Scalp serums are formulated to target the scalp, offering more focused care beyond traditional shampoos and conditioners. ‘With the growing emphasis on scalp health, it’s become clear that a well-nourished scalp is the foundation for strong, healthy hair,’ says dual board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jane Yoo. She also shares that, unlike many Western routines that centre mostly on the hair shaft and cleansing alone, ‘Korean hair care embraces a more holistic and preventative philosophy, and we are seeing these Korean scalp serums do that as well.’
These formulas prioritise the scalp much like skin. ‘Advanced formulations often include skincare-inspired ingredients that gently exfoliate, nourish, and restore balance to the scalp’s ecosystem, helping to create the ideal environment for long-term growth and vitality,’ says Yoo.
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Depending on ingredients, scalp serums can help address concerns such as dryness, irritation, redness, and even hair thinning, and should be chosen based on your hair needs at the moment. ‘Korean scalp serums might also promote a healthy microbiome,’ explains Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, a board-certified nurse practitioner and doctor of nursing practice, specialising in cosmetic and medical dermatology. ‘Botanicals and herbs are ingredients that are often in Korean scalp serums. These include green tea, rice water, and ginseng, which can have antioxidant benefits and be anti-inflammatory. Korean scalp serums might contain peptides and amino acids to support and strengthen the hair structure, too.’
To help navigate the growing world of Korean scalp serums, we asked Yoo, LoGerfo, and other experts to share their thoughts on the best Korean scalp serums for every hair texture and scalp concern. Here’s what they recommend:
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Best for hair growth
Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution
Table of Contents
- 1. Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution
- 2. Pros
- 3. Cons
- 4. Round Lab Pine Calming Cica Ampoule
- 5. Pros
- 6. Cons
- 7. Mise En Scene Perfect Serum Original
- 8. Pros
- 9. Cons
- 10. Aromatica Rosemary Root Enhancer
- 11. Pros
- 12. Cons
- 13. Kundal Kundal Ultra Macadamia Oil Hair Serum
- 14. Pros
- 15. Cons
- 16. Saturday Skin Scalp + Hair Strengthening Peptide Treatment Overnight Serum
- 17. Pros
- 18. Cons
- 19. A’pieu Raspberry Vinegar Hair Treatment
- 20. Pros
- 21. Cons
- 22. What ingredients should someone look for in a scalp serum?
- 23. How do you use Korean scalp serums?
- 24. Are Korean scalp serums safe for all hair types?
- 25. Meet the Experts
- 26. Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
- 27. How does addressing scalp health with K-Beauty serums differ from conventional hair care approaches?
- 28. Top K-Beauty Scalp Serums for Boosting Hair Growth and Combatting Thinning Hair
- 29. Understanding scalp Health & Hair Growth
- 30. Key Ingredients to Look For in K-Beauty Scalp Serums
- 31. Top 5 K-Beauty Scalp Serums – Ranked & Reviewed
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Expert recommended
- Non-sticky
Cons
- Not a lot of product in the vial
Dr. Groot’s growth-boosting serum is a favourite of both Yoo and LoGerfo. ‘It’s one of the first products I’ve come across with a roll-on design featuring a unique metal tip that allows for precise, targeted application,’ says Yoo. The formula itself is lightweight, non-sticky, and easy to use. ‘It helps calm scalp redness, boost hydration, and reduce hair loss caused by breakage. It’s the perfect tool for giving extra care to the areas of your scalp that need it most,’ Yoo concludes.
Key ingredients: Biotin, rosemary leaf extract, salicylic acid, panthenol, niacinamide, caffeine
Pros
- Helps treat scalp acne
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Some users say it leaves a sticky residue
Although it’s technically a face serum, LoGerfo recommends this soothing cica-laced serum to help calm itching, burning, and inflammation on the scalp. ‘I like it because it is soothing and nourishing-it calms even the slightest scalp irritation. It helps with itchiness and irritation and gets absorbed quickly and without residue. It doesn’t make your hair greasy, which I love,’ says LoGerfo. The formula also has moisturizing hyaluronic acid and exfoliating beta hydroxy and liphyroxy acids to reduce excess sebum on oily scalps.
Key ingredients: Pine cica activ, hyaluronic acid
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Subtle scent
Cons
- May require occassional scalp exfoliation to keep follicles from becoming clogged
Made with seven different oils, including argan, marula, and jojoba, this serum’s main task is moisture and shine, and it delivers just that. The hydrating blend not only treats dry scalp but also strengthens the hair roots so that there’s less breakage, and the oils serve as natural heat-protectants, so there’s less room for damage if you heat style your hair.
