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It is normal for babies to have a dry scalp. From cradle cap to infant case of dandruff, the white powdery stuff usually disappears on its own within a few days or weeks. However, one of the easiest home remedies is to choose the best baby shampoo for dry skin. Pediatricians approve the regular use of such gentle shampoos made with care to cleanse and rinse a baby’s soft scalp.
Dr. Enrizza Factor, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “The market is replete with baby shampoos; thus, it is important to consider your baby’s skin type before choosing one. The baby shampoos for dry skin should have natural, organic ingredients with moisturizing properties and be devoid of alcohol and dyes.”
We know it is not easy to choose the right shampoo for a baby’s dry scalp. So here is a list of safe products that will make your task easy.
Top Picks
Why Do Babies Have A Dry Scalp?
One of the most common reasons that causes dry scalp among babies is cradle cap. It is also known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis. Although the precise reason is unknown, cradle cap is attributed to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Sometimes, it is also caused by the overgrowth of Malassezia fungi in sebum under the skin.
14 Best Baby Shampoos For Dry Scalp
1. Best Dermatologically-Tested:Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo
Featuring a two-in-one creamy formula, this tear-free shampoo blends into a rich lather that gently cleanses your baby’s delicate hair and skin, leaving them clean and soft. The shampoo doesn’t dry the scalp, helps retain moisture, and eliminates baby dandruff. This expert-approved shampoo for dry scalp is made of calendula from the marigold flower that helps soothe, moisturize, and soften the skin. Over 14,000 users have left good reviews about this shampoo on Amazon, reflecting the tester’s experience. Watch this review video to know about Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo in detail.
https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/best-baby-shampoos#ourpicks[2]Best Shampoos for Cradle Cap https://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-products/bath-and-skincare/best-cradle-cap-shampoos/[3]10 Best Baby Shampoo For Dry Scalp and Dandruff in 2024 https://parenthoodtimes.com/best-baby-shampoo-for-dry-scalp/
Pros
- Dermatologically tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Free from mineral oils, colorants, and parabens
- Contains vitamin E and B5 along with aloe vera
- Colorant-free
Cons
- May not be completely tear-free
- May cause rashes
Caution
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 1,741 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
2. Best Fragrance-Free:CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo
The baby wash and shampoo by CeraVe features a gentle formula that cleanses and nourishes the baby’s delicate skin and hair. Containing three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5, the fragrance-free product helps restore the skin’s natural barrier and keeps it hydrated. This trusted brand’s product is paraben-free and sulfate-free, making it safe for your baby’s sensitive skin. Moreover, it is developed with dermatologists and pediatricians to ensure the best care for your little one.
Hair type: All| Item form: Liquid| Age range: Baby| Scent: Unscented| Item weight: 8oz
Pros
- Tear-free
- Suitable for curly hair
- Accepted by National Eczema Association
- Leaves no residue
- pH-balanced
Cons
- May require a decent amount to build sufficient leather
- Pump may be flimsy
3. Best Natural:Bella B Bee Gone Cradle Cap Baby Shampoo
Paraben-free and hypoallergenic, this baby shampoo comes with a light, fresh scent. It is made of natural ingredients, such as organic shea butter, vitamin E, aloe vera, organic flower extracts, and oatmeal, to safeguard your baby’s sensitive skin and help maintain hygiene. Also, the safety-tested shampoo contains pharmaceutical-grade tea tree oil that helps heal dry scalps. This shampoo for cradle cap has over 1,000 glowing reviews on Amazon, showcasing the reviewers’ experiences.
Hair type: Dry| Item form: Liquid| Age range: Baby| Scent: Fresh| Item weight: 8oz
Pros
- Soothes itchy, flaky skin
- Infused with antioxidant properties
- No artificial preservatives
- Comes with a cradle cap brush
Cons
- Might make the scalp dry
- May not be tear-free
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 1,736 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo Best Dermatologically-Tested | CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo Best Fragrance-Free | Bella B Bee Gone Cradle Cap Baby Shampoo Best Natural | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry | All | Dry |
| Weight | 0.4 ounces | - | - |
| Dimensions | 7 x 2.8 x 1.5 inches | 2.8 x 2.8 x 6.75 inches | 2 x 2 x 6 inches |
| Weight | - | 10.4 Ounces | 5.6 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,741 | 616 | 1,736 |
| Price | $19.98 | $8.97 | $9.99 |
4. Best For Soothing Irritation:Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo
The shampoo is meant to fight flaking, irritation, redness, scaling, and itching on both skin and scalp and is made for children of all ages. It contains various active ingredients, such as pyrithione zinc, safe and effective in curing baby dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. This shampoo for baby dry scalp also contains natural ingredients, including licorice root extract, to help soothe redness.
