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11 Best Non-Toxic Dry Shampoo Brands for Safe & Beautiful Hair
Dry shampoo has been my lifesaver for cutting down the time and energy spent on my personal care routine. It streamlines everything—shower time, shampooing, even post-workout recovery. But those chemical-filled aerosol cans? They’ve got to go. As part of my journey towards non-toxic living, switching to non-toxic dry shampoo has transformed my hair care, and I'm excited to share this knowledge with you :)
Traditional dry shampoos are super toxic. They use ingredients like talc and parabens to name a couple biggies.
Oh and the conventional aerosol mechanism requires propellants like propane, isobutane and butane that result in VOCs in the air and contamination of benzene which studies have shown is linked to cancer! Is skipping the shower really worth that risk? I think not...
So if you're here to skip the shower but stay clean, you're in the right place. Let's get into it.
Why Switch to Non Toxic Dry Shampoos?
Conventional dry shampoo might seem like a quick fix, but it comes with hidden risks. The chemicals packed into those convenient aerosol cans are anything but harmless. Here’s why making the switch to toxin-free dry shampoos is a smart move:
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Toxic Chemicals: Conventional dry shampoos often contain harmful ingredients like parabens and talc. Talc can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen, while parabens are preservatives that can disrupt hormone function by mimicking estrogen
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Harmful Aerosols: Aerosol cans rely on propellants like propane and butane, which release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air, leading to respiratory issues and environmental damage.
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Benzene Contamination: Several popular aerosol dry shampoos have been found to contain benzene, a known carcinogen linked to cancer.
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Natural Alternatives Work Just as Well: Clean dry shampoos use safe, plant-based ingredients like arrowroot powder and kaolin clay, offering the same oil absorption and volume without the dangerous side effects.
Do all dry shampoos contain these harmful chemicals? No, you can find safe, non-toxic brands without sacrificing your hair care routine.
Natural alternatives work just as well: Clean dry shampoos use safe, plant-based ingredients like arrowroot powder and kaolin clay. These natural ingredients offer the same oil absorption and volume-boosting effects without dangerous side effects. Many also have natural cleansing properties that support a healthy scalp microbiome.
So switching to nontoxic, natural dry shampoos means you can skip the chemicals and the risk to your health! Instead, you can stay clean and healthy, and support products that care for both you and the environment.
Here is where our guide comes in and the best safe and nontoxic dry shampoo brands to try!
The Best Non Toxic Dry Shampoo Brands
"Best"
Primally Pure | Shop here*
Fat & The Moon | Shop here*
Lulu Organics | Shop here*
Chagrin Valley | Shop here*
Acure | Shop here*
Beauty by Earth | Shop here*
Rahua | Shop here*
Row Casa Organics | Shop here*
"Better"
Captain Blankenship | Shop here*
Hair Dance | Shop here*
Act+Acre | Shop here*
How Do We Choose the Best Natural Dry Shampoos?
The dry shampoos that end up on this list go through the ringer.
We thoroughly vet each and every one from the ingredients to their effectiveness. White cast? Residue? Messy application? We evaluate it all.
Aerosol sprays never make our list.
These often contain questionable propellants and chemicals that can harm both your health and the environment. We stick to powder dry shampoo and non-aerosol sprays for a safer, cleaner experience.
We test the top contenders on various hair types and colors, ensuring they perform well without leaving residue or that dreaded chalky finish. Then we gather feedback and reviews from others with various hair types, colors, and lifestyles to fill in the gaps from our own experience.
"Best" vs "Better"
We've categorized the products into two lists— "Best" and "Better"—based on their ingredients and overall safety.
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"Best" Natural Dry Shampoos: These top choices feature natural or organic ingredients and excel in effectiveness, ease of use, and sustainability, making them standout options.
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"Better" Natural Dry Shampoos: These options contain silica, which is up for debate regarding its toxicity. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), silica is considered safe in non-inhalable forms, like liquids and solids. However, in products like powders that could be inhaled, silica may pose respiratory risks. While these dry shampoos have great ingredients, their inclusion of silica places them in our "Better" category.
Our goal is to help you find a dry shampoo that’s not only effective but also aligns with your values for health and sustainability.
What Are the "Best" Non Toxic Dry Shampoos?
Lulu Organics* (Our Top Pick)
Best Overall
Pricing: $25.20
Certifications: None (Although the ingredients are organically sourced or grown in an organic home garden!)