Key ingredients: Argan, marula, jojoba, coconut, camelia, apricot, and olive oils
Pros
- Nozzle makes root application easy
- Affordable
Cons
- The natural scent might be off-putting for some
‘Rosemary oil is known for helping boost circulation, creating a more optimal environment for growth,’ notes Yoo. This treatment turned the oil into an easy-to-apply blend of rosemary oil, water, and black rice that stimulates the sprouting of new hairs and makes existing strands stronger and more hydrated. Spray it thoroughly across the scalp, then massage it in. ‘Massaging the scalp for a minimum of four minutes daily will relieve tension and tightness while improving blood circulation,’ says Kerry E. Yates, a beauty expert, trichologist, and founder of Colour Collective.
Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, black rice, ginger root extract, caffeine, biotin
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Doesn’t make hair greasy
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- May be too heavy for oily scalps
As the name suggests, macadamia seed oil is the all-star ingredient here that helps to revitalise brittle, dry, and damaged hair. Although it’s oil-based and laced with more than macadamia, like argan, safflower, sunflower, avocado oil, grapeseed, and camellia seed oils, the serum is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and won’t weigh hair down.
Key ingredients: macadamia oil, squalene, argan, safflower, sunflower seed oils
Pros
- Pointed nozzle
- Under £20
- Cooling sensation
Cons
- Felt too greasy for some users
This is a similar overnight treatment, but this one can be applied to dry hair, and the focus of the potent ingredient list is optimizing the scalp for hair growth. A combo of peptides, exosomes, root-stimulating caffeine, and growth factors all work in tandem to stimulate and elongate each follicle, improve circulation, and unclog pores so that new hairs can grow.
Key ingredients: Peptides, caffeine, hop yeast, niacinamide, collagen, growth factors
Pros
- Pointed nozzle
- Suitable for both dry and oily scalps
Cons
- Scent might be a little overpowering for some
Packed with nourishing antioxidants and a frizz-fighting acidic pH, this raspberry vinegar infused serum works to boost shine and improve vibrancy from the roots to down to the strands. While a keratin and panthenol blend help to reduce breakage, a potent raspberry extract delivers essential nutrients to support the hair’s natural growth cycle. Simply massage a few drops into the scalp after shampooing, before rinsing out.
Key ingredients: Raspberry extract, hydrolyzed keratin, panthenol
What ingredients should someone look for in a scalp serum?
The scalp serum ingredients you choose should target the scalp concern you’re looking to treat. Overall, rosemary, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, copper peptides, biotin, and jojoba oil are all beneficial scalp serum ingredients. LoGerfo notes that copper tripeptide-1, hyaluronic acid, and certain botanical extracts can strengthen the scalp barrier.
Others like hyaluronic acid, saccharide isomerate, and specific emollients can maintain the scalp’s moisture balance, improve the scalp barrier, reduce water loss, and soothe scalp irritation. Witch hazel, pea protein, and hesperidin have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects that can calm an irritated scalp.
Salicylic acid can provide gentle exfoliation, remove shedding skin cells and flakes, and eliminate scalp buildup. Selenium disulfide and copper peptides have antimicrobial properties and can support favorable bacteria and reduce other uncomplimentary ones. These ingredients can also help to rebalance the microbiome of the scalp and help to maintain a healthy scalp environment.
How do you use Korean scalp serums?
Yates says that regardless of application time, do not apply the serum and then wash your hair. ‘I liken it to using a moisturiser on your face, then cleansing your skin. The purpose of the serum is to leave it on for the most effective results.’ For application, she recommends applying the serum directly onto the problem areas and then massaging it into the scalp. ‘Massaging does two things: it helps to distribute the product in addition to releasing scalp tension and improving blood flow,’ Yates concludes.
Are Korean scalp serums safe for all hair types?
According to Yoo, ‘Many Korean hair-care formulas, especially those designed to support scalp balance, work well across a variety of hair types and concerns since the approach prioritises the scalp’s health rather than targeting only the hair strand.’ Ingredients in these formulas are often gentle yet effective for multiple textures. ‘Still, selecting products based on your individual needs—or consulting with a dermatologist—can ensure the best results.’
LoGerfo adds that if you typically have oily hair, you may want to use a scalp serum less often, or look for one that isn’t oil-based so that it doesn’t make your scalp and hair greasier.
