The Best Non-Toxic & Natural Dry Shampoos (Benzene-Free!)
Last Updated: September 6, 2023
Our research reveals a shocking truth: up to 70% of popular aerosol dry shampoos contain benzene, a known human carcinogen.
Today we’ll be looking at…
- How benzene—a carcinogenic chemical—was found found in many popular dry shampoos.
- How millions of units of dry shampoos have been recalled over this.
- Other ingredients of concerns in dry shampoo.
- How to find a good, natural dry shampoo you can trust.
- Our research and analysis of the ingredients in top dry shampoo brands.
At Better Goods, our mission is to uncover the truth about the products you use every day. Over the past 2 weeks, we deeply analyzed the ingredients of popular dry shampoos from brands like Batiste, Not Your Mother’s and Paul Mitchell and our findings were disturbing.
The propellents used in aersol dry shampoo cans—propane, butane, and isobutane—were found to be contaminated with benzene, a powerful carcinogen. In some cases, the dry shampoos had up to 140x the FDA limits for benzene—a staggering figure.
Benzene is widely recognized as a human carcinogen by agencies worldwide. On top of this, most dry shampoos contain large amounts of artificial fragrance. The vague “fragrance” label can obscure harmful chemicals like phthalates, which are linked to health issues, but loopholes allow companies to hide ingredients from consumers.
The presence of these potentially harmful ingredients in dry shampoos is worrying, as these products are often used indoors where the toxic chemical could be inhaled over long periods.
Since dry shampoos are sprayed around the head, it’s inevitable that you’ll inhale a significant amount of the ingredients. Over time, this could lead to a massive amount of exposure to potentially harmful toxicants.
In 2021, independent researchers from Valisure analyzed 148 different dry shampoo products, testing them for benzene. Of those, 70% of them contained the carcinogen. In December 2021, Procter & Gamble (P&G) issued a similar recall over benzene. The affected brands included Pantene, Aussie, Herbal Essences, Waterless, Old Spice, and Hair Food.
At Better Goods, we believe consumers deserve better options. In our guide, we’ll break down what to look for in a non-toxic dry shampoo, discuss safer application methods, and recommend our top picks that are free of harmful ingredients. By arming yourself with knowledge and seeking out better alternatives, you can avoid unnecessary exposure to toxins from this daily use product.
See Our Full Ratings For Dry Shampoos
We conducted an in-depth analysis of the ingredients in the leading dry shampoo brands.
The Bombshell 2021 Dry Shampoo Study
In 2021, Valisure, an independent laboratory in New Haven, Connecticut, conducted a study on dry shampoo products and found that 70% of the 148 batches tested from 34 different brands contained benzene.
The highest level of benzene detected was 340 parts per million (ppm) in 10 seconds of spray, while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set an acceptable level of benzene in drugs at 2 ppm. This means that some samples were up to 170 times greater in concentration than the FDA allows.
Valisure’s testing method involved spraying the dry shampoos in an enclosed area for 10 seconds and then measuring the amount of benzene in the area.
For each of the products, the researchers sprayed the products four times and measured the concentration of benzene in the air.
The brands that were tested as being over the FDA limits of 2ppm (parts per million) include:
- Not Your Mother’s (158ppm)
- Paul Mitchell Invisiblewear (35.2ppm)
- Sun Bum (30.4ppm)
- Batiste (2.61ppm)
- Sebastian (7.76ppm)
- Redken (7.55ppm)
- dp Hue (7.52ppm)
- OGX (2.56ppm)
- Sol de Janeira (3.15ppm)
- Klorane (3.07ppm)
- IGK (2.49ppm)
The Benzene Found In The Dry Shampoos Is Highly Toxic
Benzene is a known carcinogen, linked to leukemia—especially childhood leukemia—and blood disorders.
Several expert agencies have assessed the potential for benzene to cause cancer in humans and animals.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies benzene as “carcinogenic to humans” due to sufficient evidence linking it to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
The US National Toxicology Program (NTP), an interagency initiative involving the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has also classified benzene as “known to be a human carcinogen“.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), a database containing information on human health effects resulting from exposure to various environmental substances. The EPA has classified benzene as a known human carcinogen.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer showed that benzene exposure in rats and mice increased neoplasms, or abnormal growth of cells as well as chromosomal abnormalities in human immune cells.
