The Feel
It's a far cry from a traditional pearlescent liquid squeezed from a shampoo bottle and worked into a foamy, sudsy lather. Instead, this thick, mask-like cream is scooped from a tub and feels gritty, thanks to tiny vegetable-derived micro exfoliators that help to gently buff away product buildup and dead skin at the scalp. The bits are fine, so it feels more massaging than irritating as you scrub, and they dissolve as they buff so you aren't left with little particles in your hair.
The dark gray cream gets its color from Binchotan charcoal, which is infused in the formula to help draw out gunk from your scalp (similar to the way it does in your favorite charcoal face mask). The formula is also sulfate-free, so the frothy lather is minimal but satisfying. But the real satisfaction comes from the cooling (and slightly tingling) feeling that's attributed to a blend of tea tree, peppermint, and spearmint oils.
Together, these oils work to reduce itchiness and scalp irritation, which is a welcome benefit for anyone who suffers from dry Winter scalp, like me. Any then there's the smell . . .
The Scent
Where to begin? If you're a lover (or obsessor) of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies or mint chocolate chip ice cream, this sweet chocolaty yet refreshing blend will hook you from the minute you crack open the tub. And even if you're more of a Tagalong or Lemon Cookie fan, it's almost impossible not to love this minty, fresh scent.