Meet the Experts
- Jane Yoo is a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in New York City
- Dr. Jodi LoGerfo is a board-certified nurse practitioner and doctor of nursing practice, specializing in cosmetic and medical dermatology
- Kerry E. Yates is a beauty expert, trichologist, and founder of Colour Collective
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com contributor Nykia Spradley consulted dermatologists and trichologists to learn about the benefits of Korean scalp serums. She also combed through reviews for top-rated products, assessing each one based on ingredients, efficacy, results, and customer evaluations.
Nykia Spradley is a beauty journalist with over 10 years of experience. She has served as the interim beauty director at Elle.com, commerce editor for Allure, and beauty editor at Essence. Nykia’s writing has also appeared in ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Coveteur, TZR, and more. She holds a master’s degree in digital journalism from Columbia University. Nykia is a red lipstick and hot sauce enthusiast (respectively) and forever lover of ’90s R&B. Keep in touch on Instagram @nyksprads and learn more at nykiaspradley.com.
Group Beauty Intern Urmi works across six titles at Hearst, and has most recently written for Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan and ELLE.
She fell into the world of beauty following a Masters in Magazine Journalism, and has been knee-deep in sustainable makeup, seasonal nail trends, and skincare myth-busting ever since. Both in and outside the office, she is best recognised by her signature red hair and elaborate set of acrylics.
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How does addressing scalp health with K-Beauty serums differ from conventional hair care approaches?
Top K-Beauty Scalp Serums for Boosting Hair Growth and Combatting Thinning Hair
Understanding scalp Health & Hair Growth
A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. Often overlooked, the scalp is skin – and like the skin on your face, it needs dedicated care. K-Beauty, renowned for its innovative skincare approach, has extended its expertise to scalp care, offering potent serums designed to address concerns like hair loss, thinning hair, and dandruff. These serums focus on nourishing the scalp, strengthening hair follicles, and promoting optimal hair growth. Key ingredients often include botanical extracts, peptides, and vitamins. Targeting scalp health is crucial for anyone experiencing hair thinning or slow hair growth.
Key Ingredients to Look For in K-Beauty Scalp Serums
When choosing a scalp serum,understanding the ingredients is paramount. Here’s a breakdown of powerful components commonly found in effective K-Beauty formulations:
* Biotin: A B-vitamin essential for keratin production, strengthening hair strands.
* Panthenol (Vitamin B5): A humectant that attracts moisture, hydrating the scalp and improving hair elasticity.
* Red Ginseng: A traditional Korean ingredient known for its antioxidant and stimulating properties, promoting blood circulation to the scalp.
* Peptides: Amino acid chains that help stimulate collagen production, strengthening hair follicles. Look for copper peptides specifically.
* Centella Asiatica (Cica): Soothes inflammation and promotes wound healing, beneficial for sensitive or irritated scalps.
* Salicylic Acid: A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates the scalp, removing dead skin cells and unclogging hair follicles.Ideal for oily scalp concerns.
* Tea Tree Oil: Possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping to combat dandruff and scalp infections.
* Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Improves scalp circulation and strengthens the hair follicle barrier.
Top 5 K-Beauty Scalp Serums – Ranked & Reviewed
Here’s a curated list of top-performing K-Beauty scalp serums, based on ingredient quality, user reviews, and efficacy. These are ideal for hair loss treatment and hair regrowth.
1. Ryo Hair Vitalizing Special Care Scalp Serum
* Key Ingredients: Ginseng, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Biotin.
* Benefits: Focuses on strengthening hair roots and improving scalp resilience. Excellent for those experiencing hair breakage.
* Texture: Lightweight, quickly absorbed.
* Price Range: $25 – $35
2.Dr.Scalp Scalp Revitalizing Serum
* Key Ingredients: Copper Tripeptide-1, Panthenol, Centella Asiatica.
* Benefits: Targets damaged scalp and promotes hair follicle regeneration. Good for sensitive scalp conditions.
* Texture: Slightly viscous, provides a nourishing feel.
* Price Range: $30 – $40
3. MISSHA Artemisia Scalp Soothing Serum
* Key Ingredients: artemisia (Mugwort) Extract, Tea Tree Oil, Panthenol.
* Benefits: Calms irritated scalps, reduces inflammation, and controls sebum production.Perfect for dandruff treatment.
* Texture: Watery, refreshing.
* Price Range: $20 – $30
4. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Scalp serum
* Key Ingredients: Green Tea Extract, hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol.
* Benefits: Hydrates the scalp, strengthens hair roots, and protects against environmental damage. A good all-around scalp treatment.
* Texture: Lightweight,easily absorbed.
* Price Range: $20 – $25
**5. Coreana Somang Hair