Hair type: Dry| oily| Item form: Gel| Age range: Baby and normal kid| Scent: Fragrance-free| Item weight: 8oz
Pros
- Doesn’t have an artificial fragrance
- Dermatologically tested
- Free of alcohol, paraben, sulfate, and BPA
- Helps eliminate flaking and keeps hair smooth
Cons
- May cause white flakes in the hair
- May cause mild irritation
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,278 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
5. Best Gentle Formula: Mustela Cradle Cap Foam Shampoo For Newborns
Featuring a gentle and effective formula, the Mustela cradle cap shampoo for newborns helps prevent and treat scaly patches on the baby’s scalp caused due to cradle cap. Its primary active ingredient is natural avocado perseose, which helps strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and helps preserve the cellular richness of the baby’s skin, protecting it from environmental stressors. Moreover, this tried-and-tested product’s tear-free and fragrance-free properties make the shampoo safe and comfortable for the baby.
Hair type: All| Item form: Liquid/Foam| Age range: Baby| Scent: Unscented| Item weight: 5.07oz
Pros
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Dermatologist- and pediatrician-tested
- Made with 99% plant-based ingredients
- Paraben- and Phthalate-free
- B-Corp-certified
Cons
- May not be effective for some
- May be a bit drying
6. Best For Sensitive Skin:Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby 2-In-1 Shampoo & Wash
Formulated with natural ingredients, the Babo Botanicals sensitive baby 2-in-1 shampoo and wash gently cleanses your baby’s delicate skin and hair and provides hydration. It contains nourishing organic ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and aloe vera, offering skin-soothing benefits. This pediatrician-approved and dermatologist-tested natural baby shampoo is specifically formulated for dry, sensitive, and flaky skin.
Hair type: Dry| Item form: Gel| Age range: Baby| Scent: Unscented| Item weight: 16oz
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- EWG-verified
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Made with 23 plant-based ingredients
- Also suitable for adults with sensitive skin
Cons
- Might leave a greasy residue
- May not be entirely tear-free
7. Best With Milk Protein:Noodle & Boo Extra Gentle Shampoo
The mild and soothing shampoo by Noodle & Boo features a gentle, low-sud formula that helps clean your baby’s scalp without irritating it. Made with naturally sourced skin-safe ingredients like nutrient milk protein, vitamin E, and provitamin B, it helps nourish and protect your baby’s skin and hair. Moreover, the natural baby shampoo has a light and fresh scent that does not irritate your baby and leaves them smelling sweet and cuddly.
Hair type: All| Item form: Liquid| Age range: Baby| Scent: Crème Douce| Item weight: 16oz
Pros
- Hypoallergenic product
- No animal testing
- Sulfate-free shampoo
- Mild baby shampoo
- Coconut oil as light, natural foaming agent
Cons
- May not come with enough quantity
- Doesn’t lather a lot
8. Best For Itching:Wild Naturals Eczema Psoriasis Shampoo
Wild Naturals baby shampoo for itchy scalp contains cehami extract, organic aloe vera, and other natural ingredients to offer natural relief from itching. They penetrate deep into the skin and help decrease redness. This shampoo for baby dry scalp is steroid-free and non-medicated; hence, you can use it daily. It is also devoid of fragrances, parabens, SLS, and other harsh chemicals. Have a look at this user review video to learn more about Wild Naturals Eczema Psoriasis Shampoo.
