9 of the best cradle cap treatments for babies 2024
Cradle cap is very common in babies and easily identified by a yellow crust on the scalp. It doesn’t harm or bother babies but there are treatments that can help. These can be shampoos, lotions, oils and special flake-removing brushes.
You can also use coconut oil, baby oil or petroleum jelly and a soft-bristled brush. Some say that rubbing the area with a little breast milk also helps.
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 14 January 2024.
If you buy through a link, I may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. MUSTELA Foam Shampoo for Newborns
A gentle foam shampoo that can help remove cradle cap flakes.
Tear-free.
99% natural ingredients.
Suitable for newborn babies.
Fragrance-free.
2. Mustela cradle cap cream
A cream that is massaged gently into the scalp and then left and washed out the following day.
Suitable for newborn babies.
Dermatologist and paediatrician tested.
Fragrance-free.
Hypoallergenic.
95% plant-based ingredients.
3. Loyon Cradle Cap Treatment
A clinically proven mild treatment that needs to be applied and then washed off with shampoo after three hours or longer.
Safe, non-toxic formula.
Suitable for all ages.
4. Childs Farm strawberry and mint shampoo
This shampoo is designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin and some parents say that it also really helps with cradle cap.
Suitable for newborns.
Vegan and cruelty-free.
5. Kokoso baby happy scalp cream
A gentle and soothing cream can be used for cradle cap or just a dry scalp.
Contains organic coconut oil, organic aloe vera and naturally active celery seed extract.
Can also be used on the forehead and eyebrows.
Vegan and cruelty-free.
6. Colief baby scalp oil
A nourishing oil for softening flaky skin on a baby’s scalp.
Made with plant-based ingredients including rosehip oil and chamomile.
Suitable from birth.
7. Dentinox Cradle Cap Treatment Shampoo
A treatment shampoo.
Suitable for newborns.
Gentle enough for regular use.
8. Pourty cradle Cap massage brush
A massage brush to gently lift cradle cap flakes.
Use with a natural oil and shampoo.
With very fine bristles to massage away flakes without harming a baby’s delicate scalp.
Can be used with newborns.
9. FridaBaby Flake Fixer
A three-step system: lather with the soft foam sponge and a baby soap, cradle cap shampoo or oil, loosen with the bristle brush and then lift the flakes with the fine tooth comb.
Comes with a storage stand.
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