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Mustela's cradle cap care range offers a simple two-step routine — a targeted cradle cap cream to soften and loosen flakes, followed by a gentle foam shampoo to wash them away — formulated with natural-origin ingredients and suitable from birth. Both products are dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, and designed specifically for the delicate scalp skin of newborns and young babies.
Mustela's cradle cap care range offers a simple two-step routine — a targeted cradle cap cream to soften and loosen flakes, followed by a gentle foam shampoo to wash them away — formulated with natural-origin ingredients and suitable from birth. Both products are dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, and designed specifically for the delicate scalp skin of newborns and young babies.
Cradle cap — also known as infant seborrheic dermatitis — is a common, harmless scalp condition that affects many newborns and young babies, typically in the first few weeks or months of life. It appears as yellowish or brownish, oily or waxy scales on the scalp. In some babies, it also extends to the eyebrows, hairline, or behind the ears.
Cradle cap is not painful, not itchy, and not contagious. It is not caused by poor hygiene or anything the parent has done — it is a normal skin response linked to maternal hormones still circulating in the baby's body after birth, which temporarily overstimulate the sebaceous (oil) glands. These excess oils cause skin cells to stick together and build up as flakes or scales on the scalp.
Most cases of cradle cap resolve on their own within a few weeks to months. Gentle home care with appropriate products can help manage the appearance of scales in the meantime. → Read Mustela's full guide to cradle cap
Cradle cap typically appears as yellowish, brownish, or white scales or flakes on the scalp — often oily or waxy in texture. They may cover small or large areas of the scalp, and in some cases extend to the eyebrows, hairline, or behind the ears. The skin underneath may look slightly red. The scales do not cause discomfort: cradle cap is not painful or itchy for the baby.
Cradle cap is different from newborn dry scalp, which produces finer, drier flakes without the oily or yellowish appearance. → Read Mustela's guide to dry scalp vs cradle cap
The exact cause is not fully understood, but cradle cap is believed to result from maternal hormones still present in the baby's body after birth temporarily overstimulating the sebaceous (oil) glands in the scalp. The excess oil causes skin cells to clump together and build up as scales rather than shedding normally.
Cradle cap is not caused by poor hygiene, breastfeeding, formula, or bathing habits. It is a common and normal skin response in newborns — not a sign that something is wrong. → Read more: Cradle cap — it's not about hygiene
Mustela recommends a simple two-step routine:
Step 1 — Soften with Mustela Cradle Cap Cream
Apply Mustela Cradle Cap Cream to the affected area of the scalp. Gently massage it in and leave it on for the recommended time to soften and loosen the flakes and scales. Formulated with natural-origin ingredients, dermatologist tested, suitable from birth.
Step 2 — Wash with Mustela Newborn Foam Shampoo
Rinse off and wash the scalp with Mustela Newborn Foam Shampoo — an ultra-gentle, soap-free foam shampoo that cleanses the scalp without irritating sensitive newborn skin. Gently brush or comb out loosened flakes after washing. Do not scrub or pick at the scales.
Repeat regularly until the scalp clears. Consistency with a gentle routine, rather than force, is the most effective approach.
No. Cradle cap is harmless. It does not cause pain or itching for the baby, it is not contagious, and it is not a sign of infection or poor hygiene. Most cases clear on their own within weeks to a few months with or without treatment.
Gentle home care with Mustela's cradle cap products can help manage the appearance of scales and support a comfortable scalp during this time. There is no need to rush resolution — the priority is keeping the scalp clean and the routine gentle.
When to seek professional advice: If the scales spread to other parts of the body, the skin becomes very red, inflamed, or weeping, or if the cradle cap has not improved after several weeks of consistent gentle care, consult your GP or maternal and child health nurse for further guidance.
Yes. Mustela Cradle Cap Cream is specifically formulated for newborn scalp skin — suitable from birth, including for babies out of NICU. It is dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, and formulated with a high percentage of natural-origin ingredients. Every Mustela product undergoes 450 safety tests before launch.
