A leave-in scalp treatment for hair that looks flat at the root and a scalp that turns oily or flaky between washes. It is applied to the skin under the hair rather than to the fibre, and is not rinsed out.

The base is water and denatured alcohol, which is why the serum flashes off quickly and leaves no film — a deliberate choice for days you are not washing. Caffeine sits high in the list, one of the better-studied topical scalp ingredients, included for its stimulating and antioxidant role, and sodium DNA supplies the polynucleotide (PDRN) element. Three acids do the housekeeping at different rates: salicylic acid, oil-soluble and therefore able to work inside a congested follicle opening; glycolic acid on the surface; and gluconolactone, a PHA that exfoliates slowly without increasing sun sensitivity. Menthol and menthyl lactate layer short and long cooling sensations, while panthenol, allantoin and dipotassium glycyrrhizate offset the drying tendency of alcohol.

The texture is thin and watery, in a nozzle bottle made for parting the hair and reaching the scalp.

Key ingredients

• Caffeine — high in the list; antioxidant with a stimulating effect on the scalp, standard in density-focused hair care.
• Sodium DNA (PDRN) — the polynucleotide component the range is named for.
• Salicylic, glycolic and gluconolactone acids — a BHA, an AHA and a PHA that loosen build-up, flaking and sebum around the follicle opening.
• Panthenol, allantoin and dipotassium glycyrrhizate — soothing, water-binding ingredients that counter the alcohol base and the menthol.
• Niacinamide, biotin and hydrolysed keratin — barrier support for the scalp and reinforcement for hair as it emerges.

How to use

1. Apply to a clean scalp, damp or dry, parting the hair in sections.
2. Dispense directly onto the scalp along each parting.
3. Massage in with the fingertips until absorbed. Do not rinse.
4. Style as usual.

Recommended frequency

• Oily scalp or visible flaking — daily, morning or evening.
• Normal scalp, density focus — once daily or on alternate days.
• Dry or sensitive scalp — two to three times a week to begin with, given the alcohol and menthol content.

Cooling and de-greasing are immediate. Reduced flaking usually settles in within two to four weeks; any change in apparent density is slow and should be judged over three months, in line with the hair growth cycle.

Best suited to

For oily, congested or flake-prone scalps and anyone wanting root lift without residue. Less suitable for a very dry, tight or eczema-prone scalp, or if you react to alcohol, menthol or fragrance.

Specifications

• Format — leave-in liquid scalp serum with nozzle applicator
• Volume — 20 ml
• Key actives — caffeine, sodium DNA (PDRN), salicylic acid, glycolic acid, gluconolactone, niacinamide, panthenol, biotin, rosemary leaf extract, menthol
• Texture — very light, fast-drying, non-greasy with a strong cooling finish
• Origin — made in Korea

Good to know

Alcohol denat. is the second ingredient and the formula is fragranced, so this is a bracing product by design. Do not apply to broken, sunburnt or freshly treated skin, and keep it away from the eyes. Because it contains AHA, BHA and PHA, do not combine it with a scalp scrub or peel on the same day. Some listings call it fragrance-free while the INCI includes parfum — treat it as fragranced.