Cradle cap can look really unpleasant, but there's no need to panic, your baby won't even know it's there. And with a cradle cap shampoo, or other natural methods, you can help to alleviate the symptoms. We've rounded up our picks of shampoos that are great for helping to clear up cradle cap, but are also gentle on delicate skin. We know how sensitive babies' skin is, so the right product is important to take care of them.
What is cradle cap in babies?
Cradle cap, or seborrhoeic dermatitis, is a harmless condition that often shows up as dry yellow, scaly patches on a baby’s scalp, and can appear oily. While it’s most common on the head, it can also appear in other areas, such as the eyebrows, behind the ears, around the nose, and even in skin folds like the armpits or nappy area. Though it might look concerning, it typically doesn’t cause any discomfort or itchiness for your baby.
It is an extremely common skin condition in babies between the ages of 6 and 12 months, and thankfully it's easy to treat. While most cradle cap clears up on its own, a little encouragement from the best shampoo for cradle cap can help treat cradle cap.
Signs and Symptoms of Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is fairly easy to recognize, and the symptoms are typically harmless. Here’s what to look out for:
• Yellowish, greasy patches or crusts on your baby’s scalp
• Crusts that may spread to areas like the eyebrows, behind the ears, or around the nappy area
• Flaking crusts that can leave the skin underneath looking red
• No signs of itching or pain, so it doesn’t bother your baby
While cradle cap is not uncomfortable for your little one, it can sometimes appear unsightly. As the flaky, waxy crusts dry, they might leave behind a bit of redness. Occasionally, you may notice a small amount of hair coming away with the flakes, but don’t worry—this is temporary, and the hair will grow back.
It’s important to avoid scratching or picking at the crust, as this can cause irritation or lead to infection. Rest assured, cradle cap is completely harmless and will typically clear up with gentle care.
We've included more information on cradle cap in our FAQ section at the bottom if you'd like to know more - but for now let's get straight to what you're looking for and explore cradle cap shampoos!
How does cradle cap shampoo work?
Regularly washing your baby's hair with shampoos for cradle cap or a mild baby shampoo can help to loosen scaly patches to improve the appearance. It can also help to remove excess oil from your baby's scalp.
Washing your baby's hair once a day will help to remove scales and prevent more from building up. Once the cradle cap appears to have cleared, wash your little one's hair every two to three days to prevent it from resurfacing.
What to look for in cradle cap shampoo
When thinking about what shampoo is best for cradle cap, the last thing you want to do is cause further irritation, so when looking for the best shampoo for cradle cap in infants it's important to look for mild baby shampoo. They'll have diluted pH and surfactant levels compared to regular shampoos. Look for natural ingredients instead of artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals, and those suitable for sensitive skin. Perfect for caring for your little one's soft and delicate scalp.
If this doesn't work for a few weeks, you may want to ask your chemist for a special cradle cap treatment or consider visiting your GP.
Best baby shampoo for cradle cap
Image: AmazonSuitable from: Newborn | Suitable for: Dry, combination and sensitive skin | Contents: Rosehip Oil, Chamomile, Vitamin E | Award: Silver - Best Baby Skincare Range/ Product
Colief Baby Scalp Oil is formulated with Rosehip Oil, Chamomile and Vitamin E to gently moisturise and soothe your baby’s skin and scalp to prevent it from becoming dry and flaky. Our parent testers were more than happy to review Colief Baby Scalp Oil, and found that this product was easy to use, did exactly as it said on the bottle, and softened dry skin conditions such as cradle cap.
Summary:
• Suitable from newborn
• Made with nourishing ingredients
• Doesn't make baby's hair greasy
• Pleasant smell
Tested by mum Stephanie for the M&B Awards 2023: "The product came in a small bottle, so great for keeping in the changing bag or our nappy caddy at home. The application was smooth and I was able to apply it straight onto my babys head and massage gently as directed. I could smell the rosehip, and it left my baby's head smooth and soft."
Best for scent
Image: AmazonMade with more than 98 per cent naturally derived ingredients, this award-winning shampoo is suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. This loved brand helps to reduce the cradle-cap appearance and has a lovely smell of strawberry and organic mint. Better yet, the wonderful fragrance won't irritate sensitive skin.
