10 Best Scalp Exfoliators to Sweep Away Dead Skin Cells and Buildup

Whether it be with social plans or our heads, we can all be a little flaky. Luckily, the best scalp exfoliators, whether it's a scrub that'll polish the surface layer of your crown or a chemical-based tonic that breaks down dead skin and buildup, will help take care of the latter. On top of their oddly satisfying formulas—hello, gritty scrubs and tingly chemical exfoliants—these treatments provide the end-all-be-all of deep cleanses to clear away product buildup, dead skin cells, and excess oil in minutes.

Our Top Picks

• Best Scalp Exfoliator Overall: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo, $42
• Best Pre-Shampoo Scalp Treatment: The Rootist AHA+ACV Pre-Shampoo Scalp Clarifying Treatment, $32
• Best Sugar-Based Scalp Scrub: Mielle Rosemary Mint Clarifying Sugar Scalp Scrub, $13 $9
• Best Salt-Based Scalp Scrub: Anablue Scalp Cleanser, $25
• Best Scalp-Exfoliating Mask: Act+Acre BHA Salicylic Acid Scalp Exfoliator, $48
• Best Scalp-Exfoliating Shampoo: Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo, $10 $7
• Best Bi-Phase Scalp Exfoliator: TPH by Taraji Never Salty Scalp Scrub, $14
• Most Intensive Scalp Exfoliator: Living Proof Scalp Care Exfoliator, $38
• Best Hybrid Formula: Virtue Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, $60
• Best Multi-Use Exfoliator: Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub, $40

With the help of Allure editors and board-certified dermatologists, we narrowed down the very best scalp treatments and scrubs for a cleaner, soothed scalp.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the benefits of scalp exfoliators?
• What's the difference between physical and chemical exfoliators?
• When should you use a scalp exfoliator?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Scalp Exfoliator Overall: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo

Why it's worth it: Derms love her and Allure staffers adore her (she's a Best of Beauty Award veteran), which is why Briogeo's Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo is topping this list. Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based at MDCS Dermatology in New York City, says its dissolvable, charcoal-based granules absorb excess oil while minimizing congestion along the scalp and on top of hair follicles. He also gives it kudos for its blend of moisturizing coconut oil and an anti-inflammatory cooling complex comprised of peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oils.

Tester feedback: In her review of this clarifying shampoo, commerce editor Sarah Han suggests taking your time lathering this formula to get the best results (and to enjoy its minty-fresh scent). "I spend a full minute massaging the shampoo into my scalp before rinsing and following up with a moisturizing hair mask," she said. "My scalp has never felt cleaner, and I've been noticing a lot less flakiness."

Key ingredients: charcoal powder, coconut oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, tea tree oil | Who it's for: flaky scalp, oily scalp | Fragrance-free: no

Best Pre-Shampoo Scalp Treatment: The Rootist AHA+ACV Pre-Shampoo Scalp Clarifying Treatment

Why it's worth it: Before you step in the shower, slather on The Rootist's AHA+ACV Pre-Shampoo Scalp Clarifying Treatment. As its name suggests, this pre-shampoo rinse is enriched with apple cider vinegar, a pantry staple that happens to have buildup-busting (and shine-boosting!) properties, and an intensive 9% alpha hydroxy acid blend of exfoliating glycolic and lactic acids. Leave on for up to 15 minutes, rinse, and follow with your favorite shampoo for a cleaner, residue-free scalp.

Tester feedback: Senior beauty editor Paige Stables says The Rootist's scalp treatment is one of her favorites for minimizing scalp flakiness. "Unlike a scalp tonic that often drips down my face, or a messy, abrasive scrub, The Rootist AHA+ACV Pre-Shampoo Scalp Clarifying Treatment's gel-like formula and pointed nozzle make for a targeted, easy application," she explains. “I squeeze the treatment along parted sections of my head, massage it in with my fingers, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and by the time I rinse it out, my scalp feels super clean.”

Key ingredients: apple cider vinegar, glycolic acid, lactic acid, hibiscus flower extract | Fragrance-free: no

Best Sugar-Based Scalp Scrub: Mielle Rosemary Mint Clarifying Sugar Scalp Scrub

Why it's worth it: If it has a seal of approval from multiple Allure editors, it's worth adding to your hair-care routine—and Mielle's Rosemary Mint Clarifying Sugar Scalp Scrub, a follow-up to the brand's TikTok-viral scalp oil, makes the cut. Like its predecessor, this pre-shampoo scalp scrub is powered by peppermint and rosemary oils. The former provides a tingly sensation and the latter is loaded up with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics to tackle yeast, bacteria, and dandruff. This scalp-health-supporting scrub has the added exfoliating benefits of sugar crystals (which act as a skin-hydrating humectant and shea butter to drive moisture into the scalp.