The formula is designed to soften and loosen cradle cap scales without irritating the delicate scalp skin of newborns, making it appropriate for regular use from the earliest weeks of life.
They work together as a two-step routine and are most effective when used in sequence:
The Newborn Foam Shampoo can also be used independently as a daily or regular gentle scalp shampoo for newborns regardless of cradle cap.
No, they are different. Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) produces oily, yellowish or brownish waxy scales that tend to adhere to the scalp. Newborn dry scalp produces finer, drier, white flakes similar to dandruff, without the oily or yellowish appearance.
Mustela Cradle Cap Cream is specifically formulated for cradle cap scales. For general dry scalp, Mustela Newborn Foam Shampoo used regularly is a gentle starting point. → Read Mustela's full guide to dry scalp vs cradle cap
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Mustela's cradle cap range provides a targeted two-product routine for managing cradle cap in newborns and young babies: a softening cream to loosen scales, followed by a gentle foam shampoo to cleanse the scalp. Both products are formulated with a high percentage of natural-origin ingredients, dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, and suitable from birth — including for newborns out of NICU.
Cradle cap — medically known as infant seborrheic dermatitis — is one of the most common skin conditions in newborns. It appears as yellowish, brownish, or white oily or waxy scales on the scalp, and may also appear at the eyebrows, hairline, or behind the ears. The skin underneath can look slightly red or irritated in appearance.
Despite how it looks, cradle cap is entirely harmless. It is not painful, not itchy, not contagious, and not caused by poor hygiene or a baby's diet. It is a normal skin response in the newborn period — typically linked to maternal hormones still circulating in the baby's body after birth, which temporarily overstimulate the oil glands in the scalp. Excess oil causes skin cells to stick together and build up as flakes or scales rather than shedding naturally.
Most cases of cradle cap resolve on their own within weeks to a few months. Gentle, consistent home care with appropriate products helps manage the appearance of scales during this time.
→ Read Mustela's complete guide to cradle cap — causes, signs, and care
Cradle cap typically appears in the first few weeks or months of life. Signs to look for:
Cradle cap is different from newborn dry scalp, which produces finer, drier, white flakes without the oily or yellowish appearance associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
→ Read Mustela's guide to dry scalp vs cradle cap — how to tell the difference
Mustela recommends a simple two-step approach to managing cradle cap at home. Both products are safe from birth and designed to work together.
Apply Mustela Cradle Cap Cream to the affected area of the scalp. Gently massage it in and leave it on for the recommended time before washing. The cream softens and loosens the flakes and scales, making them easier to remove gently without scrubbing or picking.
What it is: A targeted leave-on scalp cream for cradle cap, formulated with natural-origin ingredients to soften scales and support the scalp's skin barrier. Dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, suitable from birth.
Use it for: Softening cradle cap flakes before washing; regular use during periods of active cradle cap.
After the cream has softened the scales, wash the scalp with Mustela Newborn Foam Shampoo. Gently brush or comb through loosened flakes after lathering, then rinse. Do not scrub or pick at scales — the goal is gentle loosening and removal, not force.
What it is: An ultra-gentle, soap-free foam shampoo specifically formulated for newborn scalp skin. Cleanses without irritating or drying the scalp. Dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, suitable from birth.
Use it for: Rinsing away softened cradle cap flakes after using Mustela Cradle Cap Cream; also suitable as a regular gentle shampoo for newborn hair and scalp care.
Repeat this two-step routine regularly until the scalp clears. Consistency and gentleness are more effective than vigorous scrubbing.
Cradle cap is one of the most common concerns new parents encounter, but it is important to keep it in perspective:
Gentle home care with Mustela Cradle Cap Cream and Newborn Foam Shampoo supports the natural resolution process and helps manage the appearance of the scalp during this time.
