10 Best Baby Shampoo For Dry Scalp and Dandruff in 2023

Dry scalp is a common problem among babies, especially newborn babies. While it’s common to suspect dandruff as a dry scalp and vice versa, these are two different conditions. Whether it is dry scalp or dandruff, if these issues are not treated as soon as possible, they might lead to something worse, like the cradle cap. Therefore, finding the right baby shampoo based on the skin condition is crucial. 

Additionally, if you fail to find a suitable shampoo for your baby’s delicate skin, things can get worse. That’s why you should pay attention to picking the right baby shampoo for eliminating dry scalp or dandruff issues for good. Thankfully, our experts have compiled our list with the top 10 baby shampoos for dry scalp and dandruff so that you can easily find the right solution for your baby.

How to treat your baby’s dry scalp?

There are some ways to treat a baby’s dry scalp at home. 

• Use a gentle shampoo on the baby’s scalp on a regular basis
• Wait for a minimum of two minutes before washing your baby’s scalp 
• Use a soft brush to gently remove the flakes

Is there a difference between the cradle cap and dry scalp?

Yes, they feel similar, but they are different conditions. Dry scalp is mainly baby dandruff, whereas cradle cap is rough, crusty bumps on the baby’s scalp. As the condition of the cradle cap is different from dry scalp, you need a different approach to treat the cradle cap. Check out our review on baby shampoos for cradle cap treatments.

Baby Shampoo For Dry Scalp and Dandruff

Our Top Picks

Best Baby Shampoo For Dry Scalp: CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo

Formulated with essential ceramides and vitamins, the CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo is an excellent shampoo for babies with dry scalp. It has been a “go-to” baby shampoo for the dry scalp for new moms over the years. The shampoo also works great for babies with an oily, itchy, or flaky scalp. 

This one is a versatile cleanser since you can use it both as a shampoo and a body wash. Aside from being free from paraben, sulfate, dyes, and fragrances, the baby cleanser comes with a natural plant-based formula to protect your little one’s sensitive skin. Most importantly, the formula doesn’t dry out or strip away the natural moisturization from the scalp.

In addition, the shampoo has a tear-free formula to make bathing your baby less stressful. Furthermore, the essential ceramides and vitamins leave your baby’s hair soft and silky after each bath. The ingredients also improve hair elasticity and help to lock in moisturize for an extended period. It is certified by the National Eczema Association as a safe product for babies with eczema-prone skin. Since it is free from harsh ingredients, you can use it every day.

Hair Type: All | Key ingredients: Ceramides 1, 3 & 6-II; Vitamins | Tear-Free: Yes | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Unscented

Best Baby Shampoo For Dandruff: Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo for Children

Did you know that medicated shampoos are more effective for dandruff than regular shampoos? Because they contain ingredients that are very effective in removing dead skin cells, excess oils, and irritating fatty acids from the scalp. This pediatrician-developed medicated shampoo from Dr. Eddie comes with a dermatologist-tested safe formula to give instant relief from the itchy and flaky scalp.

The key ingredient of this shampoo is pyrithione zinc, which has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, the inclusion of licorice root extract helps soothe redness, irritation, and swelling. Most importantly, the combination of these components inhibits the growth of yeast to ensure lasting protection from an itchy and flaky scalp.

Achieving a dandruff-free, healthy scalp with this effective shampoo will be a whole lot easier and stress-free. Also, you don’t need to worry about your baby’s sensitive skin since the hypoallergenic formula is free from fragrance, alcohol, sulfates, and other harsh ingredients. However, the formula isn’t tear-free, so make sure it doesn’t reach your baby’s eye. Therefore, it isn’t suitable for everyday use. However, you can use it twice a week to get the best results. Make sure to gently massage your baby’s scalp and leave it for a few minutes before finally washing it.

Hair Type: Oily, Dry, Normal | Key ingredients: Pyrithione Zinc | Tear-Free: No | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Unscented

Baby Shampoo For Dry Scalp and Dandruff

Rated Highly by Parents and Experts

Johnson’s Ultra-Hydrating Tear-Free Kids’ Shampoo

Take care of your baby’s dry scalp with Johnson’s Ultra-Hydrating Tear-Free Kids’ Shampoo. As the name implies, the shampoo is designed to intensely hydrate a child’s hair without harsh chemicals.

