Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis), although not a serious condition, can be worrying for parents at times, but how can we blame them? We all secretly love smelling baby heads, and cradle cap can be such a nuisance!
Every parent wants the best for their babies, and when it comes to shampoos, it is tricky to choose one. With the riot and tears that commonly come at bath time, looking for a safe shampoo that doesn’t sting can be a challenge.
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When your baby suffers from cradle cap, the infantile form of dandruff, it can be an added stress. However, the condition is treatable and often goes away on its own.
If you want to speed up the recovery process, you can try massaging your baby’s scalp using a mild oil and wash with an anti-dandruff shampoo.
To save you the effort, we have listed here some of the best baby dandruff shampoos which surely won’t disappoint.
Our Top Picks
Bella B Bee Gone Cradle Cap Baby Shampoo
One of the top-rated baby dandruff shampoos, Bella B’s solution to infant dandruff and cradle cap comes in an 8-ounce bottle with a pump top.
A popular and effective option, this product with its plethora of five-star customer ratings is a promising buy.
With the natural moisturizing goodness of oatmeal, the healing properties of vitamin E, the soothing moisture from shea butter, and the rejuvenating effects of aloe vera, this fresh-smelling formulation is one thing you wouldn’t want to miss.
Additionally, organic flower extracts are present to improve blood circulation, induce hair growth, decrease inflammation and help in flaking off of the cradle cap, while pharmaceutical grade tea tree oil unclogs follicles and provides nourishment to hair roots. Amino acids, to promote skin rejuvenation, are also present to impart their benefits.
This American shampoo is Paraben free and hypoallergenic – bath time doesn’t have to be uncomfortable from now on!
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic
- Combines many ingredients essential for healthy baby scalp
- The user-friendly design of bottle with a pump
- Good quantity for the price
Cons:
- Rare customer complaints of allergic reactions or scalp redness
Mustela Foam Shampoo for Newborns, Cradle Cap Treatment and Prevention
With a gentle, natural formula by a popular brand catering to baby and pregnancy skin care for over six decades, what more could you ask for?
Mustela’s Cradle Cap Shampoo will take care of your baby’s scalp so you won’t have to worry. This ultra-gentle shampoo is composed of 99% plant-based ingredients which are biodegradable as well.
The formula combines the goodness of BHA and Salicylic Acid to clear off cradle cap flakes, leaving a smooth, even scalp behind.
A protective natural Avocado extract is a natural ingredient especially added to soothe your baby’s scalp, while the ingredient Climbazole avoids future cradle cap episodes.
This soothing, hypoallergenic formulation is just as safe as it is effective, being free of Paraben, Phthalate, and Phenoxyethanol which could be harsh on your baby.
Apply on your infant’s scalp 2 to 3 times a week, gently massage, leave on for a minute or two, and rinse off.
With outstanding customer reviews, this is a safe American tear-free shampoo with a light foamy texture, if you’re looking for a way to gain the perfect healthy scalp for your baby.
Pros:
- Pump cap for easy usage
- 99% plant-based formula
- Hypoallergenic, free from harsh chemicals like Parabens, Phthalate, and Phenoxyethanol
Cons:
- Rare customer complaints of reaction and redness on babies with sensitive skin
Honeydew Anti Dandruff Shampoo for Kids
Although not specifically for babies, this shampoo can work great as a solution to cradle cap and infant dandruff.
A tear-free and sulfate-free formulation, the Honeydew Anti Dandruff Kids’ Shampoo combines the nourishing properties of therapeutic grade Jojoba oil, as well as essential oils like Lavender, Sage, Peach Kernel, Spikenard and Tea Tree Oils.
These mild, soothing ingredients have the potential to work wonders on your baby’s scalp and give flawless results. With their natural moisturizing properties, the ingredients of Honeydew’s Anti Dandruff formula can get rid of your baby’s cradle cap in no time.
The hypoallergenic nature of this product makes it safe for use on kids of both genders and all ages. Just apply some product on the hair, gently massage, leave on for 2 to 3 minutes and rinse.
If you’re in quest of a top rated baby dandruff shampoo, this could be your best bet, with its plethora of five-star customer reviews.
Pros:
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Tear-free formula
- Suitable for children of all ages, not exclusively for babies
- Hypoallergenic and sulfate free
Cons:
- None, except very rare reports of sensitivity
Elizabeth Parker Naturals Baby Shampoo for Cradle Cap, Eczema, Sensitive Skin and more (4oz)
A bit on the high-end side, this is an effective purchase if you need a unique formula free from all kinds of diluting fillers. Moreover, the Elizabeth Parker Naturals Baby Shampoo does not contain sulfate, Parabens, gluten, alcohol or added fragrances.
With an optimal pH of 5.5 to match your baby’s skin, this is one shampoo that can work well for babies with cradle cap, eczema or just a sensitive scalp.
Pamper your baby with this formulation, which is a balanced mix of soothing ingredients like manuka honey, aloe vera, cehami and orange peel oil, with their rich nourishing and healing properties.
The shampoo is well absorbed into the skin, penetrating through seven layers of cells for optimal effects.
