A 500 ml sulfate-free scalp shampoo from lilyeve, built for scalps that turn oily and flaky within a day of washing. It treats the scalp as skin rather than as something to strip, combining a keratolytic acid, two antifungal agents and a calming base.

The cleansing logic runs in three parts. Salicylic Acid, a beta hydroxy acid, is oil-soluble, so it can move into a sebum-filled follicle and loosen the compacted dead cells and hardened oil around it. Piroctone Olamine and Climbazole then address Malassezia, the lipid-feeding yeast behind most of the flaking and itching commonly mislabelled as dry scalp; both act on the organism rather than simply washing scale away. Because that combination could leave a scalp tight and reactive, the formula counterweights it: Centella Asiatica calms inflammation, PDRN in the form of Sodium DNA supports repair, Niacinamide and Dexpanthenol support the scalp barrier, and a dual hyaluronic system restores water. Menthol, mint and eucalyptus provide the immediate cooling that settles an itchy scalp.

The surfactant system is sulfate-free, which keeps it colour-safe and gentler on chemically treated lengths than a conventional clarifying shampoo.

Key ingredients

• Salicylic Acid (BHA) — oil-soluble exfoliant that clears compacted sebum and dead cells from around the follicle.
• Piroctone Olamine and Climbazole — anti-dandruff agents targeting the Malassezia yeast behind most flaking and itch.
• PDRN (Sodium DNA) — nucleotide fraction included to support repair of a stressed scalp.
• Centella Asiatica (cica) — calms the inflammation and redness that accompany a congested scalp.
• Niacinamide and Dexpanthenol — support the scalp barrier and reduce the tightness that follows a deep cleanse.
• Dual hyaluronic acid — Sodium Hyaluronate plus Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate for immediate and longer-lasting hydration.

How to use

1. Saturate the hair with warm water.
2. Apply roughly 3-5 ml and work into a lather.
3. Massage into the scalp with the fingertips, not the nails, for one to two minutes, concentrating on oily zones.
4. Leave a further minute so the actives can work.
5. Rinse thoroughly, then condition the lengths only.

Recommended frequency

• Oily scalp with flaking — daily to every other day.
• Normal scalp, maintenance — two to three times a week, alternating with a milder shampoo.
• Dry scalp or dry lengths — once or twice a week, always with conditioner on the ends.
• Timeline — cooling and reduced itch are immediate; measurable improvement in flaking and oil control takes two to four weeks.

Best suited to

Oily, congested, flaking or itchy scalps, including fine, curly and chemically processed hair, since the formula is sulfate-free and colour-safe. Those with a very dry scalp or a menthol sensitivity may find it too stimulating. If flaking is severe or accompanied by significant redness, see a dermatologist; that may be seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis, which needs medical treatment.

Specifications

• Format — sulfate-free scalp shampoo
• Volume — 500 ml
• Key actives — Salicylic Acid, Piroctone Olamine, Climbazole, PDRN (Sodium DNA), Centella Asiatica, Niacinamide, Dexpanthenol, dual hyaluronic acid, menthol
• Texture — fluid gel that lathers well; cooling on the scalp
• Origin — made in Korea

Good to know

Fragranced, and the menthol, mint and eucalyptus will sting on a broken or scratched scalp, so keep it out of the eyes. Do not combine it with a separate salicylic acid scalp treatment on the same day. If you also use the Grow:Turn spicule ampoule, apply that once the scalp has fully dried. Store closed at room temperature. Percentages of the actives are not disclosed by the brand.