The Childs Farm skincare range has won numerous M&B Awards and has now been shortlisted for the 2022 Awards - check out our full review of the Childs Farm range here.
Tested by mum Katie for the M&B Awards 2022: "I love this product and would thoroughly recommend it to all mums. It's great for all skin types so makes it very versatile. You only need a small amount of product and it feels nice on my baby's skin. I like the variety of scents in the bubble bath and shampoo range and the shampoo doesn't irritate my toddler's eyes. The moisturiser is great on my daughter's dry skin, absorbs quickly, and doesn't irritate."
**Tested by mum Harriet Poulton for the M&B Awards 2018: "**The shampoo really helped clear up my baby's cradle cap, which was so helpful as I didn't need to buy any other special shampoo. There are some lovely mini sets available too which has made life so much easier when packing to go on holiday or even just to chuck in the changing bag to go swimming."
Read top tips for using shampoo for babies from Childs Farm here.
Best for all natural ingredients
Image: AmazonThis soap-free, vegan-friendly shampoo will be loved by parents. It's gentle on sensitive skin and delicately cleans and softens baby's hair. It contains eco-friendly detergents, with no synthetic ingredients, helping to soothe cradle cap patches and maintain the skin's moisture.
The Weleda Calendula Skincare range has been shortlisted three times in the M&B Awards: in 2019 in the Best Baby Skincare Range/Product category; in 2017 in the Best Natural Product category, and in 2014 in the Best Baby Skincare Range/Product category.
Tested by mum Caroline Hirst for the M&B Awards 2017: "I think this baby shampoo and body wash is lovely. It has an amazing smell of all the wonderful natural ingredients. It feels very soft on your skin and baby’s skin, plus my three-year-old also loves it and it has been great for her dry scalp and skin. It also leaves the skin feeling very clean but not stripped of the skin’s natural goodness."
Tested by mum Mary for the M&B Awards 2019: "The products are 100 per cent natural and designed for delicate skin so I would recommend them. I think the price may be a little too high but they are a good size and lasted a while. Weleda is a trusted brand and the products were good on my baby's skin. It would be a good starter for mums unsure of what to buy."
Read our full review of the Weleda Calendula Skincare range here.
Best cradle cap mousse
Image: AmazonThis tear-free mousse is extra gentle on sensitive skin and helps to prevent the appearance of cradle cap. It's made of an enriched formula with avocado and other natural ingredients, helping to strengthen your baby's skin barrier. With mild surfactants, it'll clean and respect your little one's scalp without attacking it.
Review: "I’m amazed how quickly this solved the cradle cap, really wished I’d found it earlier. Only needed to use it once really so passed the bottle on to another mum."
Recommended
Image: AmazonThis dermatology-approved shampoo is ideal for treating cradle cap. It cares for delicate skin, helping to eliminate cradle cap patches on your little one. Free from all irritable nasties, it also provides a shine and softness.
Review: "This product is definitely worth the money! It has sorted out our daughter's cradle cap, which she has had for 14 months. She has quite sensitive skin and hasn't had an issue with this product. We would highly recommend this product."
Best tear-free cradle cap shampoo
Currently unavailable - check back soon
Image: AmazonThis tear-free and pH balanced formula is suitable for newborns and helps to gently calm and clease your baby's skin and hair. Accepted by the National Eczema Association, it's free-from nasties and enriched with vitamin E to help moisturise. It'll help reinforce baby's skin barrier and soothe it at the same time.
Review: "Helped relieve some cradle cap. Also helped my toddler’s keratosis pilaris skin. The scent isn’t really strong which is great. Seems to be very moisturising because dry skin is no longer an issue. This is worth it."
Best for frangrance-free
Image: Kokosokokoso.co.uk
This fragrance-free shampoo is packed with natural and nourishing ingredients, which help lovingly cleanse your baby's dry scalp and delicate hair. The organic ingredients also make it vegan-friendly and hypoallergenic, making it the ideal shampoo for little ones with sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
Review: "Such a brilliant product, soft and gentle on the girls' skin whilst getting them and their hair clean. Skin feels so good after the bath too. Brilliant wash for newborns too - would highly recommend, and brilliant it's now available on here too!"