Tint Options: One Tint Fits All
Key Ingredients: Non-GMO Organic Corn Starch, White Clay, Organic Lavender & Clary Sage Essential Oils
Why We Like It:
I don't normally go for the scented options as my top picks for my personal care products, even if they're naturally scented. But this one actually made it to the top because of it's scent!I love the earthy and feminine combo of lavender and clary sage. As for efficacy, it works exactly as I would hope a dry shampoo would. The organic corn starch and white clay effectively absorb excess oil and moisture from hair follicles, leaving your hair fresh and voluminous.
What sets this product apart is its ability to cleanse without disrupting your scalp's natural microbiome. Plus, there are none of the unfortunate side effects that sometimes come with using dry shampoo - no build-up, no white cast, and it's easy to wash out!
Probably my favorite thing about this brand is that it's run by a conscious couple (Lulu & Jim) who handmake their products from herbs grown straight from their homestead garden! Packaging is often mismatched and always upcycled. That's so my style. It's the perfect natural dry shampoo, and I love supporting these two pioneers in clean beauty.
Image @ Lulu Organics
Primally Pure*
Best For Light Shades
Pricing: $18.00
Certifications: N/A
Tint Options: Dark Locks, Light Locks (Product Review is for Light Locks)
Key Natural Ingredients: Arrowroot Powder, Kaolin Clay, Grapefruit Essential Oil
Why We Like It:
I tested the "Light Locks" version so that I could give a solid review, and while it wasn't the right shade for me and I can't properly speak to it's white casting effects, I was super impressed with how well it absorbed oil. It’s perfect for post-workout refreshes—especially after a sweaty hot yoga session. The Dark Locks one stays in my yoga bag for good! I also love the sleek bottle with adjustable holes, making it easy to control how much I use. Plus, their partnership with Pact for recycling is amazing. You can mail back your empties, get rewarded with a discount, and feel good about reducing waste.
Shop Primally Pure here* (Use Orbasics for 10% off)
Image @ Primally Pure
Chagrin Valley*
Best For Darker Hair
Pricing: $18.50
Certifications: USDA Organic, Leaping Bunny
Tint Options: Dark
Key Toxic Free Ingredients: Organic Tapioca Flour, Organic Rosemary Essential Oil, Organic Burdock Root
Why We Like It:
I love that this dry shampoo comes in FSC-certified recycled paper packaging. Sure, it’s a bit messier than plastic, but I use a small dish and makeup brush to avoid spills—totally worth it for the sustainability. The clean ingredients and it being an organic dry shampoo with an organic certification are a huge win, and it blends perfectly with my dark hair with minimal effort. Plus, this brand’s commitment to sustainability is unmatched—they consider the entire product lifecycle, which is exactly what I want from personal care products.
Image @ Chagrin Valley
Acure*
Best Budget Option
Pricing: $14.99
Certifications: Climate Neutral
Tint Options: One Tint Fits All
Key Nontoxic Ingredients: Arrowroot Powder, Kaolin Clay, Rosemary Oil, Peppermint Oil
Why We Like It:
This is definitely the best dry shampoo bang for your buck! I could tell it wasn't of the same luxurious quality as some others on this list, but it does the job and has a subtle yet pleasant smell that I actually enjoy. I'm impressed that it leaves my hair feeling soft and natural, like I’ve just washed it, without that stiff texture some dry shampoos leave behind. While it takes a bit more effort to blend with very dark hair, it’s still manageable. Light hair shades shouldn't have an issue. Plus, I love that they partner with nonprofits like Unite for HER and Turning Green—it always feels good to support a brand that gives back.
Image @ Acure
Beauty by Earth*
Best Voluminous Dry Shampoo
Pricing: $21.99
Certifications: USDA Organic, Leaping Bunny, Plastic Neutral
Tint Options: One Tint Fits All
Key Non-Toxic Ingredients: Corn Starch, Kaolin Clay, Lavender
Why We Like It:
The fine-tip dispenser makes this dry shampoo so much easier to apply! It blends quickly, even with my medium brown hair—no white cast and less time spent rubbing it in. My favorite trick is applying it to my hair when it's wet and then blow-drying for amazing texture and volume. I hardly use it the traditional way anymore, but it’s my go-to for that voluminous look. Beauty by Earth is committed to organic ingredients across their entire product line and I love supporting a brand that cares enough to make such a statement.
Image @ Beauty by Earth
Rahua*
Best Non-Aerosol Spray
Pricing: $32.00
Certifications: N/A
Tint Options: One Tint Fits All
Key Natural Ingredients: Cassava, Cosmetic Clay, Organic Star Anise
Why We Like It:
Yes, this dry shampoo is on the pricier side, but it’s one of the most effective I’ve tried. The spray nozzle offers the ease of an aerosol can without any of the harsh chemicals, and I actually find it fun to use! The natural vanilla scent from essential oils is just the right touch—not overpowering, just pleasant. What truly sets this product apart for me is its deeper impact. The ingredients are grown in a virgin rainforest using ancestral knowledge, so buying it helps preserve the Amazon and protect a culture’s wisdom. It feels meaningful every time I use it.