Editor's tip: Like most scalp scrubs, this formula can take a moment to fully rinse out, so use a light hand when applying this scrub to your scalp.

Key ingredients: rosemary oil, peppermint oil, sugar crystals, shea butter | Fragrance-free: no

Best Salt-Based Scalp Scrub: Anablue Scalp Cleanser

Why it's worth it: We love the ultra-fine Himalayan sea salt crystals in Anablue's Scalp Cleanser. These fine granules slowly dissolve as you massage this luxe formula on top of your scalp, providing an intensive skin-polishing and sebum-balancing treatment. This bi-phase scrub turns into a rich, argan oil-powered foam as you rub it onto your scalp for much-needed moisture replenishment—it's no wonder why our social director, Kassidy Silva, swears by this nourishing exfoliator. "With psoriasis, keeping my scalp nourished and flake-free is at the top of my haircare priority list," she says. "The Anablue Scalp Cleanser gently cleanses my scalp, leaving the area feeling squeaky clean and refreshed."

Editor's tip: Since salt absorbs moisture, this pick might be too drying for sensitive skin types or dry scalps.

Key ingredients: Himalayan sea salt crystals, argan oil | Fragrance-free: no

Best Scalp-Exfoliating Mask: Act+Acre BHA Salicylic Acid Scalp Exfoliator

Why it's worth it: When flakiness and grease reach maximum levels, commerce writer Jennifer Hussein whips out Act+Acre's BHA Salicylic Acid Scalp Exfoliator. "I have oily hair and a flaky scalp and both easily get thrown out of whack, so when I need a grease- and flake-reducing reset, I slather this mask on," she says. Its star ingredient, salicylic acid, has a small molecular size, so it rids pores of impurities like styling product buildup, dead skin cells, and excess oil at a deeper level than, say, alpha hydroxy acids. As if that's not enough, Act+Acre's mask also contains plant cellulose-based buffing beads to slough away flakes and papaya extract for added exfoliation benefits.

Editor's tip: Rather than applying to your entire scalp, the brand recommends using this mask as a spot treatment and only applying a thin layer to problem areas.

Key ingredients: salicylic acid (0.5%), plant cellulose buffing beads, papaya extract | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Scalp-Exfoliating Shampoo: Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo

Why it's worth it: If you need a tried-and-true exfoliating shampoo, Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona, suggests lathering up with Neutrogena's T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo. This concentrated formula contains 3% salicylic acid—the max dose you'll find of the BHA in over-the-counter topicals—to bust through sweat, oil, and product buildup, which makes it a wonderful pick for dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and even scalp acne maintenance.

Editor's tip: This formulation is fragrance-free, but sensitive skin types may want to try a milder formula, like Neutrogena's Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Daily Control, which contains a lower 1.8% concentration of salicylic acid.

Key ingredients: salicylic acid | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Bi-Phase Scalp Exfoliator: TPH by Taraji Never Salty Scalp Scrub

Why it's worth it: The lovely thing about TPH by Taraji's Never Salty Scalp Scrub is its scrub-to-balm texture. It starts as a gritty, gooey scalp scrub that exfoliates with sugar crystals and apple cider vinegar. As you massage this purifying scrub on your head, you'll notice it transform into a balm that replenishes moisture with coconut oil, which is exactly what your scalp needs after a thorough scrub-down.

Editor's tip: The mess-free applicator reduces the risk of watching your beloved product go down the drain, but it does have a learning curve. To make application easier, we recommend separating your hair into sections to easily glide the application tips over your scalp.

Key ingredients: sugar crystals, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, peppermint oil | Fragrance-free: no

Most Intensive Scalp Exfoliator: Living Proof Scalp Care Exfoliator

Why it's worth it: If you have an especially buildup-laden or oily scalp, Dr. Jeffy suggests Living Proof's Scalp Care Exfoliator, which contains just about every form of chemical exfoliant you could ask for in one concentrated formulation. This pre-shampoo treatment utilizes a mix of glycolic acid (AHA), salicylic acid (BHA), and polyhydroxy acid (PHA), a chemical exfoliant with a gentler composition in comparison to other exfoliating acids. This cocktail of exfoliants allows this formula to reach different levels of the surface layer of your skin, creating a more effective cleanse.