Hypoallergenic and tear-free, this could be a safe purchase as a solution to your baby’s cradle cap, dandruff or eczema on the scalp.
Pros:
- Free from alcohol, sulfate, parabens and diluting agents
- Contains soothing essential oils
- 5.5 pH for sensitive skin
- Meant to treat multiple scalp problems like dandruff, cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) and eczema
Cons:
- High price, less quantity as compared to other shampoos
- Not effective for some customers
Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo
This top-rated anti-dandruff shampoo is suitable for children of all ages, especially babies. Created by a pediatrician, it has all the necessary ingredients to fight and soothe cradle cap, dandruff, and itchy red skin.
The Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo is a unique over-the-counter formula with ProVitamin B5 added as a moisturizer for hair and skin. This will help keep your baby’s scalp from drying out and further worsening the condition.
The active ingredient, Pyrithione Zinc, is an FDA-approved chemical which has long been used as a safe and effective solution to dandruff and cradle cap.
Moreover, licorice root extracts in the shampoo functions to soothe redness. An ideal blend of safe ingredients with no alcohol, Parabens, BPA, dye, or sulfate, this one product you can trust.
The fragrance-free gentle formula is hypoallergenic and forms a rich lather. With results visible in as less as the first or second wash, you will notice a significant improvement in a week or two.
Just be careful to avoid contact with eyes, since Pyrithione Zinc can irritate!
Pros:
- Pump top for ease of use
- Safe ingredients
- Suitable for babies and children as well
Cons:
- Not tear-free. Contact with eyes should be avoided since Pyrithione Zinc can cause irritation
- Very few customer reviews question its effectiveness
Phargin Naturals Cradle Cap Shampoo For Babies And Kids
This healing blend of essential oils combined in the form of a gentle shampoo for babies and children of all ages will get rid of dandruff for sure.
Phargin Naturals offers a great solution to your baby’s scalp problems at a very affordable price.
The Cradle Cap Shampoo works great to combat dandruff, excess oil buildup, eczema, and itchiness, leaving behind a problem-free scalp with healthy hair.
Soothing on your baby’s skin, this is a tear-free, sulfate free formula concocted to make bath time safe and less of a hassle.
The ingredients include tea tree essential oil which imparts its anti-fungal properties for cradle cap treatment, while argan essential oil helps in rejuvenation and nourishment of scalp skin to protect it from further dryness which could potentially worsen the condition.
Also present are jojoba oil with its moisturizing and soothing properties, and avocado essential oil which promotes the nutrients to get absorbed into the scalp and hair roots.
Camellia seed essential oil and keratin work well over rough patches for smooth, even skin, while almond oil and coconut oil work for improving both hair and skin quality.
This American shampoo is meant for use at least twice a week for best results.
Pros:
- A combined goodness of seven therapeutic essential oils
- Easy on the pocket
- Suitable for babies and children of all ages
Cons:
- None! Just a super affordable solution to baby dandruff
Shop Smartly – The Do’s and Don’ts of Buying the Best Baby Dandruff Shampoo
If you’re in search of a safe baby dandruff shampoo, there are some things worth considering. You need to focus on the ingredients, the customer feedback, and the price if you’re on a budget.
These factors will help you make the best decision for your baby. Moreover, you need to deal smartly with your baby’s scalp issues to prevent any further complications.
Ingredients to Look for
Soothing essential oils can work wonders since dandruff is caused by dryness and flaky skin. The moisturizing properties of therapeutic natural oils are not to be underestimated.
Plant-based medicated shampoos available over the counter are also good options since they act as herbal remedies and usually have healing effects.
Read the label of the shampoo bottle you’re considering buying, and get to know what you’re actually getting!
Ingredients to Avoid
Some harsh ingredients present in commonly available shampoos are best avoided. These include sulfate, parabens, alcohol, dyes, and fragrances, all of which could potentially cause allergic reactions on your baby’s scalp.
Tips and Tricks
Look for hypoallergenic, tear-free formulas which are more gentle on babies. Once you buy a new shampoo, try to buy it in the smallest packaging first so that you can test a small amount of it first.
This will avoid wastage if it doesn’t suit your baby, since every skin is unique, and something that works well for everyone may not be as good for your baby.
Look for reviews from previous customers before making a decision. Frequent complains of reactions, redness, hives or itchiness should alert you against a potentially harmful product.
Also, consider the quantity you are getting for the price, and decide if it’s within your budget range. Some shampoos are just not worth the added price when there are cheaper options available.
For the best treatment of baby dandruff or cradle cap, apply some baby oil on the scalp and gently massage. Leave for at least 15 minutes.
Gently remove whatever peeling skin easily comes off with a comb or brush. Apply a safe baby dandruff shampoo, lather, and rinse. If you suspect your baby’s scalp condition is getting worse, consult a doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’re all set to purchase the best dandruff shampoo for babies, like a very responsible adult! With the list above, you can learn about the desirable ingredients a good shampoo has, and the harmful ones from which you should keep your baby away.
Bath time gets safe and productive with any of these cradle cap shampoos specifically concocted to combat a dry, sensitive and itchy scalp. Just take care to be gentle and consult a doctor if the condition gets serious.
