Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum
Skincare-Grade Scalp Treatment
Verified reviewer
Pros & cons.
- +Triple-acid system (glycolic, salicylic, lactic) provides comprehensive scalp exfoliation
- +Zinc PCA regulates sebum production at the source rather than just removing surface oil
- +Niacinamide and panthenol provide barrier support and hydration for the scalp
- +Refreshing menthyl nicotinate cooling sensation enhances the treatment experience
- +Applies skincare-grade active ingredient philosophy to an often-neglected area
- −At $12 per ounce the product depletes quickly — especially for thick or long hair
- −Acids can drip onto face during application causing stinging and irritation
- −Product appears to be discontinued or going out of stock at multiple retailers
- −Gold shimmer particles are cosmetically polarizing in a rinse-off treatment
- −Limited review volume makes real-world efficacy harder to assess broadly
- −Hair lengths can feel dry after treatment if conditioner isn't used
The full review.
In 2020, at the height of lockdown-era beauty experimentation, Sunday Riley made a bet: the scalp-care category was ready for prestige skincare treatment. Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum was the result — a triple-acid exfoliating serum with gold shimmer particles, designed for a body part that most people only think about when it itches. It was a fascinating product. And based on its current stock status across retailers, the market may not have agreed.
The premise is genuinely compelling, though. Your scalp is skin. It produces sebum, sheds dead cells, and accumulates product residue just like your face. But while the average skincare enthusiast will layer three serums on their face before breakfast, most people address their scalp with whatever shampoo was on sale. Sunday Riley’s argument was that the scalp deserves the same active ingredient attention that facial skin gets — and the formula backs that argument up.
The exfoliation system is a triple-acid combination: glycolic acid for surface-level dead cell dissolution, salicylic acid for oil-soluble penetration into follicles, and lactic acid for gentle additional exfoliation with hydrating properties. This AHA/BHA combination is exactly what a dermatologist might recommend for a congested, flaky, buildup-prone scalp — it addresses the problem from multiple angles rather than relying on a single acid.
Beyond exfoliation, the formula deploys zinc PCA to regulate sebum production at the gland level (not just removing oil from the surface), niacinamide for barrier support and anti-inflammatory calming, panthenol for scalp and hair hydration, and bisabolol for additional soothing. There’s also kaolin clay for absorbing excess oil, witch hazel water for astringency, and urea for hydration. It’s a formula that would be entirely at home in a facial treatment serum, redirected to the scalp.
The application experience is distinctive. The pointed nozzle tip lets you part your hair and apply the serum directly to the scalp in sections — a familiar technique for anyone who’s used a scalp tonic or root touch-up product. The serum itself is a lightweight, watery liquid with a somewhat startling gold shimmer (from synthetic fluorphlogopite and tin oxide). The menthyl nicotinate produces an immediate tingling, cooling sensation that ranges from refreshing to uncomfortable depending on your sensitivity. After massaging for one to two minutes and rinsing, the scalp feels genuinely clean — not stripped, but clarified in a way that shampoo alone doesn’t achieve.
The results, for those who respond to the product, are meaningful. Users report reduced flaking and itchiness within one to two weeks, visibly less oily scalp between washes, and a general improvement in scalp health that they can feel. Some users with scalp psoriasis symptoms found relief from the combination of exfoliation and anti-inflammatory actives. Hair tends to feel cleaner and lighter after use.
But the complaints illuminate why this product struggled commercially. At $48 for four ounces, it runs out quickly — especially for people with thick or long hair who need generous amounts per section. The acids can drip from the scalp onto the face during application, causing stinging and irritation. Some users with dry hair found the treatment left their lengths feeling parched. And a meaningful subset of users simply didn’t notice enough difference to justify the price, particularly when less expensive scalp exfoliating products (including drugstore salicylic acid shampoos) exist.
The gold shimmer is an interesting formulation choice that splits opinion. Some users appreciate the luxurious, Instagram-ready aesthetic. Others see it as a distraction — cosmetic glitter in a treatment product that’s going to be rinsed down the drain in two minutes. The particles don’t affect efficacy in either direction; they’re functionally inert.
The scalp-care market has grown significantly since Clean Rinse launched in 2020, with multiple brands now offering scalp serums, exfoliants, and treatments at various price points. Sunday Riley was genuinely early to this trend, and the formulation reflects real skincare expertise applied to a new category. But being early isn’t the same as being successful — the product appears to be exiting the market at several retailers, available on clearance at Dermstore and out of stock elsewhere.