The Ultra-Hydrating Shampoo comes with a gentle, creamy formula to soothe and nourish your baby’s scalp without drying it out. The pediatrician-tested formula is made without harsh ingredients such as parabens, dyes, SLS, phthalates, and more. Super affordable, it works remarkably well to remove all the flakes, dirt, and impurities from the scalp.

The shampoo has a sweet, clean scent that is nice and mild enough not to irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. Its tear-free formula makes it a winner as well. Additionally, it comes with a pumping system to make squeezing hassle-free. It’s also an excellent shampoo for babies with curly hair.

Hair Type: Thin | Key ingredients: Proteins and pro-vitamin B5 | Tear-Free: Yes | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Vanilla

Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo

Very few baby shampoo has so many positive reviews like the Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo. Free from paraben, dyes, and fragrances, the shampoo is specially formulated for babies with dry, sensitive skin. This gentle shampoo will turn your baby’s dry, flaky, or itchy scalp into a clean, moisturized one.

One key component of this shampoo is chamomile essence, which is a natural anti-dandruff agent. While the provitamin B5 helps prevent dryness by retaining the moisture level. Most importantly, it shows gentleness while treating your baby’s scalp with efficacy. With a very small amount, it makes a light lather and rinses away easily without leaving a residue. What’s more? The tear-free formula will make bath time more enjoyable for your baby.

The product also works well as a baby wash for eczema. You don’t have to worry about your baby’s sensitive skin since it is preservative and fragrance-free. It is no wonder why many parents highly rated this shampoo over other similar shampoos.

Hair Type: Dry, Normal | Key ingredients: Chamomile essence and Provitamin B5 | Tear-Free: Yes | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Unscented

Mustela Cradle Cap Foam Shampoo

Mustela Cradle Cap Foam Shampoo is a fantastic product you can try to treat your baby’s dandruff because this gentle shampoo is formulated with 99% natural ingredients to treat your baby’s delicate scalp most efficiently. Whether your kid has dry skin, dandruff, or cradle cap, it is an excellent solution for all.

The cleanser comes with a tear-free formula to provide an enjoyable bath for your bundle of happiness. With natural ingredients like Avocado Perseose, the shampoo helps develop a skin barrier to provide optimal protection against dandruff and cradle cap. Moreover, the shampoo rinses away cradle cap flakes effectively from the scalp without stripping away the natural oil from the scalp or drying it out.

Free from paraben, phthalate, and phenoxyethanol, the hypoallergenic formula has a light, pleasant scent. The easy-to-dispense bottle allows for quick pouring of the shampoo on the palm and then gently rubbing your baby’s scalp. Wait for two minutes and wash it properly with clean water.

Hair Type: All | Key ingredients: Avocado Perseose | Tear-Free: Yes | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Unscented

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula

Cetaphil needs no introduction to baby care products. This brand ethically makes all its baby care products with safe ingredients. So, this organic calendula shampoo is no less than the best.

First and foremost, the shampoo is formulated with organic calendula and aloe vera. The combination of these two organic ingredients works wonderfully to soothe the dry scalp and helps keep it moisturized. In addition, thanks to vitamins E and B5, the formula nourishes the baby’s skin to promote the growth of healthy hair.

Sulfate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free, the cleanser will exceed your expectations with its incredible result. The cleaning agent suits sensitive and delicate skin without showing any side effects. All the rich ingredients make it stand out from other baby shampoos. Your baby’s scalp will feel soft and clean after every bath. Make sure to use it daily in the beginning to get the best result.

Hair Type: Dry, Normal | Key ingredients: Natural Calendula | Tear-Free: Yes | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Fresh

Other Recommended Baby Shampoo For Dry Scalp and Dandruff

Honeydew Cleansing Kids Shampoo for Dry Scalp

Tea tree oil is highly popular for its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that help keep dandruff at bay. This Honeydew Cleansing Kids Shampoo has a plant-based formula with tea tree oil that works great for newborns with dandruff and head lice.

The shampoo comes with a blend of essential oils to soothe the dry, flaky scalp and protect hair from being damaged. All the natural ingredients used in this shampoo are safe for newborns and kids. Parents love how the shampoo makes their little one’s hair shiny, soft, and smooth.

