I don’t know about you, but I don’t spend much time thinking about the best scalp serum for my skin until there’s a problem. When it’s suddenly dry, itchy, flaky, or bogged down with oil, then it’s all I can focus on, and I wonder why I haven’t been using a serum from the jump. Scalp issues can be annoying (and may require a visit to your doctor or dermatologist if you’re dealing with chronic pain, sensitivity, or burning), but a good scalp care product can help address them while also boosting your overall hair health.
“Anyone can try a scalp serum,” Emilie Fowler, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, tells SELF, noting that there are lots of products on the market with different potential benefits. That’s why it can be helpful to shop with your specific issues in mind. Amy Spizuoco, DO, FAOCD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist based in New York City, tells SELF that the main conditions scalp serums are effective against are dryness, oiliness, dandruff, and irritation.
You certainly don’t need to use a scalp serum to have happy, healthy hair. (“When in doubt, I recommend consultation with your dermatologist to see what hair care routine is right for you,” Dr. Fowler says.) But if you believe your standard shampoo and condition could use a little help, the right one makes a great addition to your overall routine.
Here, we spoke to dermatologists about what makes a scalp serum worth your while and highlighted the best ones to try.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Eva NYC Balance It All Hydrating Scalp Serum, $16
- Best for Dandruff and Itchy Scalps: Act+Acre Microbiome Cooling Scalp Serum, $68
- Best for Oily Scalps: Vegamour GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum, $42
- Best for Dry Scalps: Kérastase Nutritive Nutri-Supplement Scalp Serum, $63
- Best for Natural Hair: Cantu Guava & Ginger Carrot Oil Spot Treatment Serum, $9
- Best for Scalp Acne: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, $13
In this article
Shop the best scalp serums
We’ve tested tons of scalp serums over the years for SELF’s Healthy Beauty Awards. The products below stood out for their ability to soothe our symptoms and (finally, blessedly) take our minds off our scalps.
Best Overall: Eva NYC Balance It All Hydrating Scalp Serum
We gave Eva NYC’s Hydrating Scalp Serum a Healthy Beauty Award last year when it was known as the H2-Whoa! Hydrating 3-in-1 Hair and Scalp Serum, mainly because its key ingredients just work—plain and simple. (“This serum has been a life-changing experience,” our tester said at the time.) Glycerin and hyaluronic acid (a humectant that draws water to the surface of your skin) hydrate without leaving your hair a greasy mess. Instead, they help soften your scalp and lock in moisture.
I’ve personally tested it since the name change and can attest that the formula is still highly effective—I notice less dryness on my scalp and my hair feels manageable. It even makes my hair feel cleaner for longer (probably thanks to Eva NYC’s delightfully light scent).
Other notable ingredients
Best for Dandruff and Itchy Scalps: Act+Acre Microbiome Cooling Scalp Serum
Act+Acre
Microbiome Cooling Scalp Serum
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
Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, peppermint oil (which has antifungal properties and can help reduce dandruff)
Best for Oily Scalps: Vegamour GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum
Vegamour
GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum
Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Cornell-New York Presbyterian Medical Center, previously recommended Vegamour’s Gro Scalp treatment to SELF, noting its roster of ingredients that help greasy scalps in particular. “This uses a silk protein that helps to eliminate scalp buildup and soothe scalp damage,” she says.
