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Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/p>\nAccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest Overall:<\/strong> Aavrani Scalp Detox Jelly Cleanser<\/h2>\n\n
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Aavrani<\/p>\n
Scalp Detox Jelly Cleanser<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> The Aavrani Scalp Detox Jelly Cleanser combines the skin-buffing power of its gentle (yet effective!) silicone prongs\u2014and none of the messy granules\u2014with the naturally exfoliating properties of glycolic acid. Its multifaceted approach to breaking down buildup, along with the soothing and hydrating additions of vitamin E and lotus extract, has our editors hooked on its deep-cleansing results, which is why it won a 2025 Allure<\/em> Best of Beauty Award.<\/p>\n\n
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\u201cWhen a high-performing formula meets a high-performing applicator, beauty magic happens\u2014and AAVRANI Scalp Detox Jelly Cleanser is case in point. Its silicone applicator has soft teeth that make it easy to distribute the clarifying shampoo into every nook and cranny of your scalp.\u201d \u2014Dianna Singh, features director<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients<\/strong>: glycolic acid, vitamin E, lotus extract<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> no<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest Shampoo:<\/strong> Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub<\/h2>\n\n
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Christophe Robin<\/p>\n
Cleansing Purifying Scrub<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> Christophe Robin, the Parisian colorist renowned for his luxurious, scalp-first hair care, created the Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt as an intensive solution for hair and scalp buildup. \u201cThis classic scrub uses sea salt crystals to physically lift away buildup, while sweet almond oil soothes and hydrates,\u201d says Arisa Ortiz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Diego, California, who recommends it for people with oily scalps or post-color services to remove residue. What starts as a scrub transforms into a frothy lather that cleanses like a clarifying shampoo. \u201cIt foams up nicely, making it a scrub that\u2019s easy to distribute evenly,\u201d she adds. Use it once a week to rebalance and deeply cleanse your scalp, leaving your hair feeling healthier and more bouncy.<\/p>\n\n
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Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nAccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
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\u201cI’ve had issues with my scalp\u2013itchiness, flakes, you name it\u2014since my teens. And while I love a good scalp serum or dandruff shampoo, nothing gives me a reset quite like this stuff. It’s been around for ages, and understandably: It’s really, really good. The salt granules are pretty big, so they give a thorough and satisfying exfoliation. But the rest of the formula builds to a lather that’s both easy to massage into my scalp and then rinse out. It’s the best. There’s no other way to put it.\u201d \u2014Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients<\/strong>: sweet almond oil, sea salt crystals, bisabolol<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> no<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest Scent:<\/strong> Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub<\/h2>\n\n
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Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> 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). The multipurpose foaming scrub “is made with sugar crystals and coconut oil to exfoliate and remove buildup while softening and balancing moisture levels,” says Dr. Camp. It’s been a longtime Allure<\/em> tester favorite since 2018 for its skin-polishing abilities and moisturizing effects. 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.<\/p>\n\n
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\u201cAnything stylist and founder Jen Atkin creates has such thoughtfulness behind it, and the Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub has been a staple in my in-shower routine. I\u2019m really sensitive to overpowering scents, but this has just the right amount\u2014it makes you smell amazing without at all being headache-inducing. The newer St. Barts scent is the same exfoliating scalp scrub, just a little more tropical and equally delicious. The coconut oil keeps the physical scrub from ever feeling harsh, and it has a nice lather that some days I skip shampoo altogether.\u201d \u2014Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients<\/strong>: sugar crystals, coconut oil<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> no<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest for Flaky Scalps:<\/strong> Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo<\/h2>\n\n
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Briogeo<\/p>\n
Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> Derms and Allure staffers alike adore this formula (it\u2019s a Best of Beauty Award veteran, after all), 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 in New York City, says its dissolvable, charcoal-based granules absorb excess oil while minimizing congestion in the scalp and around hair follicles. He also gives it kudos for its blend of moisturizing coconut oil and an anti-inflammatory cooling complex comprising peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oils.<\/p>\n\n
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Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nAccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
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\u201cNot only is it extremely effective at removing dead skin cells, but the minty smell from peppermint and spearmint oils, which help reduce itchiness, instantly calms me down every time. I spend a full minute massaging the shampoo into my scalp before rinsing and following up with a moisturizing hair mask. My scalp has never felt cleaner, and I’ve been noticing a lot less flakiness.\u201d \u2014Sarah Han, commerce editor<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients<\/strong>: charcoal powder, coconut oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, tea tree oil<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> no<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest for Itchy Scalps:<\/strong> Act+Acre Salicylic Acid Scalp Exfoliator<\/h2>\n\n
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Act + Acre<\/p>\n
Salicylic Acid Scalp Exfoliator<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> Flakes and itchiness commonly come as a package deal, but Act+Acre\u2019s Salicylic Acid Scalp Exfoliator can help calm both. This pre-wash treatment is equal parts soothing and exfoliating, combining a buildup-busting dose of 0.15% salicylic acid with hydrating papaya extract. It\u2019s no wonder that this treatment is both an Allure<\/em> Best of Beauty Award winner and a favorite amongst dermatologists like Anna Karp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, who uses it herself. \u201cIt gently exfoliates the scalp, clearing loose flakes, excess oil, and buildup,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n
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\u201cFellow scalp scrub haters, rejoice: this treatment always leaves my flake-prone scalp free of buildup, all sans gritty, messy granules. 15 minutes is all this pre-wash treatment needs to break down all the flakes and excess oil lingering on my scalp without leaving any residue behind or drying out my roots. Its cleansing results are impressive, but I also love the tingly sensation and refreshing scent, both of which are powered by peppermint oil.\u201d \u2014Jennifer Hussein, Allure<\/em> commerce contributor<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients<\/strong>: salicylic acid (0.15%) papaya extract, peppermint oil<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> no<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest for Oily Scalps:<\/strong> Nutrafol Build-Up Blocker<\/h2>\n\n
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Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> Nutrafol brings a holistic approach to scalp care with the Build-Up Blocker Exfoliating Mask. This targeted treatment is designed to gently lift away product buildup and excess oils without disrupting the scalp\u2019s natural balance. Jojoba esters and lactic acid work together to whisk away product buildup, while antioxidant-rich fruit extracts like blueberry, sugarcane, and sugar maple help protect against environmental stressors.<\/p>\nIt’s also gentle enough for more fragile hair types. \u201cIt\u2019s safe for thin hair, color-treated hair, and even those with extensions,\u201d says Maya Thosani, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona. It works quickly, so there\u2019s no need to leave it on for ages. \u201cJust massage it into your scalp for three to five minutes, then rinse and shampoo as usual for a refreshed scalp,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
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\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> jojoba esters, lactic acid, fruit extracts<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> no<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest for Dry Scalps:<\/strong> Nioxin Scalp Purifying Exfoliator<\/h2>\n\n
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Nioxin<\/p>\n
Scalp Purifying Exfoliator<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> Nioxin\u2019s Scalp Purifying Exfoliator is a treatment designed to give your scalp the same kind of deep, hydrating clean your skin gets from a facial. \u201cThis product is a creamy exfoliant that helps lift buildup and excess oil off the scalp without irritation,\u201d says Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Southfield, Michigan. Best applied to dry hair, this rinse-out exfoliator also uses lactic, tartaric, and benzoic acids to unclog follicles, lift away impurities, and rebalance the scalp, making it especially effective for dryness or dandruff-prone skin. To prevent over-drying, the formula is enriched with hydrating shea butter while peppermint oil helps cool and calm skin.<\/p>\n\n
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