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9 of the best cradle cap treatments for babies 2024

Baby with treatments for cradle cap

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

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

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

Loyon Lotion
 
  • 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

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

Coconut scalp cream for cradle cap.
 
  • 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

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

Dentinox Cradle Cap Treatment Shampoo
 
  • A treatment shampoo.

  • Suitable for newborns.

  • Gentle enough for regular use.

 

 

8. Pourty cradle Cap massage brush

Brush for baby cradle cap
 
  • 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

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.