For most cases of cradle cap, Mustela's two-step home routine is appropriate and effective. However, it is sensible to consult a GP or maternal and child health nurse if:
Cradle cap that becomes inflamed or does not respond to gentle home care may require medical treatment. A healthcare professional can advise whether a prescription or specialist referral is appropriate.
Mustela has been developing skincare for newborns and babies for over 75 years. The cradle cap range is formulated to the same safety and testing standards as all Mustela products:
Mustela's cradle cap range provides a targeted two-product routine for managing cradle cap in newborns and young babies: a softening cream to loosen scales, followed by a gentle foam shampoo to cleanse the scalp. Both products are formulated with a high percentage of natural-origin ingredients, dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, and suitable from birth — including for newborns out of NICU.
Cradle cap — medically known as infant seborrheic dermatitis — is one of the most common skin conditions in newborns. It appears as yellowish, brownish, or white oily or waxy scales on the scalp, and may also appear at the eyebrows, hairline, or behind the ears. The skin underneath can look slightly red or irritated in appearance.
Despite how it looks, cradle cap is entirely harmless. It is not painful, not itchy, not contagious, and not caused by poor hygiene or a baby's diet. It is a normal skin response in the newborn period — typically linked to maternal hormones still circulating in the baby's body after birth, which temporarily overstimulate the oil glands in the scalp. Excess oil causes skin cells to stick together and build up as flakes or scales rather than shedding naturally.
Most cases of cradle cap resolve on their own within weeks to a few months. Gentle, consistent home care with appropriate products helps manage the appearance of scales during this time.
→ Read Mustela's complete guide to cradle cap — causes, signs, and care
Cradle cap typically appears in the first few weeks or months of life. Signs to look for:
Cradle cap is different from newborn dry scalp, which produces finer, drier, white flakes without the oily or yellowish appearance associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
→ Read Mustela's guide to dry scalp vs cradle cap — how to tell the difference
Mustela recommends a simple two-step approach to managing cradle cap at home. Both products are safe from birth and designed to work together.
Apply Mustela Cradle Cap Cream to the affected area of the scalp. Gently massage it in and leave it on for the recommended time before washing. The cream softens and loosens the flakes and scales, making them easier to remove gently without scrubbing or picking.
What it is: A targeted leave-on scalp cream for cradle cap, formulated with natural-origin ingredients to soften scales and support the scalp's skin barrier. Dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, suitable from birth.
Use it for: Softening cradle cap flakes before washing; regular use during periods of active cradle cap.
After the cream has softened the scales, wash the scalp with Mustela Newborn Foam Shampoo. Gently brush or comb through loosened flakes after lathering, then rinse. Do not scrub or pick at scales — the goal is gentle loosening and removal, not force.
What it is: An ultra-gentle, soap-free foam shampoo specifically formulated for newborn scalp skin. Cleanses without irritating or drying the scalp. Dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, suitable from birth.
Use it for: Rinsing away softened cradle cap flakes after using Mustela Cradle Cap Cream; also suitable as a regular gentle shampoo for newborn hair and scalp care.
Repeat this two-step routine regularly until the scalp clears. Consistency and gentleness are more effective than vigorous scrubbing.
Cradle cap is one of the most common concerns new parents encounter, but it is important to keep it in perspective:
Gentle home care with Mustela Cradle Cap Cream and Newborn Foam Shampoo supports the natural resolution process and helps manage the appearance of the scalp during this time.
For most cases of cradle cap, Mustela's two-step home routine is appropriate and effective. However, it is sensible to consult a GP or maternal and child health nurse if:
Cradle cap that becomes inflamed or does not respond to gentle home care may require medical treatment. A healthcare professional can advise whether a prescription or specialist referral is appropriate.
Mustela has been developing skincare for newborns and babies for over 75 years. The cradle cap range is formulated to the same safety and testing standards as all Mustela products:
Do you know your child's skin type?
Mustela researchers have scientifically proven that babies have different skin types. Soft and supple, dry and rough, prone to eczema or very sensitive. Choose the products that suit their skin type.
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