Dry shampoo is a lifesaver for those of us who want to skip a wash day or two. It is convenient, quick, and gets the job done! But most dry shampoos contain harmful ingredients like benzene, which can be toxic to your hair and scalp! Enter: benzene free dry shampoos! They are safe, effective and also are great at getting the job done – absorbing oil and dirt from the hair, leaving it looking fresh.
But how do you know which ones to choose and where to find them?
Worry not, my lovely hair queens! I have got you covered with the 10 best rated benzene-free dry shampoos that are good for your hair and will cause you no harm.
Next time you are struggling with greasy hair, be sure to come back to this list to know which dry shampoo to get your hands on!
Switch To Benzene-Free Dry Shampoos
Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid that is used in the production of many products, including gasoline, plastics, and rubber. It is also a known carcinogen, meaning that it can cause cancer.
Unfortunately, benzene can be found in some dry shampoos and can be absorbed through the skin and scalp. This can lead to a number of health problems, including:
- Hair loss
- Skin irritation
- Respiratory problems
- Cancer
It is important to keep in mind, however, that benzene is not added to dry shampoos intentionally; in fact, it is a contaminant. For this reason, it is practically impossible to know whether a particular product contains benzene or not without actually testing it. Generally, aerosol products of any kind are at the highest risk of benzene contamination, if they contain propellants like butane, isobutane, or propane.
Traditionally, dry shampoos help greatly in reducing hair oiliness, extending time between washes. However, overuse, prolonged use, and incorrect use can all affect hair negatively. In fact, dry shampoo can actually damage your hair, which is why it is imperative to learn to make the right selection.
How to Find the Best Benzene-Free Dry Shampoo
I strongly recommend staying away from aerosol dry shampoos (unless they clearly state they are benzene-free) and opt for powder or foam-based ones instead. These formulations do not contain harmful propellants and most of them also include ingredients that balance scalp oil, add volume and extend time between washes.
But what are these magic ingredients, you ask? Well, here is what you need to look for in the ingredient list:
- Plant-based, oil absorbing starches: rice, arrowroot, corn, tapioca, cacao, aluminum,
- Organic extracts that nourish scalp: essential oils, peptides, conditioning agents
- Avoid synthetic fragrances that cause irritation: only naturally-derived fragrances
- Avoid talc: linked to several types of cancer (contaminated with asbestos)
- Avoid preservatives of any kind
How to Use Dry Shampoo To Treat Greasy Hair
Now that we know what ingredients to look out for in choosing our dry shampoo, what is the best way to use it? This may surprise you but a lot of ladies are applying their dry shampoo incorrectly, causing their hair to look greasier than what they started with.
Here is a quick breakdown of how to apply the different types of dry shampoos.
Aerosol
- Shake the can well.
- Hold the can about 8 inches away from your hair and spray evenly.
- Massage the dry shampoo into your hair with your fingertips.
- Comb through your hair to distribute the dry shampoo evenly.
- Style your hair as desired.
Foam
- Shake the can well.
- Add 1-2 pumps into palms.
- Lightly emulsify with fingertips..
- Massage into roots, hairline and nape.
- Air or blow dry as desired.
Powder
- Add a few shakes to your roots.
- Blend lightly with your fingertips.
- Style your hair as desired.
Mess-free version with Powder
- Use a brush applicator to disperse powder in sections of your roots.
- Massage loosely with fingertips.
- Comb through your hair to distribute.
- Style your hair as desired.
10 Best Rated Dry Shampoos For Your Hair
Since dry shampoos come in a variety of formulations, textures, and can be used in a variety of ways, it’s important to choose one that is best suited for:
- Your hair type. If you have oily hair, you will need a dry shampoo that is specifically formulated with ingredients that is fast-absorbing. If you have dry hair, you will need a dry shampoo that is formulated with natural oils that nourish your hair.
- Your hair texture. If you have fine hair, you will need a dry shampoo that is lightweight and won’t weigh your hair down. If you have thick hair, you will need a dry shampoo that is more volumizing.
- Your lifestyle. If you need a dry shampoo that will keep your hair looking fresh all day, you will need a dry shampoo that is long-lasting. If you only need a dry shampoo to touch up your hair between washes, you can choose a dry shampoo that is less long-lasting.
With tons of different products out there on the market, it can be quite difficult to know which one to choose even after considering all the points I have talked about above. Therefore, for your convenience, I have taken a deep, deep dive on the internet to scope out the best-rated benzene-free dry shampoos that not only your hair will love but so will you!
