7 Best Scalp Scrubs for Removing Buildup and Refreshing Your Roots
A scalp scrub is the secret to spreading out wash days.
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Dealing with greasy roots, flakes, itchiness, or hair that feels weighed down no matter how much shampoo you use? Your haircare routine may be missing one very satisfying step: a scalp scrub.
Think of it as exfoliation for your scalp. “A scalp scrub clears away excess oil, product buildup, and dead skin that clogs hair follicles over time,” says dermatologist Mona Mislankar, MD. It creates a cleaner, healthier environment for your hair to thrive. The result? “Patients who scrub weekly often notice less itching and flaking,” says Dr. Mislankar. Plus, your hair can appear fuller since the roots aren’t weighed down, and it’ll look and feel cleaner for longer—AKA, you might be able to push off that wash day a little longer.
Our favorite scalp scrubs, tested by editors:
While anyone can use a scalp scrub, choosing the right one depends on your hair type and scalp concerns. “Ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil are great additions if you deal with buildup or flaking, since they help break down oil and have antimicrobial benefits,” says Dr. Mislankar. But if you have a sensitive scalp, she recommends avoiding anything with added fragrance or sulfates, “since those can trigger irritation and undo the benefit of the scrub itself.”
Most scalp scrubs are meant to be massaged onto a wet scalp before shampooing, though some can replace shampoo altogether. “Once or twice a week is the sweet spot for most people,” says Dr. Mislankar, noting that it’s more of a maintenance step, “similar to how you would not exfoliate your face every single day.”
Why we love it: Formulated with apple cider vinegar and peppermint oils, this sugar-based scrub delivers a refreshing feel and a cleansed scalp. This 2026 Holy Grail Beauty Award winner has a two-pronged applicator that lets you apply the scrub directly to your scalp for mess-free, targeted application, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Cosmo editor review: “I need a scalp scrub that works but doesn’t wreck my scalp, and this one really delivers. It lifts buildup, refreshes roots, and brings instant relief, like a deep detox that still keeps everything balanced. Actor Taraji P. Henson really did her big one with this!”—JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE
| Key ingredients | Sugar, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, peppermint oil |
| Hair type | All hair types |
| Sulfate free? | Yes |
| Size | 6.7 fl. oz. |
Why we love it: When my scalp is dry, itchy, and overall driving me nuts, I’ll swap out shampoo for this scalp scrub. Briogeo’s Scalp Revival line lives up to its name, and this formula includes charcoal that soaks up excess oil, plant-based exfoliants that physically scrub away buildup and flakiness, and a sensorial, minty-cool feel that provides all the relief.
Cosmo editor review: “My scalp gets super dry and itchy (especially in the winter) so I love using this scalp scrub alongside dandruff shampoo to keep flakes at bay. I apply mine with a scrubby brush before shampooing, and it really helps exfoliate dead skin and remove any leftover product buildup in my hair. Plus, I love the subtle minty smell—it makes me feel so fresh and clean.”—LAUREN GRUBER, COMMERCE EDITOR
| Key ingredients | Binchotan charcoal, microcrystalline cellulose, coconut oil, bisabolol, panthenol, peppermint oil |
| Hair type | All hair types |
| Sulfate free? | Yes |
| Size | 8 fl. oz. |
Why we love it: For those who want a two-in-one treatment, this previous Holy Grail Award winner combines Bolivian mountain salt and gentle chemical exfoliation with papaya enzymes. It delivers a satisfying clean feel, especially for those with thicker hair and product buildup. Plus, it has a divine spa-like fragrance that’s woody and zesty with notes of tonka bean, violet, black tea, vetiver, and brown sugar.
Cosmo editor review: “I love using this scrub for a gentler refresh. It gives my roots the lift and volume I crave, but without stripping the moisture and hydration out. My hair still feels nourished, but my scalp feels a lot cleaner and practically weightless. To make the scrub easier to apply, I mix a little bit of water and lather it up before I concentrate it into my roots. Plus, it smells so luxe, turning my bathroom into a Ritz-Carlton with one whiff.”—AR
| Key ingredients | Bolivian mountain salt, papaya enzymes, prickly pear extracts |
| Hair type | Medium to thick hair types |
| Sulfate free? | Yes |
| Size | 8 fl. oz. |
Why we love it: Featuring a whipped texture, Goop’s G.Tox Scalp Scrub uses two sizes of Himalayan pink salt for thorough exfoliation. It’s balanced out with hydrating moringa and rose hip oils, and leaves behind a refreshing scent of rosemary, geranium, orange, and peppermint. This is meant to be used in place of your shampoo, massaging it into a lather until the salts dissolve.
Cosmo editor review: “This is my personal holy grail haircare product. It’s made with Himalayan salt, so you get a really good scrub, but the texture is still creamy and moisturizing. It gives my scalp that squeaky-clean feeling without making my hair feel dry or stripped. As someone with long, thick hair, I’ve always had trouble getting rid of product buildup with my normal shampoo, but I use this once a week and it works like a charm. Plus, it leaves my hair smelling like a minty spa.”—KATE SPENCER, DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS
| Key ingredients | Himalayan pink salt, cold-pressed moringa oil, rosehip oil |
| Hair type | All hair types |
| Sulfate free? | Yes |
| Size | 6.7 fl. oz. |
Why we love it: From flakes to excess oiliness, this pink Himalayan salt-based scalp scrub delivers a thorough cleanse that transforms into a foamy lather. It also contains Ayurvedic ingredients like ginger and neem leaf, which are known for their antiseptic and antifungal properties, helping keep the scalp’s microbiome balanced.
