10 Best Scalp Exfoliators of 2023 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)

Some reviewers have warned that this exfoliator will dry your hair out a bit and recommend following up with a conditioner. While this is a shampoo and exfoliator combination, it isn't one that should be used more than twice a week at the most. Still, Scalp Revival is hard to beat in terms of effectiveness and nourishment.  

Yes To's Tea Tree Scalp Relief uses witch hazel and vinegar as natural cleansers for your follicles while the sugar scrub helps rid your scalp of pesky dandruff and buildup. Certified by Leaping Bunny, this cruelty-free wash is gentle in every way and makes a great exfoliator for those suffering itchiness and dandruff.

Reviewers with chronic conditions like scalp psoriasis have noted Tea Tree Scalp Relief effective at treating their symptoms and also soothes their scalps with natural oils like tea tree and sage. Yes To boasts 99 percent natural ingredients, so you don't have to worry about parabens or harsh chemicals. 

Some users have complained that the exfoliator is hard to use due to its bottle make, and even harder to remove if you have long or thick hair. Still, we think that the nourishing ingredients and soothing nature of this exfoliator make it well worth it. Tea Tree Scalp Relief will cleanse your follicles and give your hair a spa day. 

Nexxus' Clean & Pure is a coarse but incredibly cleansing scrub recommended for oily scalps and hair. Reviewers love how clean and light the scent is, as well as the bolstering effect it has on their hair. 

Nexxus has collaborated with salon professionals to formulate this scrub with elastin protein, which helps skin elasticity and strengthens hair follicles. Reviewers report fuller hair and a long-lasting sense of cleanliness to their locks thanks to this nourishing scrub. 

While Clean & Pure isn't shampoo, Nexxus promises that it's gentle enough to use as desired. Still, some users with sensitive skin or scalp conditions have complained of inflammation after use. So long as you don't have a history of sensitive skin, we recommend this cleansing scrub!

Christophe Robin's Purifying Scalp Scrub eases oiliness and irritation of the scalp by balancing the skin's pH level. Some users have also found it helpful in managing the symptoms of scalp psoriasis. This product does contain sulfates, so if your hair is colored we recommend caution. 

Reviewers note that Purifying Scalp effectively banishes oily scalp issues and dandruff. They love how soft it leaves their hair and how well it keeps buildup away. Many have found that even less than the recommended tablespoon of product per use is more than enough, so this jar can last you a long time. 

Some reviewers have complained that Purifying Scalp Scrub dries their hair out and that it's harder to work the product thoroughly into your scalp if you have thick or strong hair. If you're worried about dry hair, we recommend applying conditioner after each use. This is otherwise a great scrub to pamper your scalp with!

Aveda's Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo is a 94 percent plant-derived exfoliator that gently dissolves buildup with salicylic acid derived from wintergreen. This exfoliating shampoo was formulated for users experiencing hair loss, but anyone can benefit from the efficient cleansing that it promises your scalp.

Customers with thinning hair have reported not only a significant replenishing of their locks, but also a light, clean feeling after each use of Invati Advanced. This shampoo is free of sulfates that might clash with dyes or other hair treatments. It's also offered in a "Light" formula for people with fine or curly hair. 

Some users complain that this shampoo doesn't work up much of a lather and others have noted that it further dries out their locks, but that might be due to the fact that Invati Advanced Rich is formulated for thick, oilier hair. Invati Advanced is still a nourishing and cruelty-free choice that we recommend to almost anyone and users love that it does help with thinning hair.

If you're a fan of Head and Shoulders, then this is the exfoliator for you! The well-known, dermatologist-recommended brand offers Supreme Exfoliating Scalp Scrub for dry or dandruff-afflicted scalps. The scrub contains argon oil, soy oil, and vitamin E that will nourish and soothe your scalp after each use.

Reviewers enjoy the scent and gentle feel of this salt scrub. They note that, unlike rougher salt scrubs, Supreme Exfoliating Scrub doesn't leave their hair feeling dried out, and actually seems to soften and replenish their locks. Many recommend using this in tandem with the shampoo and conditioner within the same series for an even better effect. 

Some users with long or thicker hair have complained that there simply isn't enough of this product to thoroughly get through to their scalps. If you have a lot of hair, we recommend considering a different product. However, this is reviewers say that this is an otherwise fantastic exfoliator for dry skin and brittle, dandruffy hair.   

Unwash guarantees an incredibly gentle scrub and deep cleansing experience with their Charcoal Detox Scalp Scrub. Loaded with soothing and nourishing oils like tea tree and peppermint, this exfoliator is guaranteed to bolster healthy hair growth in a natural way. 

Reviewers love how clean their hair and scalps feel after using Charcoal Detox Scalp Scrub. Some are so thrilled with the cleansing benefits of the formula that they skip shampooing on the days that they use it. They also note that it is very efficient at clearing away dandruff.

A few users report that this feels more like a shampoo than it does a scalp scrub, as the charcoal exfoliant is very fine and doesn't give the coarse, scrubbing sensation that other scrubs might. Still, Unwash Charcoal Detox Scrub is a great choice if your skin is too sensitive for other scrubs, and it has some excellent health benefits. 

Some reviewers have complained that the newest formula that KMS has introduced to their shampoo is not as effective as older ones. However, Head Remedy is still a solid choice for an all-purpose exfoliator if you want to shampoo your hair daily.