Hair type: All| Item form: Liquid| Age range: Adult and baby| Scent: Fragrance-free| Item weight: 8oz
Pros
- Hypoallergenic product
- No animal testing
- Sulfate-free shampoo
- Coconut oil as light, natural foaming agent
Cons
- May not come with enough quantity
- Doesn’t lather a lot
Did you know?Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 296 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
9. Best Conditioning:Himalaya Gentle Baby Shampoo
The Himalaya gentle baby shampoo is a mild and nourishing shampoo that effectively cleanses your baby’s dry scalp and hair, leaving them conditioned and soft. Enriched with natural ingredients such as chickpea, hibiscus, rice extracts, and vetiver root, the product soothes the irritated scalp and makes the hair soft and shiny. It is also free of harsh chemicals, such as parabens, SLS, SLES, phthalates, and silicones, ensuring safe use and making it one of the popular mom’s choice shampoos.
Hair type: All| Item form: Liquid| Age range: Baby| Scent: Fresh| Item weight: 13.53oz
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Tear-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologically tested
- Leaves a cooling effect on the scalp
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some may not like the consistency of the product
- Might strip off natural oils
10. Best Skin-Friendly:California Baby Shampoo
With a brisk blend of lavender and tea tree essential oils, this baby shampoo helps soothe sensitive scalps. This two-in-one baby shampoo for itchy scalp cleanses hair, body, face, and sensitive areas. It gently washes out chlorine and salt while rebalancing the natural pH level of your hair. It contains certified organic, sustainably harvested soap bark along with plant-based glucosides. Check out this user review video to get a better idea about California Baby Shampoo.
Hair type: All| Item form: Liquid| Age range: All ages| Scent: Tea tree and lavender| Item weight: 8.5oz
Pros
- Skin-friendly shampoo
- Tested for allergies
- Has a pleasant scent
- Can be used as a body wash too
- Enriched with organic, pure calendula extract and aloe vera
Cons
- May cause some rashes
- May not work for extremely sensitive skin
11. Best For Dandruff:Original Sprout Classic Shampoo
The Original Sprout classic shampoo is formulated with natural ingredients, including rosemary, calendula, and cucumber, that help calm and soothe the irritated scalp skin of the baby while offering nourishment and hydration. The unique recipe of this gentle shampoo also includes arnica, which offers antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits, relieving cracked and inflamed scalp due to dryness. Moreover, the doctor-approved baby dandruff shampoo is sulfate-free, allergen-free, and phthalate-free to ensure it does not irritate newborn skin. It is also suitable for toddlers and adults with sensitive skin.
Hair type: Dry| Item form: Liquid| Age range: Baby| Scent: Rosemary| Item weight: 12oz
Pros
- Non-irritating formula
- Safe for all skin types
- Reduces dandruff
- Made with plant-based ingredients
- Soy- and gluten-free
- Dermatologist- and pediatrician-tested
Cons
- Might make the hair greasy
- Scent may be overpowering for some
12. Best Chemical-Free:T Is For Tame Cradle Cap Shampoo
With gently lifting and rinsing flakes, this shampoo is scientifically formulated with a natural exfoliant and salicylic acid. It helps prevent and reduce cradle cap to a great extent. The presence of organic calendula helps soothing irritation linked to the scalp and skin conditions.
Hair type: Dry| Item form: Foam| Age range: Baby| Scent: Fragrance-free| Item weight: 6.76oz
Pros
- Foaming pump dispenser for easy application
- Helps prevent irritation
- Formulated with natural and USDA certified organic ingredients
- No harmful chemicals
Cons
- May have a strong smell
- May not wash adequately
13. Best Tear-Free:Mee Beauty Baby Wash Kids Shampoo
With organic and natural ingredients, this shampoo helps calming and soothing sensitive skin. This moisturizing baby shampoo also nourishes, protects, and soothes irritated skin. The tear-free shampoo works wonders on dry scalp, cradle cap, and eczema-prone skin.
Pros
- Pump dispenser for ease of use
- Includes 32 vitamins and minerals
- Comes with 75 nutrients and hundreds of active enzymes
- Moisturizes the skin
Cons
- May have some irritants
- Fragrance could be too strong
Quick tip14. Best Hypoallergenic:Vivvi & Bloom 2-in-1 Baby Wash & Shampoo Cleansing Gel
Vivvi & Bloom’s cleansing gel for babies offers a gentle yet effective way to cleanse and moisturize your baby’s sensitive and dry scalp. Its fragrance-free formula contains 96% naturally sourced ingredients that help safely clean the scalp and hair and shea butter for intense moisturization. This clinically tested, hypoallergenic and pH-balanced shampoo helps maintain the natural moisture barrier of the baby’s skin. Furthermore, it is free of sulfates, parabens, dyes, and artificial fragrances, making it safe for baby skin.