Why Is There Benzene In Dry Shampoos?
Benzene isn’t intentionally added as an ingredient in dry shampoos. It’s believed that it got there as a result of contamination. The common propellants used in dry shampoos—namely butane and propane.
However, it is important to note that not all products from these brands were found to have elevated benzene concentrations, and some dry shampoos tested had no detectable level of benzene.
While the general consensus is that dry shampoos are safe and you should only avoid those mentioned in the study and manufactured before 2022, we believe that avoiding dry shampoos in aerosol cans is the safest bet.
Major Brands Have Recalled Their Dry Shampoos Over Benzene Contamination
In recent years, there have been major recalls from two of the largest consumer goods companies—Unilever and Procter & Gamble (P&G)—due to concerns over elevated levels of benzene in aerosol dry shampoo products.
The 2021 Proctor and Gamble Recall
In December 2021, Procter & Gamble (P&G) issued a voluntary recall of 32 aerosol dry shampoo and conditioner products due to the presence of benzene.
The affected brands included Pantene, Aussie, Herbal Essences, Waterless, Old Spice, and Hair Food:
- Waterless Dry Conditioner Weightless Smooth
- Waterless Dry Conditioner Instant Moisture
- Pantene Sultry Bronde All in One Luxury Mist
- Pantene Smooth Talker Dry Conditioning Oil
- Pantene Mist Behaving Dry Conditioning Mist
- Pantene Gold Series Instant Nourishing Spray
- Aussie Smooth Vibes Dry Conditioner
- Aussie Petal Soft Dry Conditioner
- Aussie Sleekend Warrior Dry Conditioner
- Herbal Essences Blue Ginger Refresh Dry Shampoo
- Herbal Essences White Grapefruit & Mint Dry Shampoo
- Herbal Essences White Strawberry & Sweet Mint Dry Shampoo
- Herbal Essences Cucumber & Green Tea Dry Shampoo
- Pantene Dry Shampoo No Water Refresh
- Pantene Dry Shampoo Sheer Volume
- Pantene Never Tell Dry Shampoo
- Aussie After Hours Dry Shampoo Texture Spray
- Aussie Tousle Hustle Dry Shampoo
- Aussie Bounce Back Dry Shampoo
- Aussie Clean Color Protect Shampoo
- Aussie Clean Texture Dry Shampoo
- Aussie Clean Volume Dry Shampoo
- Waterless Dry Shampoo No Residue
- Hair Food Coconut Dry Shampoo
- Old Spice Fiji Dry Shampoo
- Old Spice Pure Sport Dry Shampoo
The 2022 Unilever Recall
In October of 2022, Unilever voluntarily recalled Unilever for select lot codes of dry shampoo aerosol products produced before October 2021 from brands such as Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head), and TRESemmé.
The recall came after the company’s internal studies found potentially elevated levels of benzene stemming from the propellant used in the aerosol cans.
Unilever recalled the following Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head) and Tresemmé dry shampoo aerosols:
- Dove Dry Shampoo Volume and Fullness
- Dove Dry Shampoo Fresh Coconut
- Dove Dry Shampoo Fresh and Floral
- Dove Dry Shampoo Ultra Clean
- Dove Dry Shampoo Invisible
- Dove Dry Shampoo Detox and Purify
- Dove Dry Shampoo Clarifying Charcoal
- Dove Dry Shampoo Go Active
- Nexxus Dry Shampoo Refreshing Mist
- Nexxus Inergy Foam Shampoo
- Suave Dry Shampoo Hair Refresher
- Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Refresh and Revive
- Tresemmé Dry Shampoo Volumizing
- Tresemmé Dry Shampoo Fresh and Clean
- Tresemmé Pro Pure Dry Shampoo
- Bed Head Oh Bee Hive Dry Shampoo
- Bed Head Oh Bee Hive Volumizing Dry Shampoo
- Bed Head Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo
- Bed Head Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo
How Does Dry Shampoo Work?