This is a product caught between two worlds. It’s too expensive and niche for casual haircare consumers. It’s too far from Sunday Riley’s core competency for loyal skincare fans. And the scalp-care category, while growing, hasn’t yet reached the level of consumer sophistication where $48 scalp serums are a mainstream purchase. The ingredients are excellent. The execution is thoughtful. The market just wasn’t quite there.
Ingredient analysis.
Full INCI list
Water/Eau/Aqua, Propanediol, Glycolipids, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Quaternium-80, Polysorbate 20, Zinc PCA, Kaolin, Menthyl Nicotinate, Glycolic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Pentylene Glycol, Urea, Niacinamide, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Calcium Pantothenate, Maltodextrin, Sodium Benzoate, Jasminum Sambac (Jasmine) Flower Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pyridoxine HCl, Alcohol, Glycine, Fructose, Inositol, Lactic Acid, Bisabolol, Tin Oxide (CI 77861), Silica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Skin match.
The science.
The Science
Clean Rinse uses a triple-acid approach to address scalp buildup. Glycolic acid, the smallest AHA molecule, penetrates the stratum corneum to dissolve the intercellular bonds holding dead skin cells on the scalp surface. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble (lipophilic), so it penetrates sebum-filled hair follicles that water-soluble glycolic acid cannot reach; this targets the follicular component of scalp congestion. Lactic acid adds exfoliation and hydration because it functions as both an exfoliant and a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) component.
Zinc PCA (zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) regulates sebum differently than the acids. Research shows zinc compounds reduce 5-alpha-reductase activity—the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT and drives sebaceous gland overactivity. By targeting sebum production at the enzymatic level, zinc PCA controls oil longer than topical astringents that only remove surface oil.
Niacinamide in this scalp formulation provides the same benefits seen in facial skincare: anti-inflammatory activity via NF-kB signaling inhibition, barrier support through increased ceramide synthesis, and sebum regulation by reducing triglyceride and fatty acid production. On the scalp, where product buildup and styling stress often compromise the skin barrier, these properties help maintain a healthy scalp environment.
Menthyl nicotinate causes tingling differently than menthol. As a nicotinic acid ester, it causes local vasodilation and increases blood flow to the scalp surface. This improved microcirculation may support nutrient delivery to hair follicles, though evidence for this benefit during brief topical application is limited.
Dermatologist Perspective
Dermatologists and trichologists increasingly treat the scalp as a distinct skin zone requiring more than standard shampooing. Combining AHA and BHA exfoliation with sebum-regulating zinc PCA uses an evidence-based approach that mirrors facial skincare principles. Board-certified dermatologists note that for patients with seborrheic dermatitis or fungal-driven dandruff, this product addresses buildup and oil but not Malassezia overgrowth—patients still need medicated antifungal treatment. For patients with simple scalp buildup, product residue, or mild flaking, chemical exfoliation is well-supported. Dermatologists recommend patch-testing on a small scalp section and starting with once-weekly use.
Where it fits in your routine.
Section hair and apply the serum to the scalp using the pointed nozzle applicator. Target the scalp T-zone (top, crown, and behind the ears) where oil production peaks. Massage with fingertips for 1-2 minutes. Keep the product on the scalp and away from the face and eyes. Rinse thoroughly. Use 2-3 times per week. Use as a pre-treatment before shampoo or as a standalone scalp cleanse. Follow with conditioner on the hair lengths and ends.
At $48 for 4 ounces, Clean Rinse sits at the premium end of scalp treatments — a category where drugstore salicylic acid shampoos exist for under $10. The active ingredient density is genuine (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, zinc PCA, niacinamide, panthenol), and the formulation is more sophisticated than anything in the mass market. However, the product runs out within 4-6 weeks with recommended 2-3 weekly uses, making the monthly cost approximately $32-48 — a significant ongoing investment for scalp maintenance. With the product appearing to exit the market at multiple retailers, prospective buyers should also consider whether investing in a product with uncertain long-term availability makes sense.
Use this if you have oily, flaky, or buildup-prone scalps and want skincare-grade treatment beyond basic shampooing. It works for those who use medicated shampoos but want a multi-active approach to scalp health. It suits skincare enthusiasts who use chemical exfoliation and want to apply that philosophy to their scalp.
Sensitive or easily irritated scalps should use this with caution; the triple-acid system and menthyl nicotinate are intense. Dry hair may feel dehydrated without conditioning afterward. Budget-conscious consumers can find effective scalp exfoliation for less. Because availability is limited, those seeking a long-term scalp care staple may prefer a product with a more certain market presence.
Product details.
Clear to slightly opalescent liquid serum with visible gold shimmer particles. Lightweight, watery consistency with a micellar base. Flows easily from the pointed nozzle applicator.
