A healthy scalp is the foundation for strong, vibrant hair. Dermatologists agree: if your scalp is dry, oily, or irritated, your hair cannot reach its full potential.
Scalp serums are lightweight, potent treatments formulated with active ingredients like peptides, biotin, salicylic acid, and botanical extracts to:
Promote scalp health
Reduce dryness or oiliness
Strengthen follicles
Support hair growth
Here are the 5 best dermatologist-approved scalp serums you need in your routine.
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TOP PICKS
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum
Best for: Dry, sensitive scalps
What we love:
Hydrates & restores with hyaluronic acid and squalane
Lightweight, leave-in formula that won’t weigh hair down
Vegan, cruelty-free, silicone-free, alcohol-free, and gluten-free
Reduces dryness and itchiness while supporting the scalp barrier
How to use: Apply a few drops to clean, dry scalp once daily, ideally at bedtime. No rinsing needed.
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Oily Scalp Treatment
Best for: Oily scalp and product buildup
What we love:
7% Glycolic Acid gently exfoliates dead skin and unclogs follicles
Symcontrol® Scalp regulates sebum for a balanced scalp
Bioecolia® prebiotic supports scalp microbiome health
Alcohol, fragrance, sulfate, and gluten-free formula
Helps scalp feel fresh, light, and clean without over-drying
How to use: Pre-shampoo treatment 1–2 times per week for a clean, balanced scalp.
Act+Acre Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum
Best for: Thinning or shedding hair
What we love:
Apple stem cells + bamboo extract + aloe vera strengthen follicles
Moisturizes and soothes dryness and itchiness
Vegan, parabens & sulfates-free, color-safe
Clinically shown to improve hair thickness and density
Ideal for daily use on all hair types
How to use: Apply 1–2 pipettes to clean, damp or dry scalp daily. Massage in, leave-in.
Lanmeri Vegan Hair Growth Serum
Best for: Hair thinning & regrowth support
What we love:
100% plant-based and cruelty-free
Combines peptides, amino acids, and phyto-actives to nourish follicles
Strengthens hair, reduces shedding, supports thicker, fuller growth
Clinically backed: up to 52% increase in hair density in 90 days
Lightweight, absorbs quickly, won’t leave hair greasy
How to use: Massage 1–2 pumps into scalp daily for best results.
Densifying & Thickening Serum for Thinning Hair
Best for: Thinning hair & hair density improvement
What we love:
Rootbiomic Ferment™ + densifying peptides + turmeric extract support follicle health
Targets all hair growth phases to improve density and thickness
Lightweight, non-greasy, safe for color-treated hair
Clinically shown: up to 85% reduction in hair fallout in 120 days
Perfect for daily use on crown, part line, and hairline
How to use: Apply 1–2 droppers to dry or towel-dried scalp daily, massage in, leave-in.
FAQ
1. Will scalp serums make my hair greasy?
Most serums are lightweight and leave-in, so they absorb quickly without leaving residue. Focus application on the scalp, not hair lengths, to avoid greasiness.
2. Can I use scalp serums on color-treated hair?
Yes! Many dermatologist-approved serums are color-safe, sulfate-free, and gentle, including Act+Acre, Lanmeri, and The Rootist. Always check labels if your scalp is sensitive.
3. How long until I see results from a scalp serum?
Dryness or irritation: often improves within days (The Ordinary)
Hair density or thickness: noticeable results may take 6–12 weeks (Lanmeri, The Rootist, Act+Acre)
Consistency is key.
4. Can I use multiple serums at once?
It’s best to target your main scalp concern. Combining too many active ingredients may irritate the scalp. For example:
Hydration + dryness → The Ordinary
Hair thinning → Lanmeri or Act+Acre
5 Are scalp serums safe for sensitive scalps?
Yes! Most dermatologist-approved serums are free from parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and synthetic fragrances, making them suitable for sensitive scalps. Patch-test new products first to ensure compatibility.