Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub Review: Is it Worth it?
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Ouai products, but when I saw they had a scalp and body scrub, I was immediately skeptical. I’ve never found a “face and body” product to be good; they’re either too harsh, too gentle, overpriced, cheap, or just plain ineffective.
Skin is skin, though, and exfoliating is one of the key steps for a healthy glow and healthy scalp, so I wanted to see exactly how Ouai would take their formulating magic and turn it into a now award-winning scalp scrub. This multitasking product is designed to remove build-up, hydrate the skin, and leave your hair feeling refreshed, not stripped.
I’ve used the Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub for close to a year now (through all four seasons) and can see why it's become one of Ouai's best-selling products. While it won’t replace every exfoliating treatment in your routine, it does a great job of cleansing the scalp, smoothing rough skin, and creating a spa-like experience at home. And yes, it really does smell that good!
Below, I share my full review of the Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub including pros, cons, if it’s worth the money, my experience as someone with sensitive skin and color-treated hair, plus tips to getting the most out of it.
ouai scalp & body scrub review
The Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub is a sugar-based exfoliating scrub formulated for both your scalp and body. This two-in-one formula removes build-up, exfoliates the skin, and cleanses excess oil, leaving your skin softer, refreshed, and hydrated - not oily or overly-dry.
Unlike salt scrubs, the sugar crystals dissolve as you massage them into your skin, and the product then turns into a rich lather, so the exfoliation feel effective without being overly harsh. Your skin is hydrated but your scalp doesn’t feel greasy, so you don’t need to follow-up with a shampoo afterwards.
key ingredients
One of the reasons this scrub stands out is its combination of exfoliating and moisturizing ingredients. You get exfoliation plus a rich lather, followed by light hydration, not grease. Key ingredients that make this happen include:
Sugar Crystals - gently exfoliate the scalp and body while increasing microcirculation.
Panthenol and Glycerin - improve skin’s moisture.
Coconut Oil - fatty acids help nourish the scalp and body.
fragrance
Like most of Ouai’s products, the scent is one of the standout features. My favorite (and the best-seller) is the St. Barts scent. It’s tropical and beachy without being too sweet or fruity. It’s summer in a bottle, yet you can use it year-round.
The other option is Melrose Place, which is fresh, clean, and lightly floral. If you're already a fan of Ouai's signature fragrances, you'll probably enjoy it. However, if you're sensitive to fragrance or prefer unscented products, this may not be the best fit.
As far as how long-lasting the product is, it lingers lightly after your shower but not for long. I still have to follow-up with perfume or body spray. That said, fragrance can be drying and this does not leave my hair feeling dry! I think that’s part of what makes this scrub good for hair and body; it strikes the balance of just enough fragrance to be enjoyable but not so much that it causes harm.
texture
The Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub has a thick, grainy consistency. You can feel the sugar crystals, but it’s not overly rough. The scrub isn’t too dry, which is ideal; I hate it when you go to use a scrub and it’s so brittle that it just falls off your skin when you go to scrub it in.
You can feel a little bit of the coconut oil, but it isn’t greasy, either. The sugar gradually transitions into a bubbly lather as you massage it into your skin (or scrub), making the exfoliation feel controlled rather than harsh.
my review: how it works as a scalp scrub
When I bought the Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub, I honestly thought I’d use it more for body than scalp, but this is where I think it performs best.
I take about a nickel to quarter-sized amount and rub it between my hands briefly before massaging it into my scalp. The sugar crystals provide enough grit to feel like they're removing build-up without scratching my scalp. It’s color-safe and overall feels gentler than other clarifying shampoos as the coconut oil provides hydration without being greasy. Your scalp feels so refreshed and light afterwards; I always look forward to using this scrub after a week of travel, one day too many of dry shampoo, or a day at the pool (or swimming in the ocean).
It’s the perfect mix of exfoliation with hydration, and is super easy to rinse out. If you haven’t loved any clarifying shampoos, or want something more low-maintenance than having to use a scalp scrubber, the Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub is the next best thing.
how it works as a body scrub
As I mentioned, I thought I’d use the Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub mostly for my body. I have sensitive skin, and most sugar scrubs are too abrasive, but this one seemed to have a more hydrating texture so I thought it’d work.
I absolutely love it and it’s quickly become one of my favorite body products. You get the perfect amount of exfoliation, and as you work the product in, it transitions into a lathery wash. If you use too much pressure when you exfoliate, I highly recommend trying this scrub instead.
Where other sugar scrubs start out grainy and then leave a heavy greasy residue, this one does not. My pores get clogged easily, so I typically have to use a body wash after a scrub, but not with the Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub. It is easy to use, and drier areas like elbows and knees are noticeably smoother and softer afterwards.