Cosmo editor review: “I love using this scrub when my roots feel weighed down, and my scalp is oilier than usual. It gives my roots and hair instant volume and a fresh, clean feel, but it doesn’t overly dry out my scalp. The pink Himalayan salt literally scratches the itch in all the right ways, and the beautiful, perfume-like fragrance just puts me into a state of sensory relaxation. Along with a volume boost that rivals curlers, it also helps me extend my wash day by an extra day without the need for a dry shampoo.”—ANVITA REDDY, COMMERCE EDITOR
| Key ingredients | Pink Himalayan salt, ginger, neem leaf, amla (gooseberry) |
| Hair type | All hair types |
| Sulfate free? | Yes |
| Size | 8 fl. oz. |
Why we love it: This sugar-based scrub is a gentle weekly treatment that helps remove buildup and flakiness without overstripping the scalp of moisture. It’s formulated with piroctone olamine, an antifungal and antibacterial agent, to help keep the scalp clean, as well as glycolic and salicylic acids for deeper exfoliation. It’s balanced out with hydrating ingredients like red algae extract, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter. It’s best to let this sit on your scalp for a few minutes to help break down the impurities.
Cosmo editor review: “It's so nice to use with a brush and really leaves my hair feeling so clean without it feeling so dry. It's really easy to get it on your scalps by just running your fingers through your hair. I use it once a week and have been seeing some incredible results especially when it comes to dandruff as that is one of the biggest issues I face.”—TAMARA FUENTES, ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
| Key ingredients | Sugar, piroctone olamine, red algae extract, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, shea butter |
| Hair type | All hair types |
| Sulfate free? | Yes |
| Size | 7.4 fl. oz. |
Why we love it: If the gritty textures of a traditional, physical exfoliant-based scrub are too harsh and abrasive for your scalp, a purely chemical exfoliant-based formula is probably a better, gentler option. This one from Neutrogena is formulated with mandelic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid to help slough off dead skin cells, reduce excess sebum production, and clear out the pores on your scalp. It also has a bristle applicator for a direct-to-scalp treatment and it doubles as a massager. It has a subtle scent of mint, blood orange, jasmine, and water fruits.
Cosmo editor review: “I was experiencing an abnormal amount of shedding during a high stress period, which prompted me to reach for this scalp treatment. It contains chemical exfoliants that got rid of buildup without further irritating my scalp (just like a chemical vs. physical exfoliant for your face!) and has a massage-style applicator. It feels SO good and cleansing. It gives that extra layer of deep clean when paired with shampoo, but my hair feels strong and fresh afterwards, none of that brittle overly washed/stripped feeling.”—HEATH OWENS, DEPUTY COMMERCE EDITOR
| Key ingredients | Mandelic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid |
| Hair type | All hair types, hair loss/shedding |
| Sulfate free? | Yes |
| Size | 8 fl. oz. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should use a scalp scrub in their haircare routine?
Dr. Mislankar recommends using a scalp scrub if you’re “dealing with buildup, whether from dry shampoo/styling products, or just natural oil production.” She also says it’s especially useful if you have an oily scalp, flaking or mild dandruff, or if your hair becomes greasy easily and feels weighed down.
Can scalp scrubs promote hair growth or improve hair thickness?
“Scalp scrubs can support hair growth indirectly by clearing follicles of buildup and improving circulation, which creates a better environment for hair to grow,” says Dr. Mislankar, noting that she does recommend scalp scrubs for patients focused on hair thinning or growth.
While she reiterates that they aren’t a direct treatment for hair loss like minoxidil, “people should think of it as optimizing the foundation their hair grows from, not a stand-alone growth solution.”
Are there any potential downsides or risks to using a scalp scrub?
“I’d recommend anyone with active scalp conditions, like psoriasis, eczema, or an open wound or infection, hold off on scalp scrubs until that is under control, since exfoliation can aggravate inflamed or broken skin,” says Dr. Mislankar.
Can you over-exfoliate your scalp? If so, what are the signs that someone is exfoliating too often?
“Over scrubbing is the most common risk I see, even in healthy scalps, since too much mechanical exfoliation can lead to irritation, sensitivity, or excess dryness,” says Dr. Mislankar. An over-exfoliated scalp feels more sensitive and tender, including tightness and even more flaking and increased shedding, according to Dr. Mislankar. If you notice these signs, it’s best to scale back use and let the scalp recover, “more is not better here.”
How we tested
To find the best scalp scrubs, Anvita Reddy tested three of these products and noted the effectiveness and ease of use for each one on her normal to oily hair type. She also collected recommendations from Cosmo editors who use scalp scrubs as part of their haircare routine. Each editor shared how each scrub felt during use, how their hair and scalp looked and felt after drying, and how the results held up through their next wash day, based on their unique hair type and scalp concerns. We also assessed each formula's ingredient list, highlighting exfoliants that effectively removed buildup and ingredients that helped soothe and hydrate the scalp to support a healthy balance.
Meet the expert
- Mona Mislankar, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Cincinnati Skin Center and skincare brand Oathology. She treats both children and adults for a myriad of dermatological issues, from acne to hair loss.
Anvita Reddy is a shopping editor at Hearst Magazines with more than five years of editorial experience. She covers beauty, fashion, home, and lifestyle content for brands including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Country Living, and Harper’s BAZAAR. Previously, she was an assistant editor at PS Shopping, where she reported on beauty, home and kitchen, fashion, tech, travel, wellness, and lifestyle trends. When she’s not testing the latest skincare and makeup launches or hunting for under-the-radar deals, Anvita can be found binge-watching reality TV, renovating her first home, or honing her cooking skills.
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