The main active ingredients in dry shampoo are usually starch-based compounds, like corn and rice starch. These starches work by absorbing excess oil and grease from the hair, giving it a cleaner appearance without the need for water.
Dry shampoo is generally heavily fragranced to help it mask odor as well.
Dry shampoos come in two forms: aerosol and powder. As you’ll find out, we strongly recommend avoiding dry shampoos in aerosol form, instead opting for safer powders.
However, it’s important to note that that dry shampoo isn’t actually cleaning your hair.
How Does Dry Shampoo Clean Your Hair?
Dry shampoo doesn’t truly clean your hair. When you spray dry shampoo onto your roots and scalp, the starch binds to the oils and impurities.
Rather than actually cleaning your hair, the starches absorb oil (sebum) which is what gives your hair the greasy look. It’s like using a powdery dryer sheet to soak up dirt and sweat.
Contrary to popular belief, dry shampoo isn’t intended to be a replacement for real shampoo. Instead, it’s meant to be an oil-absorbing stopgap between washes. It’ll refresh your style, but it shouldn’t replace proper cleansing and conditioning.
Think of dry shampoo like this: it covers up odor and grease, but it doesn’t truly wash away impurities. While an occasional spray can help extend your blowout a day or two, you still need to lather up regularly to deep clean your hair.
Other Ingredients of Concern In Dry Shampoos
Synthetic Fragrances
Chemical fragrance is a staple in virtually all dry shampoos. Because dry shampoo is meant to absorb oils and leave a clean feel without water, most formulas contain large amounts of added perfumes and fragrances. These are intended to mask any residual odors and leave hair smelling fresh.
The same way deodorant hides body odor, dry shampoo uses fragrance to create the illusion of clean hair.
However, we strongly recommend avoiding undisclosed artificial fragrances.
Fragrance recipes are protected under federal law as “trade secrets,” so brands can hide potentially harmful compounds under generic names like “fragrance,” “parfum,” or “aroma.” This allows them to use irritants, allergens, and questionable chemicals without listing them on the label.
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) oversees ingredient safety for the fragrance industry. However, it’s funded by major fragrance companies and doesn’t disclose its safety data publicly.
IFRA’s list contains over 3619 different chemical ingredients that could be lurking in your dry shampoo’s fragrance. Some of these hidden chemicals have been linked to allergic reactions, headaches, and airway irritation.
Aerosols
Butane, propane, and isobutane are used as propellants in aerosol dry shampoos. Besides the potential benzene contamination, there are other good reasons to avoid these gases.
Dry shampoo in aerosol cans may contain particulate matter, which are very fine particles, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some particulate matter and VOCs have been linked to adverse health effects, such as cancer. Since dry shampoos are sprayed around the head, it’s inevitable that you’ll inhale some of the particulate matter, potentially exposing yourself to these dangers.
Talc
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral sometimes used in dry shampoos for its ability to absorb moisture. However, talc deposits can sometimes be found in close proximity to asbestos, a known carcinogen.
During the mining process, there is a possibility of cross-contamination between talc and asbestos. As a result, talc-containing products could inadvertently contain traces of asbestos, which poses significant health risks when inhaled or ingested.
Cetrimonium Chloride
This ingredient is added to dry shampoos for its anti-static properties.
In the EU, cetrimonium chloride is labeled as: “this substance causes severe skin burns and eye damage, is very toxic to aquatic life, is very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects, is harmful if swallowed and causes serious eye damage.”
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) & Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
BHA and BHT are synthetic antioxidants frequently used in cosmetic products, food, and packaging to extend shelf life by preventing the oxidation of fats and oils.
The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has determined that BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) may possess the potential to interfere with the endocrine system (endocrine disruptor) but more research is required to confirm. BHT (butylhydroxytoluene) has been associated with endocrine disruption and is included on California’s Prop 65 list as a possible carcinogen, but a more recent study was unable to confirm BHT as an endocrine disruptor. BHA and BHT are often found together, and the combined effects of these two chemicals remain unclear.
Drying Alcohols
Although not directly toxic, you may want to avoid alcohols in dry shampoos.