Editor's tip: This formula can be used on wet or dry hair—just make sure to rinse it out after five minutes.

Key ingredients: glycolic acid, salicylic acid, polyhydroxy acids | Fragrance-free: no

Best Hybrid Formula: Virtue Exfoliating Scalp Treatment

Why it's worth it: The beauty of Virtue's Exfoliating Scalp Treatment is its combination of physical and chemical exfoliators, which is why Dr. Jeffy is such a fan for those with moderate to severe buildup and oil. Its rice powder-based beads gently buff away flaky patches of skin while salicylic acid and exfoliating enzymes derived from papaya and pineapple break down sweat, sebum, and buildup on a molecular level. It also contains conditioning properties à la Kalahari melon and jojoba oils.

Editor's tip: Since this scalp treatment also contains heavy moisturizers, it's meant to be a post-shampoo treatment that substitutes your usual conditioner.

Key ingredients: rice powder buffing beads, salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, pineapple enzymes, Kalahari melon oil, jojoba oil | Fragrance-free: no

Best Multi-Use Formula: Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub

Why it's worth it: Dr. Camp loves that Ouai's Scalp & Body Scrub can be used just about anywhere (except for your face and neck, which are far too delicate for rough body scrubs). "For use on the scalp and body, this foaming scrub is made with sugar crystals and coconut oil to exfoliate and remove buildup while softening and balancing moisture levels," he says. It's been a longtime Allure tester favorite since 2018 (if not earlier) for its skin-polishing abilities and moisturizing effects. "Even if you don't have scalp issues, I promise you're going to love Ouai's Scalp & Body Scrub," said tester Jihan Forbes in her review.

Editor's tip: If you're a fragrance-phile, you'll love Ouai's brand's signature Melrose Place scent. For those unfamiliar, it's a souped-up rose fragrance that's elevated with hints of bergamot, lychee, white musk, and champagne.

Key ingredients: sugar crystals, coconut oil | Fragrance-free: no

Frequently Asked Questions

The biggest benefit of using a scalp exfoliator is its buildup-reducing properties. "Scalp exfoliators work to remove the dead skin cells, oil, and product debris that can clog hair follicles and slow growth," says Dr. Jeffy. "Some may work to increase blood flow to the scalp which also stimulates hair growth." She also notes that these nourishing formulas can help reduce flaking, itchy scalp, and dandruff due to their buildup-sloughing abilities.

As a reminder, a healthy scalp is clear of flakes, redness, and irritation, according to Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. "We shouldn't see redness, we shouldn't see irritation, and we shouldn't see a lot of scales or buildup," she previously told Allure. “It should not feel tender and should not have an odor.”

Physical exfoliators, usually sugar or salt-granule-based, are formulations that polish the surface layer of your skin manually, while chemical exfoliants utilize acids that deteriorate product buildup and dead skin cells. "Sugar and salt crystals are often used as physical exfoliators in scalp products to gently buff the skin," says Dr. Camp. "Chemical exfoliants like the alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acid and glycolic acid, and beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid, break apart the bonds between dead skin cells, facilitating their removal from the scalp surface." In addition to scalp scrubs, Dr. Camp also suggests using a scalp massager. "Scalp massaging tools, often made of silicone, can be used to exfoliate, too," he says.

Shop our favorite scalp-exfoliating tools:

Dr. Jeffy says that most people can benefit from incorporating a scalp exfoliator once or twice per week (whether that's before or in the shower depending on the product's instructions). With that being said, she notes that most exfoliants shouldn't be used more than twice per week to prevent skin irritation. "If you have a sensitive scalp, eczema, or psoriasis, scalp exfoliation can be irritating, so you may want to skip scalp exfoliation altogether," she says. "Also skip if you have any cuts, sores, or infections in the scalp." Dr. Camp adds to avoid exfoliators if your scalp is particularly dry or irritated, as their active ingredients can potentially exacerbate these conditions.

• Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based at MDCS Dermatology in New York City
• Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona
• Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn't want to pick up a purple shampoo that's only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that's never been tested by anyone with curls—right?

For our review of the best scalp exfoliators, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and board-certified dermatologists to find top-tier, flake-reducing formulations. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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