Because of the added moisturizing ingredients, my skin doesn't end up with that tight, dry feeling that some exfoliating scrubs leave behind once I step out of the shower.
One note: I stick to skincare-focused products formulated for face for my chest and neck, and will use a different exfoliator on my chest instead of this one. Just a personal preference!
pros
Actually works for both face and body
Removes product build-up without your hair feeling stripped after
Softens rough areas like elbows and knees
A little goes a long way
Easy to work in (turns into a lathering wash) and easy to rinse out
No greasy residue after
Doesn’t weigh down hair after
Color-safe
Cruelty-free
cons
Premium price, especially compared to DIY sugar scrubs you can make at home
Fragrance can be too strong for some
No fragrance-free options
Can be too abrasive if you use it too often
how often should you use it?
for hair
You can use the Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub once a week. Use it instead of your clarifying shampoo (don’t use both twice in one week, if that makes sense). If you use a lot of styling products or dry shampoo, you could increase this to twice weekly.
If you aren’t sure if you need to use it more frequently, try to lather for a little longer instead of increasing the frequency to avoid drying out your hair.
for body
As someone with sensitive skin, I use this product once a week. Those with more resilient or oily skin can use it anywhere from 1-3x a week. It is one of the more hydrating sugar scrubs, so it’s less irritating in my experience.
who is it best for?
I recommend the Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub if you:
Find traditional clarifying shampoos to be too harsh or drying
Frequently use dry shampoo
Use styling products regularly
Have an oily scalp
Struggle with light, seasonal dandruff or flakiness (for more moderate cases, check with your dermatologist)
Want a cleaner-feeling scalp
Like multi-tasking beauty products (especially for a low-maintenance routine)
Tend to be too harsh when you use body scrubs (this turns into a lather and prevents over-scrubbing)
Hate the greasy feeling you get with traditional sugar scrubs
who should skip it?
You may want to consider something else if you:
Have an extremely sensitive scalp
Have active eczema or psoriasis flare-ups
Prefer fragrance-free products
Don't regularly experience product build-up
Experience breakouts from coconut oil
Overall, the Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub is one of those products that makes your shower feel a little more luxurious while still delivering noticeable results. It effectively removes scalp build-up, leaves hair feeling cleaner, and smooths rough skin without feeling overly harsh. As a dual-action product that also works as a body exfoliant, it also cleanses the skin and provides gentle exfoliation. You’re left with hydrated, glowy skin without the greasy residue or dry tight feeling.
I never through I’d love a "scalp and body” product, especially since my skin is so sensitive, but this one is truly 10/10 and unlike any other exfoliator I’ve tried.
is it worth the price?
The Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub is one of the more expensive scrubs, especially when you compare it to drugstore or at-home DIY sugar scrubs. One jar gives you 8.8oz and costs $42, which breaks down to $4.77 an ounce.
That said, it is one of the few scrubs that is formulated for both your scalp and body. You can technically use this product three different ways - as a body scrub, a scalp scrub, and clarifying shampoo - so it’s a great value because you don’t have to buy two or three separate products.
A little goes a long way, and this scrub lathers beautifully. When I’ve used other sugar scrubs in the past, I’ve felt like I had to use a ton in order to effectively exfoliate my body; you get much more mileage with the Ouai scrub and one jar lasts me a good 6 months.
If you want a product that is effective yet feels luxurious, the Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub is definitely worth it.
faqs
can you use the ouai scalp & body scrub on color-treated hair?
Yes, it's designed to cleanse away buildup without stripping color.
do you use it before or after shampoo?
Use it as your shampoo. The scrub will turn into a well-lathering shampoo as you work it in, so unless you want to double-wash, you don’t have to use shampoo after.
is it safe for sensitive scalps?
I have a sensitive scalp and prefer it to most clarifying shampoos because it has coconut oil in it, so it’s less drying. My best advice is to use it gently just once a week if you have sensitive skin.
If you have an active skin condition, consult your dermatologist or doctor first.
does it remove product build-up?
Yes, this does an incredible job of removing product build-up and makes your hair feel refreshed after using it. Because it lathers into a shampoo as you work it in, it’s ideal if you regularly use dry shampoo, hairspray, or styling creams.
can you use it every day?
No. When it comes to your scalp, once a week is enough for most people. For your hair, twice a week may work if you have a very oily scalp or use lots of styling products throughout the week. As a body scrub, you can use it anywhere from 1-3x a week depending on how dry, sensitive (1x) or oily your skin (up to 3x) is.