When looking for a dry shampoo, avoid products containing short-chain alcohols, which are known for their drying properties. These alcohols often have names containing “denatured,” “denat,” “eth,” “propyl,” or “prop”.
Examples of drying alcohols include alcohol denat, which is denatured alcohol and a petrochemical product containing benzyl alcohol[
On the other hand, “good” or non-drying alcohols include cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and lauryl alcohol. These fatty alcohols act as emollients, helping to maintain moisture in the hair and are less likely to cause damage.
Better Ingredients Found in Non-Toxic Dry Shampoos
Non-toxic dry shampoos share many of the same ingredients as non-toxic baby powders. Much like baby powders, dry shampoos are meant to absorb moisture, so it makes sense.
Natural dry shampoos often contain safe and eco-friendly ingredients that effectively absorb oil and refresh hair without causing harm to the environment.
Some common natural ingredients found in safe dry shampoos include:
- Arrowroot powder — This natural starch is known for its oil-absorbing properties and is often used as a base in DIY dry shampoos.
- Cornstarch — Another popular oil-absorbing ingredient, cornstarch is commonly used in natural dry shampoos.
- Kaolin clay — This gentle clay absorbs excess oil and is found in many natural dry shampoos.
- Rice starch — This plant-based starch is effective at absorbing oil and is a common ingredient in natural dry shampoos.
- Tapioca starch — Another plant-based starch, tapioca starch is used in natural dry shampoos for its oil-absorbing properties.
- Baking soda — This versatile ingredient helps absorb oil and is often used in natural dry shampoos.
- Cocoa powder — Used in some dry shampoos for dark hair, cocoa powder adds a natural tint and helps absorb oil.
- Essential oils — Natural fragrances like lavender, rosemary, and peppermint oil are often added to dry shampoos for their pleasant scents and potential hair benefits.
Methodology: Our Analysis of The Top Dry Shampoo Brands
At Better Goods, our mission is to empower consumers by providing thoroughly researched, evidence-based information on the ingredients and potential health impacts of everyday household products. Here is an overview of our rigorous methodology:
Step #1: Compiling the Most Popular Dry Shampoos
We conducted extensive research to identify the most popular dry shampoo brands purchased by consumers today. Our rigorous methodology included analyzing internet search trends, reviewing sales data from major online retailers, and monitoring social media mentions and reviews. From this process, we compiled a definitive list of the top dry shampoo brands on the market.
Step #2: Thoroughly Evaluating Ingredients for Safety
For this dry shampoo report, our team of experts thoroughly reviewed every ingredient in each leading brand. We consulted authoritative sources such as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), the EU CosIng database, and peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Evaluating Ingredient Safety
Our experts carefully evaluate each ingredient for potential health risks based on the latest studies and regulations. We look at factors like:
- Toxicity
- Irritation
- Allergies
- Hormone disruption
- Absorption and exposure levels
Ingredients are listed for each of the products, with a color-coded rating system.
These ingredients have been analyzed as safe.
These ingredients are generally considered safe, but have some concern of mild potential issues.
These ingredients are unsafe and should be avoided.
Step #3: Rating Products Based on Ingredient Safety
After completing our ingredient analysis, we assign an internal safety rating to each product.
Ratings are determined based on the number and severity of concerning ingredients identified during research. Products with no concerning ingredients receive our highest safety rating. As potentially problematic ingredients increase, the product’s rating declines accordingly.
Our ratings reflect solely ingredient safety and are not influenced by brand reputation or marketing claims.
Brands are rated on the three pillars as follows:
This ranking is for the best of the best. Only exemplary brands will receive a ranking of best for any category.
This ranking is for brands that are typically quite good, but don’t go above and beyond like our best choices.
This ranking is for when we find something we find iffy. Not a good sign.
This ranking is reserved for the worst of the worst.
The Best Non-Toxic Dry Shampoos
These dry shampoos earned our top ratings. Any of these are a safe choice for you and your family, with all-natural and safe ingredients.