Keep in mind that all the dry shampoos on this list below are free of harmful ingredients, especially benzene, and are best-rated (around 4 stars and above). Most, if not all, come in 2 separate versions: light-hair and dark/red-hair. Also, the prices listed below may vary based on your location. Lastly, the products are listed in no particular order.
So, let’s begin, shall we?
1. Innersense Refresh Dry Shampoo
PROS
- lightweight foam
- no greasy residue
- certified organic
CONS
- can be drying on very dry hair
- pricier
BEST FOR
- fine, limp hair
- gentle refresh
This dry shampoo is more like a mousse than a spray or powder. Its lightweight foam makes texture, removes excess oil /grease, builds body, and renews second day hair. Tapioca starch and witch hazel soak up oil like champs, while certified organic honey adds body and shine. The citrusy scent is mild but fresh! Say goodbye to greasy roots and hello to happy, healthy hair!
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Customers love Innersense line of products and the Innersense Refresh Dry Shampoo is also a fan favorite! Tina Gregory from Highland Lakes, NJ, claims “Refresh is a game changer” and loves its effortless application. However, it didn’t seem to work for a few reviewers, leaving their hair looking greasier.
2. Beauty By Earth Dry Shampoo & Volume Powder
PROS
- affordable
- vegan & cruelty-free
- adds volume
CONS
- less effective for heavy oil
- powdery finish
BEST FOR
- budget-conscious
- occasional use
This affordable vegan hero is like a double shot of espresso for your hair. Arrowroot powder, corn starch, and kaolin clay quickly absorb oil, grease and dirt, while adding natural volume to hair.
The bottle is easy to use so you can apply the powder at work, while you’re traveling, after the gym, or any other time you need to clean your hair on the go. Bonus points for the irresistible mild lavender scent! Your hair will thank you (and so will the planet).
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
A lot of customers liked this product because it is aerosol-free, certified vegan and works well with all hair types and color! This dry shampoo has over 1,200+ ratings on Amazon and most reviewers are satisfied with how well it works, smells, and best of all it is benzene-free!
3. Viori Magnolia & Peony Dry Shampoo
PROS
- Plant-derived
- color-safe
- calming scent
CONS
- Not as absorbent for very oily hair
- messy application
BEST FOR
- Sensitive scalps
- Light oil buildup
This luxurious plant-powered dry shampoo is like a tropical vacation for your senses. Their infamous longsheng rice powder, along with arrowroot, Kaolin, and cacao shell powder absorb excess oil & grease. The sweet & soft fragrance of peony with the soothing aroma of magnolia leaves your hair smelling like a blooming garden, perfect for perking up your mood and your mane!
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
“I love the texture-it blends in easily and does not leave a white cast. Leaves my hair and scalp feeling clean and the fragrance is just right,” says Lisa A, a verified reviewer. Other buyers have also raved about how well the Viori Magnolia & Peony Dry Shampoo has worked for them, one reviewer specifically requesting the brand to make a shampoo & conditioner version of this scent!
4. Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo
PROS
- deep cleanses
- removes sweat & odor
- volumizing
CONS
- strong scent
- drying on some hair types
BEST FOR
- light hair
- oily scalps
- post-workout refresh
This salon-quality dry shampoo is made from a super-absorbent formula that eliminates oil and impurities, leaving hair looking and feeling clean and refreshed with extra volume. Micro-fine rice powders absorb excess oils and odors, while golden root extract increases moisture to prevent dryness and breakage. It’s like a mini detox every time you spray!
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Although the Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo is on the pricier side, it is an absolute fan-favorite! While some reviewers rave about the scent, others have found the scent overpowering. Katherine Keating, A verified Amazon buyer has said she has “tried many dry shampoos over the years but this is by far the best one…makes my hair look better and doesn’t leave a white residue.”
5. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
PROS
- long-lasting oil control
- invisible finish
- heat protectant
CONS
- pricier
- strong scent may not be for everyone
BEST FOR
- color-treated hair types
- long-lasting freshness
This award-winning dry shampoo is basically magic in a bottle. Their patented technology absorbs oil and build-up like nobody’s business, leaving your hair clean and weightless. It even protects against heat damage and adds a touch of shine. It’s a bit of a splurge, but trust me, your hair will be thanking you for years to come.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
With over 13K 5-star reviews on their website, some reviewers of Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo expressed having issues with the aerosol spray. They found that the spray nozzle stopped working even when the bottle was half full, leaving them no way of continuing to use it further- Yikes!
