What is cradle cap, and why gentle matters.
Cradle cap is a common, harmless form of seborrheic dermatitis in babies. Greasy yellow or white flakes on the scalp, and sometimes the eyebrows, ears, or neck folds. It looks alarming but isn’t painful, and it usually settles with gentle, consistent care.
Happy Cappy is a non-soap, fragrance-free wash made without dyes, parabens, sulfates, or gluten. Its active ingredient, FDA-recognized pyrithione zinc, is there for the relief of the flaking, scaling, and itching associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, while glycerin, panthenol, licorice root, and apple extract keep it gentle on delicate skin.
Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff are linked to Malassezia, a yeast that naturally lives on skin. Pyrithione zinc helps reduce it, which is what calms the flaking and redness.
“Parents don’t need ten products. They need one gentle wash that’s safe to use every day, and that actually helps.”
Dr. Eddie Valenzuela, MD, FAAP · Founder
Gentle enough for daily use
Everything a daily wash should be, and nothing it shouldn’t.
Why parents choose it
5 reasons
- Helps manage symptoms associated with cradle cap and loosen stubborn flakes and scales
- Eases flaking, redness, and itching associated with seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff
- One bottle works as a shampoo, face wash, and body wash
- Active ingredient pyrithione zinc 0.95%, an FDA-recognized OTC active
- Suitable for babies, children, and adults with sensitive skin
A simple routine
Under 2 minutes
- Apply to wet hair, scalp, or skin and gently massage.
- Leave on for 1–2 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly without leaving residue behind.
- Pat dry with a soft towel.
- Use at least twice a week, or as directed by a doctor.
What's inside, and what it does
One active ingredient doing the work, supported by gentle botanicals.
Ingredient List
Drug Facts
Free from the harsh stuff
Infused with natural ingredients and reviewed by SkinSAFE as safe for sensitive skin of all ages, gentle on your child.
Free From
No fillers, no irritants, no compromises
reviewed by SkinSAFE
Certifications
Thoughtfully formulated
Dermatologist Tested
For Sensitive Skin
Hypoallergenic
Fragrance Free
Paraben Free
Sulfate Free
Vegan
No Phthalates
No Synthetic Colors
Cruelty Free
Before & After
Real photos shared by Happy Cappy families.
Read what families say
My baby had a really bad case of cradle cap. He was born with a full head of hair, but by three months old, it was almost all gone. His pediatrician suggested using baby oil, which didn’t make sense to me since cradle cap is caused by oil buildup. After…
This is the best shampoo for newborn cradle cap. After just one wash, all the flakes disappeared from my baby’s scalp. I love it!
This product is fantastic! I picked it up as a last resort before seeing a dermatologist, and it completely cleared the flaky patches on my 9-year-old and myself. We found it works best when applied just to the scalp for cleaning, then followed by our regular shampoo for the rest…
LIFESAVER FOR CRADLE CAP! I used this shampoo during bath time and let it sit for 5 minutes. I used a scrubber in the bath and a comb afterward. I was able to remove four comb-fulls of flakes! Definitely works.
Frequently Asked Questions
The things parents most often ask Dr. Eddie before their first use.
What is cradle cap, and how does Happy Cappy help?
Cradle cap is the common, harmless infant form of seborrheic dermatitis. Greasy yellow or white flakes on the scalp, and sometimes the eyebrows, ears, or neck folds. Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo, with pyrithione zinc 0.95%, helps manage symptoms associated with cradle cap while gently loosening and washing away stubborn flakes and scales. Learn more in our cradle cap guide.
How do you get rid of cradle cap?
Wet the scalp and hair, massage in Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo, and leave it on for one to two minutes, then rinse. Gently lift the softened flakes with a soft brush. Use it at least twice a week, or as directed by a doctor. With consistent use, many families see the flaking and scaling ease over one to two weeks.
Can adults and older children use it for cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis?
Yes. Happy Cappy is made for all ages. Cradle cap is the infant name for seborrheic dermatitis, which also affects children and adults as flaking, scaling, and itching on the scalp, face, or body, and the same pyrithione zinc 0.95% formula relieves it. See our guide to cradle cap in adults.
How is cradle cap different from dry skin?
Dry skin tends to look like fine, flat flaking, while cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) forms greasy yellow or white scales, often in patches on the scalp, eyebrows, or ears. Happy Cappy is formulated for the flaking and scaling associated with cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis. Learn more in our cradle cap vs dry skin guide.
Does it also work for seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, including in kids?
Yes. The same pyrithione zinc 0.95% formula relieves the flaking, scaling, redness, and itching associated with seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff in babies, children, and adults. It is gentle and fragrance-free, so it suits sensitive scalps.
What is the active ingredient, and how does it work?
The active ingredient is pyrithione zinc 0.95%, an FDA-recognized over-the-counter active under OTC monograph M032. It helps relieve the flaking, scaling, redness, itching, and irritation associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, including cradle cap in infants.
Can Happy Cappy be used on the face, scalp, and body?
Yes. One bottle works as a shampoo, face wash, and body wash for babies, children, and adults. Happy Cappy is a gentle, fragrance-free, non-soap cleanser made for delicate skin, and it is dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic. As with any product, avoid direct contact with the eyes.
How often should I use it?
For best results, use Happy Cappy at least twice a week, or as directed by a doctor. It is gentle and fragrance-free, so it is suitable for more frequent use as part of a simple daily bath or shower routine.
What is not in Happy Cappy?
Happy Cappy is made without fragrance, dyes, parabens, sulfates (SLS and SLES), phthalates, gluten, or dairy. It is vegan and cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, and reviewed by SkinSAFE as safe for sensitive skin.
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