Top pick
Image: Bootswww.boots.com
You've probably heard of Dentinox when it comes to colic drops, but their shampoo is well-loved by mums who swear by its use for helping cradle cap too. It's gentle enough to use as a general shampoo once your baby's cradle cap has cleared up, too. It was recommended by several mums in our #MumTribe group on Facebook.
Mum of two Kim Robertson-Hunt recommended it to us in #MumTribe, and said: "it is one of the most effective when used regularly and really lifts the cradle cap with regular use. I use a comb as well. It feels gentle to use on your baby but does the job!"
Best oil for cradle cap
Image: AmazonJohnson's hair and scalp oil is blended with real cotton and is specially designed for a newborn babies' delicate, sensitive skin. Leave it in your baby's hair for about five minutes, then comb through. It's not a shampoo but comes recommended by real mums.
This was recommended by mum Jessica Gale in our #MumTribe group on Facebook; she said: "It's a godsend!"
FAQ Cradle cap shampoo for babies
What do doctors recommend for cradle cap?
Doctors typically recommend gentle care to manage cradle cap, a common and harmless condition in infants characterized by scaly, flaky patches on the scalp. They suggest washing the baby’s scalp daily with a mild baby shampoo and using a soft brush or cloth to gently loosen the scales. For stubborn cases, applying a small amount of baby oil or mineral oil to the affected area before shampooing can help soften the scales. If the condition persists or worsens, a doctor may recommend a medicated shampoo or other treatments to address underlying inflammation.
Can I use regular baby shampoo for cradle cap?
Yes, you can use regular baby shampoo for cradle cap as long as it is mild and gentle. Regular use can help loosen and remove the scales on your baby's scalp. To enhance its effectiveness, gently massage the shampoo into the scalp and use a soft brush or cloth to lift the flakes. If the cradle cap is persistent or severe, you may need to use a specially formulated cradle cap shampoo, as advised by your pediatrician.
What is the best thing for cradle cap UK?
In the UK, the best approach for managing cradle cap is to gently wash the baby’s scalp daily with a mild baby shampoo and use a soft baby brush to loosen the flakes. Products like Dentinox Cradle Cap Shampoo or natural oils, such as coconut or olive oil, can help soften and remove the scales. Apply the oil, leave it on for a few hours, and then wash it off during bath time. If the condition persists or appears inflamed, consult a GP or health visitor for further advice.
What is the main cause of cradle cap?
The main cause of cradle cap is thought to be an overproduction of sebum (oil) by the baby’s skin glands. This excess oil traps dead skin cells on the scalp, leading to the formation of scaly, flaky patches. Hormones passed from the mother to the baby before birth may also play a role in stimulating the oil glands. Cradle cap is not caused by poor hygiene or allergies and is generally harmless.
Is it OK to brush out cradle cap?
Yes, it is OK to gently brush out cradle cap, as this can help remove the flakes and loosen scales on the baby’s scalp. Use a soft baby brush or a fine-toothed comb after washing the scalp with a mild baby shampoo. If needed, you can apply a small amount of baby oil or coconut oil to soften the scales before brushing. Be gentle to avoid irritating the skin, and avoid forcefully removing the flakes, as this can lead to redness or discomfort.
Should I moisturize cradle cap?
Yes, moisturizing can help manage cradle cap by softening the scales, making them easier to remove. You can use natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or baby oil. Apply a small amount to the affected area, leave it on for about 15-30 minutes, and then gently brush or wash the scalp to remove the loosened flakes. Avoid heavy or fragranced moisturizers, as they might irritate the baby’s sensitive skin. If the condition doesn’t improve or appears irritated, consult a doctor for further advice.
When to see a doctor about cradle cap
You should see a doctor about cradle cap if the condition doesn’t improve after a few weeks, if it becomes inflamed or very red, or if there are signs of infection, such as pus or crusts spreading to other areas. If the cradle cap seems severe or isn’t responding to gentle care, a doctor may recommend medicated treatments or check for other skin conditions. Additionally, if the cradle cap causes your baby discomfort or affects their daily activities, it's a good idea to seek professional advice.
How long does cradle cap last?
Cradle cap typically lasts for a few weeks to a few months. In most cases, it clears up on its own within 6 to 12 months as your baby’s skin matures. However, some babies may have it for a longer period, and the condition can occasionally return. With regular gentle care, cradle cap usually improves over time, but if it persists or worsens, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor.
Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.