This formula has no added synthetic fragrance, but jasmine and rose damascena extracts provide a subtle floral-botanical scent. Some users like this; others find the odor stronger than expected. It has no fragrance claim.
Opaque plastic squeeze bottle has a pointed nozzle tip applicator to part hair and apply product to scalp sections. Sunday Riley branding. The nozzle design offers precision but makes product flow hard to control.
The first application causes a noticeable tingling from the menthyl nicotinate — most users feel a refreshing, cooling sensation instead of burning. The serum has a lightweight, watery feel on the scalp. Keep the product on the scalp and away from your eyes and face; the acids sting facial skin. The scalp feels clean and refreshed after rinsing, but some users report mild dryness on the hair lengths.
4-6 weeks with 2-3 uses per week
12 months
All Year
The backstory.
Launched in April 2020, Clean Rinse was Sunday Riley's first venture outside facial skincare — a bet that the scalp-care trend had enough momentum to support a prestige treatment product. The timing was notable: during lockdown, consumers were paying more attention to their scalp health and reducing salon visits. The product brought Sunday Riley's signature approach — skincare-grade actives in elegant formulations — to a category that had historically been dominated by medicated dandruff shampoos and tea tree oil products.
About Sunday Riley
Established Brand (5–20 years)Cosmetic chemist Sunday Riley founded Sunday Riley in 2009 in Houston, Texas. Clean Rinse launched in 2020 as the brand's first haircare/scalp product. Sunday Riley is PETA and Leaping Bunny cruelty-free certified and is a B Corporation. Note: the product is discontinued or going out of stock at multiple retailers as of early 2026.
Common myths.
Your scalp doesn't need exfoliation the way your face does.
The scalp is skin. It produces sebum, sheds dead cells, and accumulates product buildup like the face. Chemical exfoliation using AHAs and BHAs helps maintain a healthy scalp environment, reduces flaking, and improves hair growth conditions. People often neglect the scalp in skincare routines, even though it undergoes the same biological processes as facial skin.
Gold shimmer in a scalp product is marketing, not substance.
Synthetic fluorphlogopite, tin oxide, and titanium dioxide provide the shimmer. These cosmetic-grade light-reflecting particles are functionally inert and do not affect the product's efficacy. The acids, zinc PCA, and niacinamide provide the actual treatment. The shimmer is purely aesthetic and does not help or harm the scalp.
FAQ.
How often should I use the Sunday Riley Clean Rinse?
Use 2-3 times per week for best results. Apply before or instead of your regular shampoo. Do not use daily; the triple-acid system (glycolic, salicylic, lactic acid) may over-exfoliate the scalp if used too often. Start once a week and increase frequency based on your scalp's response.
Can I use Clean Rinse on color-treated hair?
Several reviewers with color-treated hair report no issues, and some say it helps post-color flaking and itchiness. But applying chemical exfoliants to the scalp right after coloring can strip or alter fresh color. Wait 48-72 hours after coloring before using the scalp serum.
Is the Sunday Riley Clean Rinse discontinued?
By early 2026, the product is out of stock or on clearance at retailers like Dermstore and LovelySkin. Sunday Riley has not announced a formal discontinuation, but availability is limited. Check Sunday Riley's direct website or Sephora for current stock.
Why does the Clean Rinse have gold glitter in it?
Synthetic fluorphlogopite, tin oxide, and titanium dioxide provide the shimmer. These cosmetic-grade light-reflecting particles are purely aesthetic; they do not affect efficacy or stay on the scalp after rinsing. The treatment actives (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, zinc PCA, niacinamide) do the work.
Can I use the Clean Rinse for dandruff?
This product uses triple-acid exfoliation and zinc PCA sebum regulation to address flaking and buildup-related scalp issues. It is not a medicated anti-dandruff treatment. If Malassezia yeast causes your dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis), you need pyrithione zinc, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide for targeted antifungal action.
What the community says.
"Effectively clarifies scalp buildup and removes product residue"
"Refreshing tingly sensation from the menthyl nicotinate"
"Reduces scalp itchiness and flaking noticeably within weeks"
"Micellar base means minimal additional shampooing needed"
"Hair feels softer and healthier-looking after use"
"Expensive at $12 per ounce — runs out quickly for thick or long hair"
"Can cause burning or irritation when product drips onto face during use"
"Some users noticed no significant difference after several uses"
"Difficult to distribute evenly across the scalp with the nozzle applicator"
"Hair can feel dry rather than moisturized after treatment"
People also looked at.