Hair type: Dry| Item form: Gel| Age range: Baby| Scent: Unscented| Item weight: 10oz
Pros
- Tear-free
- Pediatrician-, dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
- EWG-Verified
- Non-toxic formula
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May leave residue
- May be challenging to rinse out completely
How To Choose The Right Baby Shampoo For Dry Scalp?
While choosing the right baby shampoo for itchy scalp, keep these factors in mind.
- Ingredients: Ensure the shampoo doesn’t contain any harmful or harsh chemicals and ingredients. It should be enriched with naturally sourced extracts and clean ingredients to make it safe for the baby.
- Hypoallergenic: You should go with a hypoallergenic shampoo to ensure that your baby doesn’t face any reactions or allergies.
- Artificial fragrances or dyes: You should make this a thumb rule to read the ingredient list and check everything the shampoo contains. The safety-tested product should not have any artificial fragrances or dyes as they can cause allergies to sensitive baby skin.
- Tear-free: Choosing a shampoo that features a tear-free formula is recommended. This will allow you to wash the baby’s scalp thoroughly and maintain hygiene without any fear of itchy and irritating eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can regular baby shampoo help with dry and irritated scalp?
A dry scalp is more common in babies, but the dryness generally goes away after a couple of washes. If your little one is experiencing baby dandruff or scalp itchiness, it may be due to some underlying cause. It needs immediate medical attention.
2. Is there a difference between a cradle cap and a dry scalp?
A cradle cap is usually oily patches on the scalp that cause itchiness and pain. These are thick and hard to remove. Usually, cradle caps are not itchy (1). Dry scalp may be rough to the touch. It may sometimes be flaky, possibly a cause of dandruff.
3. Can I leave coconut oil on my baby’s scalp overnight?
Coconut oil would be beneficial for cradle caps and baby dandruff. But it is not recommended to leave the oil overnight on the scalp as it can clog the oil glands and worsen the condition.
4. Is baby shampoo better than regular shampoo, and is it suitable for adults?
Yes, it is. Baby shampoos are gentler on the scalp and hair. They are formulated free of harmful chemicals and allergens. However, it is worth keeping in mind that baby shampoos cannot clean an adult scalp as desired.
5. How should I get rid of my baby’s dry scalp?
Dry scalp in babies needs immediate care. Wash your baby’s scalp and hair thoroughly to get rid of it. Use gentle shampoos that are hypoallergenic, safe, and effective for proven performance. Avoid shampoos that aggravate scalp dryness.
6. Is a dry scalp the same as dandruff?
Dry scalp and dandruff in babies both make the scalp look dry. A dry scalp can be due to loss of hydration. Dandruff makes the scalp flaky besides causing dryness. If baby dandruff goes untreated, it may cause other serious conditions like cradle cap.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna, our in-house writer and reviewer of baby products, has compiled this list of the best baby shampoos for dry scalp after evaluating different products and considering the user reviews and ratings from numerous websites. Keeping your baby’s requirements and safety in mind, she has handpicked each and included the detailed specifications. Vibha has also included a buying guide to help you choose the right baby shampoo for itchy scalp and dry baby skin.
The Bottom Line
Your baby’s dry scalp requires an extra dose of nourishment, and some baby shampoos have proven themselves to be excellent sources of that. Baby shampoos are formulated to be gentle and tear-free, helping to moisturize, soothe, and soften your little one’s skin. In addition, the best baby shampoos for dry scalp are dermatologically tested and free of harmful toxins that can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin as exemplified by the Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo. Consider the Noodle & Boo Extra Gentle Shampoo made from naturally sourced ingredients or the proven gentle CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo. When choosing a baby shampoo for cradle cap or itchy scalp, make sure to check the ingredients for any allergens or fragrances that might not suit your baby.
Infographic: Step-By-Step Guide To Applying Shampoo For Baby’s Dry Scalp
Babies are born with delicate skin and hair. And although the exact reason behind their dry scalp may not be known, certain shampoos may help reduce the flakiness. So here we provide step-by-step instructions to apply shampoo to your baby’s dry scalp and keep their hair and scalp soft and healthy. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
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