Image @ Rahua
Rowe Casa Organics*
Best For Medium Shades
Pricing: $22.00
Certifications: N/A
Tint Options: Dark, Medium, Light (Product Review is for Medium Tint)
Key (Organic) Ingredients: Organic Arrowroot Powder, Organic Black Walnut Hull Powder, Organic Cocoa Powder
Why We Like It:
This stuff lasts forever. Even after a month of regular use, I barely noticed a dent in the amount of product. I also love that the jar is clear, so I can actually see how much is left, which is rare for dry shampoos. But my favorite part is that it doesn’t change the texture of my hair. Most dry shampoos leave my hair feeling different, but this one keeps it looking and feeling just like my normal, everyday hair—just without the oil and grease. Even though they don't have an organic certification, Rowe Casa Organics lists organic ingredients in their products and they strive to source the purest they can find.
Image @ Row Casa Organics
Fat & The Moon*
Best Herbal Dry Shampoo
Pricing: $18.00
Certifications: N/A
Tint Options: One Tint Fits All
Key Non-Toxic Ingredients: Arrowroot powder, Farmer Co-op Cocoa Powder, Lavender
Why We Like It:
Fat & The Moon is one of my favorite clean cosmetic brands—they make this dry shampoo feel like a handcrafted herbal remedy from the local herbalist! I even tested it on my blonde friend to see if the cocoa powder would show, and as long as we applied it sparingly with a blush brush, there was no visible color mismatch and still super effective. The ingredients are so clean, they’re almost edible, and I love that they offer refill pouches to reduce waste. Their slogan, "packaging is an ingredient," really speaks to how much they care about every aspect of their products, from the inside out. The aluminum shaker feels super secure, making it my go-to for travel. So much praise for this one!
Shop Fat & The Moon here* (Use Orbasics for 15% off)
Image @ Fat & The Moon
What Are the "Better" Non Toxic Dry Shampoos?
Captain Blankenship*
Best Naturally Scented
Pricing: $26.00
Certifications: Made Safe, Leaping Bunny, B Corp
Tint Options: Original Tint, Dark Tint (Product Review is for Original Tint)
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Organic Tapioca Starch, Organic Rice Powder, Kaolin Clay, Organic Rose Geranium EO, Organic Palmarosa EO
Why We Like It:
Founder Jana Blankenship’s touch as a natural perfumer really shines through in this dry shampoo—the scent is absolutely stunning and next level in both experience and function. The blend of rose geranium and palmarosa creates an uplifting, coastal wild rose fragrance, while also balancing scalp pH and controlling oil. It blends seamlessly into all hair types, and the aluminum packaging with an adjustable sifter makes it super practical. With organic ingredients and the Made Safe certification, this dry shampoo feels luxurious while still being a responsible choice.
Why "Better"?
Silica is found on the ingredient list of this dry shampoo. And even though EWG says the need for concern is low, we feel responsible in pointing it out especially considering the product is in powder form and the concern around silica is being inhaled and causing respiratory issues.
Shop Captain Blankenship here*
Image @ Captain Blankenship
Hair Dance*
Best Budget Runner-Up
Pricing: $9.99
Certifications: N/A
Tint Options: One Tint Fits All
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Organic Rice Starcn, Organic Colloidal Oatmeal, Organic Olive Leaf
Why We Like It:
I love supporting small businesses, and this USA-made dry shampoo with organic ingredients is a great find. Despite the powder being super white, it blended perfectly into my medium brown hair without leaving any cast. The narrow tip applicator is a fun bonus—it lets me be precise when targeting specific areas, and honestly, it makes me feel kind of artsy! The price is impressive, though it didn’t take first place because the quality and efficacy don’t quite match Acure. Still, it’s a solid budget option!
Why "Better"?
Silica is found on the ingredient list of this dry shampoo. And even though EWG says the need for concern is low, we feel responsible in pointing it out especially considering the product is in powder form and the concern around silica is being inhaled and causing respiratory issues.