Plus, it is free from harsh chemicals to eliminate the risks of harming your baby’s delicate scalp. So, the shampoo isn’t harsh like some other anti-dandruff shampoos for children, making it suitable for everyday use. The cleanser has a wonderful smell that stands out. You might feel it’s a little expensive. But, it is better to shell out a few extra bucks for a product that works for your baby rather than trying lots of other cheaper options.

Hair Type: Oily, Frizzy, Color Treated, Dry, Normal | Key ingredients: Tea Tree and Rosemary | Tear-Free: No | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Tea Tree Oil and Rosemary

SheaMoisture Baby Wash & Shampoo for All Skin Types

If you get to know how effective the SheaMoisture Baby Wash & Shampoo is for your baby, it will be your go-to baby shampoo and wash. It contains a powerful formula to cleanse and moisturize dry scalp at the same time. In addition, you save from purchasing additional conditioners because it works both as a shampoo and conditioner for babies.

One key component of this shampoo is raw shea butter, which has healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Along with chamomile and argan oil, the formula nourishes and soothes your baby’s delicate skin. You can use this multipurpose product as a body wash as well. Know that no artificial color or synthetic scent is included in this cleanser.

You won’t find many baby shampoos with shea butter components. The addition of shea butter leaves a calming effect after each bath. Before washing off with lukewarm water, use both hands to produce a good lather and massage gently on the baby’s scalp. It leaves the baby’s skin soft and clean, without any oil or greasy residue. Considering all the benefits, it is worth giving a try.

Hair Type: Curly, Dry, Normal | Key ingredients: Shea, Chamomile & Argan Oil | Tear-Free: No | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Frankincense

Bella B Bee Gone Cradle Cap Baby Shampoo

We will be surprised if you haven’t come across the Bella B brand before. The brand strictly follows the safety standards, be it a baby or pregnancy shampoo. Specially formulated for babies with a dry scalp, Bella B Bee Gone Cradle Cap Baby Shampoo with a hypoallergenic formula is proven to improve the dry, flaky scalp of newborn babies.

Not only does it deeply cleanse the scalp, but the formula also acts gently without stripping the natural moisturization from the scalp. Who doesn’t know babies hate stinging eyes? Though the formula is not fully tear-free, it is less likely to cause any irritation to the eyes. It also has a pleasant light scent that stays on for a while.

The shampoo includes natural and organic ingredients to treat your baby’s dry, itchy scalp effectively. Suitable for every skin type, you will not notice any allergic reaction, even on the most delicate or sensitive skin. Furthermore, the shampoo produces a good amount of lather with a small amount. Therefore, one bottle of shampoo will go a long way.

Hair Type: Dry | Key ingredients: Oatmeal and Organic Shea Butter | Tear-Free: No | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Fresh

Paul Mitchell Baby Don’t Cry Shampoo

From babies to adults, Paul Mitchell is a popular name in the haircare industry. This baby shampoo has a gentle formula with clean ingredients to treat dry scalp and dandruff in babies. Its tear-free formula also makes it an excellent shampoo for babies.

The shampoo has a light, pleasant fragrance derived from accents of rose and amber. Some kids own thick and curly hair, which is challenging to take care of with regular shampoo. Thankfully, it works well for those hair conditions.

With a soothing formula, it can turn out to be a lifesaver for your baby’s dry scalp. Most importantly, its ingredients are super safe for everyday use. Each time after a bath, it leaves your little one’s hair soft and clean. Additionally, the pH-balanced formula neither makes the scalp irritated nor burns the eyes. However, this shampoo is a little pricey and does not come with a pump. Other than that, you will be happy with this salon-quality baby shampoo.

Hair Type: All/Normal | Key ingredients: Aloe vera, Chamomile, and Lavender | Tear-Free: Yes | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Powdery scent with soft floral and vanilla

Conclusion

Aside from purchasing a safe product, it is also essential to look for a useful product to deal with your baby’s scalp precisely. Finding the best baby shampoo for a dry scalp from unlimited choices often takes more effort than you thought.

All the baby shampoos we have listed can give the perfect solution based on your problems. Don’t fear to pick any of it that meets your demand.