The dry shampoos that received our best rating include:
- Billie Floof Dry Shampoo
- Act+Acre Fulvic Acid Volumizing Dry Shampoo
- Kaia Naturals Overnight Dry Shampoo
- Captain Blankenship Dry Shampoo
- Acure Dry Shampoo
- Hair Dance Volumizing Dry Shampoo Powder
billie
Billie Floof Dry Shampoo is a non-aerosol powder formula that effectively absorbs oil and blends seamlessly into the hair roots. The product is available in two shades for dark and light hair, catering to different hair colors.
The fragrance-free formula is great for those with sensitivities to scents, and the product is also fully vegan and cruelty-free. Overall, Billie Floof Dry Shampoo offers an effective and clean solution for those seeking a non-toxic dry shampoo that caters to different hair colors and types.
Ingredients
Act+Acre
Overall, this is a great dry shampoo with a short list of ingredients all of which are clean. The main active ingredients are rice starch, tapioca starch, rice powder and silica.
All in all, this is a good dry shampoo we can recommend.
Ingredients
Kaia Naturals
The Kaia Naturals Overnight Dry Shampoo, part of the “Takesumi Detox” line, is a deodorizing charcoal-based dry shampoo offered in two tints—blonde and brunette. It has a light jasmine scent and is recommended for all hair types, including color-treated hair. As an overnight shampoo, it’s meant to be used before bed.
Unlike some natural dry shampoos, this one comes in a non-aersosol “spray” bottle. Some users find it messy to use, but with proper application, there shouldn’t be a problem. You may find that the version for darker hair goes on clean, but if you scratch your head, you may see dark powder under your nails.
All in all, this is a good non-toxic dry shampoo we can recommend.
The ingredents listed below are for the blonde variant.
Ingredients
Captain Blankenship
Captain Blankenship Refresh Dry Shampoo is a great option for those who want a non-aersol, natural, talc-free product to refresh their hair between washes. It works well for various hair types, including coarse, fine, thick, curly, coiled, and color-treated hair.
It’s available in two formats: for those with light hair and those with dark hair.
The shampoo contains organic glacial marine clay and arrowroot to absorb excess oil and add volume, while aluminum-free baking soda refreshes strands. Plus, the essential oils of rose geranium and palmarosa give it a lovely, uplifting wild rose coastal scent.
All in all, this is a great natural dry shampoo with safe ingredients.
Ingredients
Acure
This dry shampoo powder from Acure boasts natural ingredients like organic corn starch, arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, and sodium bicarbonate to absorb oils and amplify volume between hair washes. The infusion of organic rosemary, peppermint, and cocoa powders gifts hair a refreshing scent with delightful botanical undertones.
Although its light brown shade might need a touch of blending for darker hair, a quick massage at the roots seamlessly integrates any traces. For optimal results, it’s a good idea to apply it lightly before bed and simply brush it out in the morning. This finely-milled powder effortlessly absorbs excess oils, ensuring your hair remains clean and voluminous, extending the freshness for a few more days between shampoos.
Thanks to its natural plant-based ingredients, this budget-friendly dry shampoo stands out as an effective and clean choice for hair rejuvenation.
Ingredients
Hair Dance
Hair Dance Volumizing Dry Shampoo Powder is a non-aerosol, environmentally-conscious alternative to traditional aerosol dry shampoos. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the USA.
The product is formulated with natural ingredients such as rice starch, organic colloidal oatmeal, silica, lavender oil, and organic olive oil leaf extract. It’s also suitable for all hair colors, including dark or black hair. It blends easily, smells great, and doesn’t leave a sticky residue.
The powder formula is easier to apply than many other powder-based dry shampoos as it’s dispensed through a spray applicator, which allows for controlled application. To use, simply divide hair into sections and spray the powder onto the roots or wherever volume is desired. Then, brush through or massage into the scalp with fingertips to refresh the hair. The Hair Dance Volumizing Dry Shampoo Powder has a relaxing, natural lavender scent that soothes the senses and provides a peaceful calm.
Overall, Hair Dance Volumizing Dry Shampoo Powder is a reliable and effective option for those seeking a natural, non-aerosol dry shampoo.
Ingredients
Dry Shampoos Rated: Good
While these dry shampoos don’t quite go above and beyond like the ones we rated as best, they’re still a safe choice with no concerning ingredients.