Image @ Hair Dance
Act+Acre*
Best Unscented
Pricing: $26.00
Certifications: Climate Neutral (In Progress)
Tint Options: One Tint Fits All
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Rice Powder, Fulvic Acid,
Why We Like It:
I tried this dry shampoo pre-workout, inspired by a review I read, and it really helped keep my hair manageable, even after hot yoga. While I did need a little touch-up afterward, it held up better than expected. What I appreciate most about Act+Acre is their dedication to doing things differently. Their Cold Processed® method uses significantly less energy, and their refill program cuts down on plastic waste. The packaging is designed to last, which makes the whole experience feel more thoughtful and sustainable.
Why "Better"?
Silica is found on the ingredient list of this dry shampoo. And even though EWG says the need for concern is low, we feel responsible in pointing it out especially considering the product is in powder form and the concern around silica is being inhaled and causing respiratory issues.
Image @ Act+Acre
Buying Guide to Natural Dry Shampoo
Finding the right natural dry shampoo that works with your hair, fits your routine, and aligns with your values is exactly what you want. And I get it - with so many options out there, from the perfectly tinted to the eco-conscious, can feel overwhelming.
After testing these products on my own medium brown hair and looking into every detail, here’s what I recommend you need to know to find the best fit for you:
Hair Colors and Hair Type
When choosing a dry shampoo, it’s essential to find one that complements your hair color. Many brands offer different tints, but it often comes down to trial and error since everyone’s shade is unique. What works seamlessly for one person might require extra blending for another.
For more insight into how these products perform on different hair types and colors, be sure to check out our detailed reviews. Keep in mind that I’ve tested these products on my medium brown hair, so results may vary based on your specific hair color!
Ingredients to Stear Clear From
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Talc: Once a common ingredient in dry shampoos, talc has been linked to health concerns due to contamination with asbestos. Look for safer alternatives like arrowroot powder or rice starch.
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Liquid Petroleum Gases (LPGs) like Propane, Isobutane, and Butane: These are often used as propellants in aerosol dry shampoos. They’re not only flammable but also release harmful chemicals into the air (Benzene and other VOCs), contributing to indoor air pollution.
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Parabens & Sulfates: Parabens are preservatives linked to hormone disruption, and sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Look for products that are paraben- and sulfate-free for healthier hair and scalp.
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Fragrances: Many synthetic fragrances contain hidden chemicals that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Opt for dry shampoos with natural essential oils or unscented versions if you’re sensitive to fragrances.
Certifications to Look For
When selecting a non-toxic dry shampoo, certifications can help you identify brands committed to safe and sustainable practices and clean ingredients. Keep an eye out for these trusted labels:
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USDA Organic: Ensures the ingredients are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
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Leaping Bunny: Confirms the product wasn’t tested on animals.
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Made Safe: Certifies that the product is free of harmful ingredients and toxins.
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B Corp: Indicates the brand meets high standards for environmental and social responsibility.
These should get you off on the right foot. Definitely check out my reviews of each of the products on this list to get even more insight for your decision. I hope it helps!
How To Apply Dry Shampoo
Finding the right rhythm between regular shampoo and dry shampoo can take some time. Here’s how to apply it and make it work for you:
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Pro Tips:
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Use a makeup brush for precise application.
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Apply at night to absorb oils while you sleep, then touch up in the morning.
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Check your part—this area often collects excess product. Dampen your finger with water and dab it away.
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A lint roller works surprisingly well for removing excess from your hair.
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Wondering how much is too much? Start small—you can always add more, but over-applying can lead to build-up.
Key Takeaways:
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Non-toxic dry shampoos eliminate exposure to harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and benzene, helping protect your health while keeping your hair looking fresh.
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Natural dry shampoos use a variety of natural ingredients, such as arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, and essential oils, each offering unique benefits like oil absorption, scalp balancing, volume boosting and some can even stimulate hair growth.
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Choosing the right dry shampoo depends on factors like hair color, ingredients, and personal preference. We tested a variety of options, from budget picks like Acure to eco-friendly brands like Captain Blankenship—read the full reviews for more details.
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Look for important certifications like USDA Organic, Leaping Bunny, and Made Safe to ensure the products meet high standards for safety and eco-friendliness.
If you enjoyed this post, check out these other articles on safe and non toxic products:
FAQs
Which dry shampoos are not toxic?
Brands like Lulu Organics*, Chagrin Valley*, and Fat & The Moon* offer plant based dry shampoo with clean, natural ingredients.
What dry shampoo does not contain benzene?
Non-aerosol options like Rahua* do not contain benzene.
Are dry shampoos safe now?
Yes, many non-toxic, benzene-free options are available. Check for clean ingredients and certifications like Made Safe.
Is there a safe alternative to dry shampoo?
Yes, natural options like cornstarch or arrowroot powder can be used as DIY alternatives to conventional dry shampoos.
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Orbasics Gmbh is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Lauren Eaton
