It used to be that scalp care was only ever associated with the use of anti-dandruff shampoos. Back then, anti-fungal formulations were hyper-focused on alleviating symptoms like itching and flaking. This was regardless of how harsh ingredients would affect hair health. It was a straightforward, clinical, and targeted approach to addressing scalp health that was hardly aspirational. It wasn’t until 2020 when the skinfication of hair wave began to take over the beauty space.
The movement explored the idea of a more holistic approach to caring for hair, beginning at the very base—our scalp. Skinification of hair also suggested that like skin, hair and scalp deserved the same amount of attention and care. Skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, peptides, and salicylic acid also slowly found their way into shampoos, conditioners, exfoliants, tonics, and masks.
Clean and Sustainable Scalp Care Products
Early adaptors of the skinification of hair included cult luxury brands like Augustinus Bader and Biologique Recherche. K-Beauty game changers like Eco Jardin’s 18-Step Stem Cell Scalp Treatment also brought the conversation on holistic hair and scalp care to a whole new level and to a larger social media audience. Here, a list of clean, efficacious, and sustainable scalp care products that you can easily integrate into your holistic beauty routines at home.
Virtue Scalp Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner
Virtue’s Scalp Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner duo was formulated to enhance scalp health and rebalance its microbiome with its unique blend of “skincare-inspired ingredients” and Alpha Keratin 60ku Clinical®. Scalp Remedy also helps to transform strands by repairing, fortifying, and hydrating. The Virtue team writes, “You don't have to choose between a healthy scalp and your healthiest hair–have it all.”
Kristin Ess Scalp Scrub
Celebrity hairstylist Kristin Ess has also created the Scalp Collection. This range is made of a non-drying Scalp Scrub, Scalp Purifying Micellar Shampoo, and Daily Scalp + Hair Mask. The sugar-formulated Scalp Scrub gently removes flakes, product building up, hard water residue, and excess sebum without disrupting natural moisture levels.
Kristin Ess Purifying Micellar Shampoo
Kristin Ess harnesses the benefits of micellar water in her purifying shampoo formula. The Purifying Micellar Shampoo creates a rich, nourishing lather on hair and scalp while keeping both moisturized. The brand founder and stylist advises, “You can use this on the fineset, thinnest hair or the thickest, curliest hair and get the same perfect results.”
Kristin Ess Daily Scalp and Hair Mask
The Daily Scalp + Hair Mask is packed with natural minerals and botanicals to neutralize the pH levels of scalp while helping to repair damaged cuticles. And while most masks are made for twice weekly use, Kristin Ess’s creation is so light you can use it on the daily.
Augustinus Bader X Le Bonne Brass No. 4 Detangling Scalp Brush
Augustinus Bader, maker of skincare hero The Rich Cream, has partnered with French artisanal hairbrush makers, Le Bonne Brass to create the ultimate tool for healthy hair and scalp: The Limited Edition N.04 Miracle Detangling Scalp Brush. Made of 100% ultra-fine nylon fibers, it was crafted to gently detangle strands while stimulating the blood vessels beneath the scalp. Experts at Augustinus Bader recommend using N.04 Miracle Detangling Scalp Brush to evenly massage products like The Scalp Treatment and Leave In Hair Treatment from scalp to ends.
Omorovicza The Scalp Reviver
Omorovicza is the understated gem of the luxury skincare space. The brand’s proprietary Healing Concentrate, drawn from Budapest’s mineral-rich, thermal waters, soothe, protect, and repair skin. Just recently, a new category was launched, bringing the same skin nourishing benefits of Omorovicza’s hero products to the scalp.
The Scalp Reviver is best used in between washes. It is formulated to absorb excess oil, exfoliate and pull out product build up. By de-clogging hair follicles, hair growth and health is significantly improved. Active ingredients that make up this serum include: the proprietary Healing Concentrate, camphor, and salicylic acid.
Sky Organics Essential Scalp Elixir
Sky Organics is a proponent of the less is more approach to beauty. Its Essential Scalp Elixir combines flaxseed oil, hexane-free castor and Amla to cleanse, balance and soothe the scalp. Flaxseed is packed with omega-3 fatty acids that deeply nourish. Castor oil supports healthy hair growth while organic Amla and jojoba oil conditions and boosts shine.
Reverie Scalp Reset
California-based botanical hair care label, Reverie, draws from innovative skincare methodology to create vegan, sustainable products like the Scalp Reset. This duo comprises the Suna Exfoliating Shampoo and Cake Restorative Scalp Tonic. The shampoo is formulated with Rhassoul clay and natural AHAs to gently remove flakes, and free scalp from dead skin and product buildup. It is also infused with Fermented Bamboo Extracts and minerals to revitalize from roots to tips. Post cleanse, apply a few drops of the tonic, packed with plant-based stem cells and peptides. This fast-absorbing serum supports follicle health, soothes dry and itchy scalps while restoring balance.
JVN Pre Wash Scalp Oil
JVN Pre Wash Scalp Oil is formulated with Rosemary Extract to soothe, clarify, and strengthen. It also addresses an itchy, flaking scalp while breaking down product build up. Other clean ingredients that invigorate scalp and hair include turmeric oil, Neem seed extract, and Hemisqualane. The Pre Wash Scalp Oil is also infused with amber, cashmere musk, lemon and mandarin leaving a subtle fragrance that’s equal parts cozy and sparkling.
