Living Proof Scalp Care Exfoliator Versus Kérastase Symbiose Scalp Renewal Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
Updated on April 15, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe scalp scrubs. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or silicones
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens and fragrances
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Living Proof Scalp Care Exfoliator 29 ingredients
Kérastase Symbiose Scalp Renewal Micro-Exfoliating Scrub 34 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Living Proof Scalp Care Exfoliator 29 ingredients
Kérastase Symbiose Scalp Renewal Micro-Exfoliating Scrub 34 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
PPG-24-Glycereth-24
EmulsifyingSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide
MaskingGaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract
AstringentBeta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Gluconic Acid
Lysolecithin
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Pullulan
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingParfum
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Propanediol, Mandelic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Gluconolactone, Isopentyldiol, PPG-24-Glycereth-24, Saccharide Isomerate, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Pentylene Glycol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Betaine, Gluconic Acid, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Citric Acid, Pullulan, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyacetophenone, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum, Limonene
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Cocamide Mea
EmulsifyingCoco-Betaine
CleansingLaureth-5 Carboxylic Acid
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
Cocamide Mipa
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Argania Spinosa Shell Powder
Abrasive
Prunus Armeniaca Seed Powder
Abrasive
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
Masking
Menthol
Masking
Polyquaternium-10
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Limonene
Perfuming
Squalane
Emollient
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Citral
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Artemisia Umbelliformis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Salicylic Acid 2%, Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Glycerin, Cocamide Mea, Coco-Betaine, Laureth-5 Carboxylic Acid, Acrylates Copolymer, Cocamide Mipa, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Argania Spinosa Shell Powder, Prunus Armeniaca Seed Powder, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Menthol, Polyquaternium-10, Isopropyl Myristate, PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, Propylene Glycol, Limonene, Squalane, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Citronellol, Citral, Geraniol, Artemisia Umbelliformis Flower Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
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