6. I Dew Care Tap Secret Mattifying Dry Shampoo
PROS
- compact-size
- gentle on sensitive scalps
- cruelty-free & vegan
CONS
- less effective for heavy oil
- may leave some residue
BEST FOR
- oily scalps
- gentle oil control
Another award-winning product, this adorable little dry shampoo is a secret weapon for oily scalps and sensitive souls. An ultra-fine dry shampoo that eliminates grease at your roots and keeps your scalp nice and healthy with antioxidant-rich black ginseng and nourishing biotin. All you have to do is gently tap 2-3 times, massage, and hair is instantly revived!
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
You won’t be surprised to know that a lot of reviewers have claimed to have switched to I Dew Care Tap Secret Mattifying Dry Shampoo from their favorite aerosol brands, namely Batiste. They feel safer knowing that this product is not just benzene free but also hypoallergenic! The unique patting application of the product left “my head…as dry as the Sahara desert” 😂, says Kelia Madison, a verified buyer on Amazon!
7. Drop Dead Gorgeous Dry Shampoo
PROS
- affordable
- natural ingredients
- adds texture
CONS
- can be drying
- not the most absorbent
BEST FOR
- Budget-conscious
- everyday use
Don’t let the name fool you, this dry shampoo is anything but deadly! Made with plant based and vegan ingredients like rice powder, kaolin clay, cocoa powder and essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint) to provide nourishment to hair and scalp. This clean and sustainable dry shampoo powder will remove unwanted grease and volumize your hair in quick time!
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Reviewers on Amazon have loved this dry shampoo for what it does. Some have said they would definitely buy again, while others wished the bottle was bigger! However, one reviewer said it did not work for their “very fine blonde hair” as it made their “hair heavy, flat, dirty, lifeless and quite dull”.
8. Acure Dry Shampoo Powder
PROS
- vegan & cruelty-free
- not heavily scented
- super affordable
CONS
- Less effective for heavily oiled hair
- can leave some residue
BEST FOR
- Eco-conscious
- light oil buildup
This certified organic dry shampoo is like a hug for your hair and the planet. Baking soda and cornstarch absorb oil without stripping your hair, while rosemary and peppermint oils balance scalp pH and add shine to hair. Your hair will be thanking you and Mother Earth will too! The packaging is convenient and travel-friendly as well.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Reviewers especially love that Acure Dry Shampoo has little to no scent and is benzene-free. They also love the packaging as it “easily fits in my bag”, says EvaHorani, a verified purchaser at iHerb. Since it is in powder form, users have preferred to apply it with a brush, instead of putting it directly on the scalp, avoiding unwanted buildup.
9. Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk Ultra-Gentle
PROS
- affordable
- vegan & cruelty-free
- adds volume
CONS
- less effective for heavy oil
- powdery finish
BEST FOR
- budget-conscious
- occasional use
This award-winning plant-based dry shampoo is like a gentle caress for your scalp, adding texture & volume to hair and extending the life of blowouts. Oat milk soothes and calms irritation, while rice starch absorbs oil effectively. The light, natural scent is perfect for those who prefer a fragrance-free option. Your hair will be soft, smooth, and oh-so-happy.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
This is by far the most fan-fave dry shampoo I have ever come across, with over 5K ratings and being tagged as Amazon’s Choice. Jazalyn, a verified buyer on Amazon, raved that it worked for her “blonde hair that is fine and thin”. She loved it so much she just “had to leave a review! It smells great, is easy to use, and best of all actually makes my hair look AND feel clean!”
10. Kaia Naturals The Takesumi Detox Overnight Dry Shampoo
PROS
- overnight detox
- vegan, cruelty-free, natural
- charcoal for purification
CONS
- messy application
- strong scent
- can be drying
- pricier
BEST FOR
- deep cleanse
- occasional use
This innovative overnight dry shampoo is like a night spa for your hair, regardless of whether you are a blonde or a brunette. Activated charcoal draws out impurities and toxins while you sleep, while rice and tapioca starch work their magic to absorb oil.
Wake up to fresh, revitalized hair that feels clean and bouncy, all thanks to the overnight detoxifying power of this unique formula. Perfect for busy bees or anyone who loves the convenience of waking up to effortlessly fabulous hair.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Although on the pricier side, one reviewer said it’s “worth the money…and keeps my hair looking great.” Another reviewer said they “loved the light scent” and further expressed that “the brown is perfect for my black brown balayage hair”.
