Back in 2019, I was interested in scalp exfoliation and reviewed Kristin Ess’ Bubble Mask and Scalp Scrub (here) because it seemed like an interesting product with an “interesting” texture at the time. While these are still a very unique way to get rid of scalp buildup, I found them a little cumbersome to use at times, even if they were effective. Last year, I was introduced to his two scalp exfoliants. One was quite expensive and the other was relatively cheap, so I decided to buy both and compare them.Let’s start a fight between virtue and inkey list!
Virtue Peeling Scalp Treatment
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This is a light, dual-acting physical/chemical scalp exfoliator (with rice beads and fruit enzymes) and hair conditioner that has a whipped consistency and cleanses the scalp of build-up and impurities. In addition, it has a very gentle lifting effect on aging scalp cells from the hair follicles. Kalahari melon oil and jojoba oil provide just the right amount of moisture to your scalp and hair, while alpha keratin 60ku repairs your hair with every use. This is my first time trying Virtue, so I learned that Alpha Keratin 60ku is their specialty, a protein sourced from ethically sourced, unprocessed human hair and proven to repair hair in just 5 uses. I now know that it has been done.
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How was my scalp? It feels better, but it’s still a little itchy. What I loved about this treatment is that it is essentially a treatment and conditioner. The physical exfoliation felt like one of his sparse facial scrubs, with very small granules that were very easy to penetrate through the hair and into the scalp. I was able to easily treat my hair from roots to tips without feeling any weight at the roots. My ends needed a little more hydration, so I used Voir Luxury Hair Oil.
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
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This is a clear, watery pre-shampoo scalp treatment/chemical exfoliator that is fragrance-free and uses the key ingredient salicylic acid to help with itchy, flaky, and/or oily scalps. Masu. Salicylic acid gets into the pores themselves and removes sebum and buildup that causes itching and dandruff (this happens when you use a lot of product or very heavy dry shampoos). It also contains something called Fluidipure 8G, which minimizes scalp irritation, and finally, Panthenol, a humectant that hydrates and attracts moisture (and holds it there).
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The nozzle is pretty standard, but I found it perfect for the purpose of applying this product to my scalp. I parted my hair in turns, flipped the bottle over and ran the nozzle along my scalp. The treatment has a water-like consistency so you can see where you have applied the product and there is no need to use a mirror. For the roots of the scalp, I turned my hair upside down and quickly applied the nozzle to the entire area. I then used my fingers to massage the liquid into and all over my scalp and walked around the house for 10 minutes before getting in the shower and washing it off. It washes off very easily and leaves no residue at all, and as my first chemical scalp exfoliator, I much prefer it to the Kristin Ess physical scrub I used a few years ago.
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How was my scalp? clean! When I used the hair dryer, it didn’t itch, it felt refreshing, and there was no dandruff. I still see some flaking here and there from time to time, but this treatment seems to be working and my hair feels normal again. It wasn’t a problem at all since it wasn’t more or less watery than usual. In some cases, you don’t need to change certain things.
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Final verdict: Wow, at two completely different price points, these products both had their pros and honestly had very few cons. When it comes to my scalp specifically, I found the “affordable” Inkey List to be more effective at clearing my scalp, but I really liked the fact that the Virtue treatment was also a hair conditioner. I found both products to be much easier to use than the Kristin Ess Bubble Mask and Scalp Scrub. Honestly, it’s fine to have both in your rotation. If you’re really on a budget, the Inkey List Scalp Exfoliant is pretty good, but I think this is a case where both luxury and affordability feel worthy of being in a shower caddy.
Both Virtue and Inkey List scalp exfoliants can be found at www.sephora.com.
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