Exfoliating Scalp Gel
I’ve recently been on a mission to give my scalp, which is also skin, as much love as the rest of my skin gets. Hands up, how many of us are neglecting our scalps?
I’ve always had dry and sensitive skin, and this extends to my scalp too. Dry, itchy scalp, especially in winter, has led me down a path of exploration and experimentation. While researching innovative scalp products, I came across a pre-poo scalp gel. It’s a gel that you massage into your scalp a few minutes before normal hair washing. And this got my formulation motors running!
This scalp gel contains AHAs and salicylic acid, and you leave it on your scalp like a quick mask before rinsing out when washing your hair.
This scalp gel is absolutely jam packed with amazing ingredients:
Salicylic acid and lactic acid work together to exfoliate and remove dry, itchy scalp.
Inulin is a prebiotic that will help to balance your scalp’s microbiome.
Hydrolyzed protein and keratin give your follicles the nourishment and strength they need.
Panthenol acts as a conditioner.
The list goes on!
Exfoliating Scalp Gel
10% propanediol
69% water (warm water is best), or you can use aloe vera gel or a herbal infusion
1% xanthan gum
2% inulin
10% OliveM 300
3% lactic acid
2% hydrolyzed protein and/or keratin
0.5% panthenol
1% Geogard 221
0.5% essential oils: rosemary, peppermint etc
pH test strips or pH meter
Spatula/spoon
Blend the salicylic acid and the propanediol together in a beaker and set aside. You may require some gentle heat to get the salicylic acid to dissolve completely.
In another beaker combine the xanthan and inulin together, then add the OliveM 300 and the salicylic acid solution. Blend together to create a slurry then add in the water and mix gently by hand until a smooth gel is formed.
Next add the lactic acid and stir to combine. Then add in the rest of the ingredients one by one.
Test the pH to around 5.
How to use:
Apply to dry or damp scalp, and massage in well. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes, then shampoo your hair to wash out.
Follow up with conditioner and a hair/scalp serum.
8 comments
Hi Erin,
Thanks for your question! 😊
The Exfoliating Scalp Gel is specifically designed for the scalp, but you can modify the formula for the face. The things to keep in mind is that face skin is more sensitive and that we generally like to keep our facial products lighter, and smoother. Here’s an option:
5% Propanediol
0.5% Salicylic acid (gentle exfoliation)
86.5% Water or Aloe Vera Gel (calming and hydrating base)
1% Xanthan gum (creates a gel-like texture)
2% Lactic acid (for a mild AHA exfoliation)
2% Inulin (supports skin’s microbiome)
1% Hydrolyzed Protein (optional, for hydration and nourishment)
0.5% Panthenol (soothing and hydrating)
1% Geogard 221 (preservative)
0.5% Essential Oils (optional): Gentle ones like lavender or chamomile
Use the same directions as above :)
To use it:
Apply to clean, damp skin.
Leave on for 3-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Follow up with a hydrating toner, serum, and moisturiser.
If you have sensitive skin or are uncertain, do consult a dermatologist before use.
This should be a gentle yet effective facial exfoliant for you.
We hope that helps. <3
Kind Regards,
Essentially Natural Support
Hi there could you use this for the face? How might we make an exfoliating gel for the face with chemical exfoliant? Thanks for all the awesome info – much love xx
Hi Marianne, haha I get you! Unfortunately we don’t manufacture, we just sell the ingredients to make products
Hi Ree, please see this link for how to convert percentages:
https://essentiallynatural.co.za/blogs/the-essentially-natural-blog/working-with-percentages
I would also like to know if you don’t just sell the fished scalp cleansing gel and shampoo. It sounds great but all the effort of making it…..not for me🤣