FAQs
All the dry shampoos in this article are considered to be less toxic than others on the market. These are my top picks:
- Viori Magnolia & Peony Dry Shampoo Powder
- Acure Dry Shampoo
- I Dew Care Tap Secret Mattifying Dry Shampoo
- Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
- Kaia Naturals The Takesumi Detox Overnight Dry Shampo
These dry shampoos are all free of harmful ingredients, like benzene, and they are all effective at absorbing oil and dirt from the hair.
There are a few ways to tell if your dry shampoo has benzene.
- Check the ingredients list. Benzene is a known carcinogen, so it should not be listed as an ingredient in any dry shampoo. If you see benzene listed on the ingredients list, do not use the product.
Sometimes, benzene is not listed as an ingredient in dry shampoos. In this case, discontinue use if you see ingredients like butane, isobutane or propane (unless clearly stated that benzene is not an ingredient).
- Look for the benzene warning label. Some dry shampoos may have a benzene warning label. This means that the product contains benzene and that it should be used with caution.
- Contact the manufacturer. If you are not sure if your dry shampoo contains benzene, you can contact the manufacturer and ask them directly. It is better to be safe than sorry!
It is unclear whether Batiste dry shampoos still contain benzene or not. According to the Top Class Actions website, the owners of Batiste dry shampoo brand “didn’t admit to any wrongdoing but agreed to a $2.5 million settlement to resolve the benzene class action lawsuit.”
Aside from benzene, Batiste Dry Shampoo contains other harmful ingredients like talc and chemical fragrances. It is also not a cruelty-free brand.
All of the dry shampoos listed in this article are not recalled. They are all safe and effective products that can be used without worry. Here is the list of 10 best-rated benzene-free dry shampoos that are not recalled:
- Innersense Refresh Dry Shampoo
- Beauty By Earth Dry Shampoo & Volume Powder
- Viori Magnolia & Peony Dry Shampoo
- Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo
- Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
- I Dew Care Tap Secret Mattifying Dry Shampoo
- Drop Dead Gorgeous Dry Shampoo
- Acure Dry Shampoo Powder
- Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk
- Kaia Naturals The Takesumi Detox Overnight Dry Shampoo
What's Your Pick
What did you think of the list of the 10 best rated benzene-free dry shampoos? Have you tried any of them? If so, what was your opinion-how did it help your hair?
Dry shampoo is a great way to extend the life of your hair between washes. But remember, there’s a perfectly clean and safe dry shampoo out there for every hair type and need. So ditch the chemicals, embrace the good vibes, and rock your natural crown with confidence!
And don’t forget to let your friends and fam know your favorites in the comments below. Happy healthy hair days, everyone!
14 Responses
So Happy to NOT see batiste on here. You are the only person on the internet that I have found who has truthfully said that Batiste is unclear in stating whether their products have benzene or not!
Anyway, I have tried some of the dry shampoos on this list and my fave by far is the Tap Secret one by I dew Care. I carry it around everywhere in my purse because it is so handy dandy!
Some of the others on the list, I have never even heard of so I am really interested in checking them out as I am always on the lookout for clean and safe haircare products!
By the way, I love your website and all the info you provide!!! keep it going!💓
Thank you Selina for the lovely compliments- it truly means a lot! 💕 I am also always looking out for clean and safe haircare products so stay tuned for more of my well-researched recommendations!
Love it- thanks!
You’re most welcome, Brianna! 💕
I have recently thrown away my batiste dry shampoo because i heard of the lawsuit on tiktok! ever since then I have been so scared to use a dry shampoo but so happy now that i read this post and found out that there are options available! thanks so much!
Hey Reeni, yes! There are always clean and safe options available- we just have to look in the right places! 💕
This came at the right time! I have been searching so hard for dry shampoos that don’t contain toxic ingredients. This list has some really good options for me to try! Will definitely be buying the Viori dry shampoo as it is powder and appeals the most to me!
I have the same one and I absolutely love it so far! it doesn’t leave a chalky residue on my dark hair but I would say that I always feel like I have to wash with shampoo next day. but that’s just me being overly paranoid!🫣
Awesome suggestions!
thank you!💕
Some of them I haven’t even heard of! Anyways, just bought the Drop Dead Gorgeous one from your list! Can’t want for it to arrive!
Awesome! Let me know how you like it when it arrives! 💕
I have been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found
any article on toxic-free dry shampoos like yours. It is pretty thorough -just what I was looking for.
In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made good
content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.
Aww, so glad my post was able to help you out in your search, Grady! Thanks for stopping by and for your compliments- means a lot! 💕