“This serum has been a life-changing experience,” our tester said. “[I’m] realizing there is something to help [my scalp and hair].” They added that, thanks to the large dropper, application was as easy as can be.
Other notable ingredients
Best Budget Pick: Renpure Tea Tree & Rosemary Scalp Serum
Pros
- Under $10
- Smells great
- Rich, nourishing consistency
Cons
- Tea tree oil can be irritating for some
Renpure’s Tea Tree & Rosemary Scalp Serum took home a Healthy Beauty Award back in 2019 for its invigorating, moisturizing formula. Judging by its 1,400-and-counting five-star ratings on Amazon, it’s stood the test of time, thanks to its key ingredients: While tea tree oil and peppermint oil soothe inflammation, glycerin restores moisture to the scalp.
“As someone who has never considered scalp care before, I have realized the error of my ways,” our tester said. “Massaging it in was so pleasant—my scalp feels squeaky clean and healthy.” They added that the serum’s refreshing scent and luxe “pudding-like” texture heightened the experience (clearly, you don’t need to spend big bucks for a little hair care upgrade).
Other notable ingredients
Rosemary oil—as SELF has previously reported, there’s little research to back up brands’ claims that rosemary oil can boost hair growth, but it can help address scalp inflammation
Best for Itchy Scalps: Act+Acre Microbiome Cooling Scalp Serum
Pros
- Immediate cooling sensation
- Great smell
- Dries quickly
Cons
Act+Acre’s ultra-soothing, peppermint-infused Microbiome Cooling Scalp Serum is perfect for angry, inflamed scalps (specifically mine, which is prone to irritation, dandruff, and lots of between-washes prickliness). I tested it for last year’s Healthy Beauty Awards and couldn’t believe the instant effect it had on my skin.
“This serum is such a treat,” I wrote in my review. “I have a very dry, very itchy scalp and have spent years looking for products that can appease it. Since using this, I don’t deal with creeping itchiness between hair washes. It’s quick-absorbing, not at all greasy, and wonderfully cooling. Oh, and it smells lovely.”
Other notable ingredients
Moisturizing glycerin and hyaluronic acid
Best for Oily Scalps: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Pros
- Gently exfoliating
- Under $15
- Versatile—you can also use it to treat facial acne
Cons
When excess oil, dead skin cells, and product buildup clog the hair follicles on your scalp, you can wind up with scalp acne. Luckily, you can tackle current breakouts, prevent new ones, and generally deal with less greasy strands with a gentle exfoliating serum like The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid toner.
As SELF has previously reported, the title ingredient helps slough off dead skin cells, unclogging pores and allowing new, smoother skin to emerge. Just keep in mind that chemical exfoliants, like glycolic acid, can be drying and may cause contact dermatitis (a.k.a. a red, itchy rash) if you have sensitive skin.
“I love this product,” one Sephora reviewer wrote. “I use it on my scalp every other wash day, and it makes my hair feel so clean, and it doesn’t get greasy as fast.” Another was pleased to notice that it left their scalp feeling clean—but not itchy. One thing to note: Many reviewers mentioned that they use the Glycolic Acid toner as a pre-shampoo scalp treatment, rather than a leave-in product.
Other notable ingredients
Soothing and moisturizing aloe vera water
Best for Dry Scalps: Kérastase Nutritive Nutri-Supplement Scalp Serum
Pros
- Boosts moisture immediately and long-term
- Dropper is designed for precise application
- Helps with flakes, per our tester
Cons
- Over $60
- Contains fragrance, which could be irritating to some