Kristin Ess
Kristen Ess’s fragrance-free dry shampoo is a great option if you want an effective formula without any added scents. The ingredients list is simple and clean, featuringabsorbents like corn starch and rice starch to soak up oil and leave hair feeling freshly washed.
As a vegan and cruelty-free brand, Kristen Ess is also a thoughtful choice for people who care about animal welfare. The unscented formula makes it ideal for those with sensitivities or who just prefer fragrance-free hair products.
Overall, this dry shampoo does the job of cleansing hair without any perfumes or harsh chemicals. If you’re looking for a gentle yet effective clean feeling between washes, Kristen Ess’s fragrance-free formula is one to consider. The clean formula and ethical standards make it a product we’re happy to recommend.
This dry shampoo contains phenoxyethanol, a preservative that some people choose to avoid. While we consider it a relatively safe ingredient, we can’t quite give this product a “best” rating, although it’s still considered safe to use.
Ingredients
Innersense
Innersense Refresh Dry Shampoo is a clean foam-to-powder formula that effectively eliminates excess oil, builds body, creates texture, and renews second-day hair. Key ingredients include tapioca starch and witch hazel, which absorb excess sebum and help pull oil from the hair. Certified Organic honey sourced from controlled organic farming adds fullness and provides a glossy finish. The dry shampoo is subtly scented with orange and tangerine essential oils,
The application is easy and effortless, with the foam-to-powder consistency allowing for even distribution and a residue-free finish.
This dry shampoo does contain sodium benzoate, a mild preservative that some users wish to avoid. At Better Goods, we don’t consider it a must-avoid ingredenient, but it’s worth noting.
Overall, Innersense Refresh Dry Shampoo is a popular choice for those seeking a clean, non-toxic, and cruelty-free alternative to conventional dry shampoos
Ingredients
Clean Beauty
Clean Beauty’s Tapioca Dry Shampoo is a popular eco-friendly option that effectively absorbs oil and refreshes hair without leaving white residue or powdery buildup unlike many other dry shampoos.
Formulated with natural ingredients like tapioca, rice, and barley starches, this dry shampoo is suitable for all hair types and safe for color-treated hair. The warm sugar scent adds a pleasant fragrance without being overpowering. Additionally, the product is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from sulfates, silicones, parabens, dyes, and other harsh chemicals.
Some people may wish to avoid phenoxyethanol, a preservative. For this reason, we can’t quite give it our best rating, but still consider it a good, non-toxic dry shampoo.
Ingredients
Dry Shampoos Rated: Iffy
These dry shampoos all have ingredients that—while not overtly dangerous—do raise some concern. We’d recommend choosing one from our list of good or best non-toxic dry shampoos instead.
Briogeo
Although this dry shampoo from Briogeo has a generally good list of ingredients, it unfortunately contains undisclosed fragrance. We reached out to the brand and they confirmed: “Our fragrances contain a blend of both natural essential oils and non-natural fragrances. The non-natural component to our fragrance is meant to help accentuate certain citrus and floral notes within the essential oil fragrance blend.”
Ingredients
Shaz & Kiks
While this product has a mainly good list of ingredients, we can’t recommend it over others due to its inclusion of Polyquaternium-7.
The controversy arises from the fact that it is a derivative of acrylamide—a known carcinogen known to cause reproductive harm.
Ingredients
Bumble and bumble
While this is a non-aerosol dry shampoo with a relatively clean list of ingredients, the inclusion of undisclosed fragrance makes us unable to recommend it.
Ingredients
Odele
The product is best suited for occasional use, as consecutive applications might leave a powdery texture in the hair. The dry shampoo is highly effective in absorbing oil, making it particularly useful for extremely oily hair.
It does, however, contain cetrimonium chloride—an antistatic agent that’s restricted in the EU for its ability to burn the skin and cause eye damge, plus being extremely toxic to aquatic life. For this reason, we cannot reccomend it.
Ingredients
Klorane
Klorane’s Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk is unfortunately formulated with undisclosed chemical fragrance, so we cannot recommend it.
