A clarifying, cooling shampoo from Medicube's Rosemary PDRN line, made for scalps that turn oily quickly and hair that looks flat by the end of the day. It cleanses more decisively than a moisturising shampoo without resorting to harsh sulfates.

The cleansing base is sodium cocoyl isethionate with disodium laureth sulfosuccinate — mild surfactants that build a dense lather and lift sebum and styling residue while being gentler than sodium lauryl sulfate. What sets the formula apart is what follows the cleanse. Three acids address build-up at different rates: salicylic acid, oil-soluble and able to work into a congested follicle opening; glycolic acid at the surface; and gluconolactone, a PHA that exfoliates slowly without raising sun sensitivity. Sodium DNA provides the polynucleotide (PDRN) element, while an amino acid complex with biotin, niacinamide and panthenol addresses the fibre and the scalp barrier. Caffeine and rosemary leaf extract contribute the stimulating, antioxidant side, and menthol delivers the cooling. The thickening effect comes from removing weight, not adding it.

The formula is alcohol-free, and pairs with the Rosemary PDRN conditioner and scalp serum.

Key ingredients

• Sodium cocoyl isethionate and disodium laureth sulfosuccinate — mild primary surfactants that lather well and cleanse thoroughly without SLS-type stripping.
• Salicylic, glycolic and gluconolactone acids — a BHA, an AHA and a PHA that loosen sebum, flaking and product build-up around the follicle.
• Sodium DNA (PDRN) and an amino acid complex — the polynucleotide the line is named for, plus free amino acids that adsorb to porous areas of the hair shaft.
• Caffeine and rosemary leaf extract — antioxidant, stimulating and antimicrobial ingredients, the signature of the range.
• Niacinamide, panthenol and biotin — support the scalp barrier and hydration through the wash.

How to use

1. Wet the hair and scalp thoroughly.
2. Massage into the scalp to build a lather.
3. Work through for 30 to 60 seconds, focusing on the scalp rather than the ends.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water, then condition the lengths.

Recommended frequency

• Oily scalp — daily or every other day.
• Normal scalp with fine hair — three to four times per week.
• Dry or colour-treated hair — twice weekly, alternating with a gentler shampoo.
• Sensitive scalp — twice weekly, to limit acid and menthol exposure.

Cleanliness and cooling are immediate. A less oily scalp between washes and reduced flaking typically settle in over two to four weeks; apparent fullness should be judged over three months.

Best suited to

For oily, congested or flake-prone scalps and fine or limp hair that needs weight removed. Use sparingly, or choose a gentler wash, if your scalp is very dry or eczema-prone or you react to fragrance, linalool or menthol.

Specifications

• Format — rinse-off clarifying shampoo
• Volume — 400 ml
• Key actives — sodium DNA (PDRN), amino acid complex, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, gluconolactone, caffeine, niacinamide, panthenol, biotin, rosemary leaf extract, menthol
• Texture — flowing gel that lathers densely; cooling, clean rinse-out
• Origin — made in Korea

Good to know

The formula is fragranced and contains linalool alongside menthol, so the tingle is intentional and can feel strong on a sensitised scalp. Avoid the eyes. Because it contains three exfoliating acids, do not pair it with a scalp scrub or peel in the same wash. Colour-treated hair may fade slightly faster with frequent clarifying washes.