradle cap painful?
Infants are generally unaffected by cradle cap as it’s not a painful or itchy condition. However, it can result in thick white or yellow scales that can be difficult to remove.
2. What is the difference between cradle cap and eczema?
Cradle cap causes less inflammation and irritation. It develops on the scalp, sides of the nose, eyelids, brows, and behind the ears and typically clears up once your baby reaches eight months. Eczema, on the other hand, causes flaky patches on the baby’s skin and usually develops during the first few months after birth. These patches are dry and itchy and generally found on the arms, legs, and cheeks.
3. Can cradle cap be prevented?
Cradle cap can be prevented by shampooing your baby’s hair every few days. You can use mild baby shampoo unless your baby’s doctor suggests something more potent.
4. Does cradle cap cause hair fall?
虽然少见,一个新生的摇篮帽可能lose hair. However, after the cradle cap is gone, the hair should regrow.
5. Do I need special shampoo for cradle cap?
If the cradle cap is mild, regular fragrance-free baby shampoo can remove the cradle cap. If not, it would be best to switch to shampoos formulated specially to treat cradle cap (1).
6. Should I brush cradle cap after shampooing?
Use a baby brush while shampooing your baby’s hair to remove the scale. You can gently massage with your fingertips to remove the scale (1).
7. At what age does cradle cap go away?
Cradle cap generally goes away on its own between six and 12 months (2).
While seeing rough and scaly patches on your baby’s scalp due to cradle cap can make you worry, you need not be overly concerned. The best shampoos for cradle cap listed here work effectively and are formulated with natural ingredients that are gentle on the baby’s skin. These shampoos for babies do not cause irritation to the baby’s eyes and are free of harsh chemicals, such as parabens and phthalates. Moreover, they are hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested.
Infographic: Points To Consider When Shampooing A Baby With A Cradle Cap
Cradle cap shampoos for babies help manage the condition when used under the guidance of a pediatric dermatologist. Nevertheless, certain measures must be followed to ensure the shampoo works effectively. The following infographic brings notable points to remember when shampooing a baby with cradle cap.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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Download Infographic
References:
- How To Treat Cradle Cap
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/scalp/treat-cradle-cap - Cradle cap
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cradle-cap/ - Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/ - Cradle cap
https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/health-daily-care/health-concerns/cradle-cap#:~:text=About%20cradle%20cap,-Cradle%20cap%20is&text=It%20happens%20if%20your%20baby’s,dead%20skin%20over%20the%20scalp
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- Best Shampoos For Your Baby
- Best Baby Shampoos For Dry Scalp
- Best Baby Shampoos For Eczema
- Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Care Products
- Best Anti Dandruff Shampoos For Kids