Ingredients
L'ange
This dry shampoo from L’ange unfortunately contains undisclosed fragrance, so we can’t recommend it.
Ingredients
Dry Shampoos Rated: Avoid
These dry shampoos all have ingredients we strongly recommend avoiding. In this case, they’re all aerosol shampoos, making them susceptible to contamination with benzene—a strong human carcinogen.
amika
Amika’s Perk Up Talc-Free Dry Shampoo aims to appeal to health-conscious consumers by touting its lack of talc, but a look at the ingredients reveals other concerning synthetic additives. Although marketed as “talc-free,” this aerosol dry shampoo contains artificial fragrances and chemical propellants, contradicting the brand’s claims of a clean, safe formula. The use of bogus messaging and misleading labeling ultimately greenwashes this product, and we recommend avoiding it.
Ingredients
Living Proof
Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo by Living Proof is a dry shampoo sold in an aerosol can that contains questionable ingredients. This product includes Cetrimonium Chloride, a potentially toxic substance. It also contains artificial fragrances which can irritate sensitive scalps and cause unknown health impacts when inhaled. With questionable ingredients and propellants, we strongly recommend avoiding Perfect hair Day PhD Dry Shampoo and exploring safer, non-aerosol dry shampoo options for freshening hair between washes.
Ingredients
Olaplex
No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo by Olaplex is an aerosol dry shampoo that contains concerning ingredients like Cetrimonium Chloride and artificial fragrance. As an aerosol spray, it releases volatile organic compounds into the air which can be irritating to lungs. While dry shampoos like this one may provide temporary volume and oil absorption, we strongly recommend avoiding No.4D and other similar products containing questionable ingredients in aerosol cans.
Ingredients
Vegamour
Vegamour’s GRO Dry Shampoo is an aerosol can that contains the ingredient cetrimonium chloride. As an aerosol product, it uses propellants that can be harmful to the environment and human health. Additionally, it contains artificial fragrance which can cause allergic reactions or headaches in sensitive individuals. While dry shampoo can provide a quick fix between washes, Vegamour’s formulation includes concerning ingredients, so we strongly recommend avoiding this particular product and opting for a safer, non-aerosol dry shampoo instead.
Ingredients
Drybar
Drybar’s Detox Dry Shampoo comes in a green can and is misleadingly marketed as a “detox” product, implying it is natural and eco-friendly. However, a close look at the ingredients list reveals concerning chemicals like isobutane, propane, artificial fragrance, talc, BHT, and cyclopentasiloxane.
This type of greenwashing is unfortunately common with personal care products today. While the marketing leads consumers to believe they are making a healthy choice, in reality this dry shampoo contains multiple potentially hazardous ingredients. We strongly advise avoiding this product and instead searching for truly natural, non-toxic alternatives that do not engage in this kind of deceptive greenwashing.
Ingredients
Batiste
Batiste’s dry shampoo, while popular, contains concerning ingredients that consumers should be wary of. The product comes in an aerosol can, which raises concerns due to the propellants used. Even more troubling are some of the chemical ingredients like cetrimonium chloride, which has been linked to toxicity concerns. The addition of artificial fragrances is also questionable, as these ingredients are often not disclosed and can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. With the rise of cleaner, safer alternatives, Batiste’s dry shampoo seems outdated in its formulation and we recommend avoiding it.
Ingredients
Eva NYC
Because this is an aerosol dry shampoo with undisclosed chemical fragrance, we strongly recommend avoiding it and instead opting for a non-aerosol one without chemical parfum.
Ingredients
Hask
Here is a one-paragraph critical description of Hask’s Chia Seed Volumizing Dry Shampoo:
Hask’s Chia Seed Volumizing Dry Shampoo is another example of misleading greenwashing in personal care products.
Butane and propane are concerning petrochemical propellants. The “fragrance” listed is a chemical cocktail rather than real botanical oils. Despite the natural-sounding “Chia Seed” name, this dry shampoo appears to contain very few if any real natural ingredients. For these reasons, we recommend avoiding it.
Ingredients
Dove
Dove’s Detox and Purify Dry Shampoo is packaged in a green aerosol can that may contain concerning ingredients like benzene, a known human carcinogen, and cyclopentasiloxane, a silicone that can bioaccumulate in the environment.
While the shampoo promises to “detoxify” hair, it relies on chemical fragrances and questionable propellants to do its job, leaving users to simply trade one set of toxins for another.
For these reasons, we recommend avoiding it.
Ingredients
Sunday || Sunday
This dry shampoo contains a number of ingredients we don’t recommend. For this reason, we can’t recommend it.
Ingredients
Garnier
Garnier’s “Pure Clean” Dry Shampoo’s packaging and name might make you think it’s a clean product, but it’s anything but.
The brand uses misleading marketing and labeling to greenwash its formula. While the name implies a natural clean product, this product is not only an aerosol dry shampoo, but also contains artificial fragrance, an ingredient at odds with the purported “pure clean” positioning. The use of synthetic fragrance, misleading brand messaging, and an aerosol spray format make us recommend avoiding this product.
Ingredients
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Shampoo
Is Dry Shampoo Bad For Your Hair?
Yes, dry shampoo can be bad for your hair, especially if overused. Here are some reasons why dry shampoo might be bad for your hair:
- It’s not actually cleaning your hair — Dry shampoo is not actually cleaning your hair – it’s just absorbing excess oils and adding volume. Using it too often can lead to product buildup on the scalp and hair strands. This buildup can clog follicles, irritate the scalp, and dull the appearance of hair over time.
- Dry shampoo can build up over time — The starches in dry shampoo can build up, causing dull hair color, making hair look chalky, and weighing it down. It requires deep cleansing to fully remove.
- It can cause scalp irritation — Overusing dry shampoo can cause scalp irritation, folliculitis (an irritation of the hair follicles), and exacerbate existing scalp conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis.
- It can cause hair breakage — The alcohols found in many aerosol hairsprays can cause hair dryness and damage. When hair becomes overly dry, it is more prone to breakage from combing and styling due to increased friction between brittle, fragile strands.
Does Dry Shampoo Cause Hair Loss
There is no evidence to support the idea that dry shampoos can directly cause hair loss. However, the overuse of dry shampoos can potentially lead to poor scalp health, which in turn could cause hair loss.
Is Batiste Dry Shampoo Safe?
Batiste is one of the most popular dry shampoo brands. No, the brand isn’t safe. To find out why, read our full analysis here: Is Batiste Dry Shampoo Safe?
Can Dry Shampoo Cause Cancer?
While some dry shampoos were found to have benzene—a known carcinogen—it’s unlikely that using the product a few times will cause cancer.
In Conclusion
Switching to a non-toxic dry shampoo can have a significant impact on both your health and the environment. By avoiding harmful chemicals such as synthetic fragrances, aerosol propellants, silicones, and chemical absorbers, you can reduce your exposure to toxic substances and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Even after analyzing all of the dry shampoos that advertise themselves as clean, many of them contained ingredients we recommend avoiding. Much like other product categories, it’s so important to always look at ingredients lists to ensure safety.
For quick recommendations for all clean dry shampoos we rated Best:
Here is a conclusion about dry shampoo instead:
In Conclusion
Switching to a non-toxic dry shampoo can have a significant impact on both your health and the environment. By avoiding harmful chemicals such as synthetic fragrances, aerosol propellants, silicones, and chemical absorbers, you can reduce your exposure to toxic substances and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Even after analyzing all of the dry shampoos that advertise themselves as clean, many of them contained ingredients we recommend avoiding. Much like other product categories, it’s so important to always look at ingredients lists to ensure safety.
For quick recommendations for all clean dry shampoos we rated Best:
Here is a conclusion about dry shampoo instead:
In Conclusion
Switching to a non-toxic dry shampoo can have a significant impact on both your health and the environment. By avoiding harmful chemicals such as synthetic fragrances, aerosol propellants, silicones, and chemical absorbers, you can reduce your exposure to toxic substances and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Even after analyzing all of the dry shampoos that advertise themselves as clean, many of them contained ingredients we recommend avoiding. Much like other product categories, it’s so important to always look at ingredients lists to ensure safety.
For quick recommendations for all clean dry shampoos we rated Best:
