8 Safe, Non-Toxic Dry Shampoo Brands For a Game-Changing Hair Routine (2024)
Image: Prose
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Safe, Non-Toxic Dry Shampoo
Life moves at a frantic pace. Forget FOMO — rushing about to keep up with today’s increasing demands is pressure enough. Sometimes, you don’t even have time to shower. You still want to look well-groomed, which is why manufacturers invented dry shampoo.
However, you don’t want to harm the planet in your rush for beauty on the fly. Nor do you want to introduce toxins into your body that will come back to haunt you. How can you ensure the products you grab in a rush won’t cause issues? Here’s your guide to eight safe, non-toxic dry shampoo brands that keep your locks lush on busy days.
The Many Wonders of Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo can be a lifesaver on busy mornings. However, even the most useful inventions have the potential for misuse. Life is often a balancing act — too much of a good thing can be as bad as too little.
Some brands contain chemicals proven to harm human health. Many of them are known carcinogens, meaning they may cause cancer. Why take the risk? There are safer, non-toxic dry shampoo brands you can seek out.
Are There Any Downsides to Dry Shampoo?
The biggest downside to dry shampoo is the risk it may contain harmful chemicals. One such substance is benzene. Unilever, one of the largest brands in the world, recently issued a voluntary recall of select lot codes of the following well-known dry shampoo labels:
Dove
Nexxus
Suave
Rockaholic
Bedhead
The manufacturer produced the recalled items before October 2021, but you can check if you still have one of these items haunting your medicine cabinet. Be careful with disposal, as aerosol cans may explode in certain conditions. Contact your waste disposal facility for advice on how to safely rid yourself of these products.
Benzene exposure increases your risk of severe negative health events, especially leukemia and lung cancer. With lung cancer being the second most common form of cancer, it is important to avoid unhealthy chemicals and keep yourself safe.
Downsides of Dry Shampoo That Aren’t Health-Related
There is one other drawback of dry shampoo — you can only use it so many times before it loses effectiveness. These products can build up on hair strands, weighing them down and making them clump. Using dry shampoo for too many days in a row can leave residue, making you feel like you belong among the Founding Fathers with your coiffed white “wig.”
Why Non-Toxic Beauty Matters
Choosing non-toxic products benefits your health and that of the planet. Benzene is just one of the problematic substances dry shampoo brands can contain. Others can create issues in sensitive populations or harm the ecosystem.
1. Health
Cancer isn’t the only health risk. Some ingredients in dry shampoo can clog pores, while others prompt your skin to create more sebum, especially around the hairline. You could suffer a breakout if prone to pimples, especially on your forehead.
Furthermore, dry shampoo can also make existing dandruff look worse. In addition to the flakiness of the talc, it can affect the skin of your scalp if you don’t wash with regular shampoo often enough. It’s a delicate balancing act — and unfortunately, you may have to experiment to find the right schedule for you.
2. The Environment
Some products wreak havoc on the natural world. The problem lies in the ingredients they contain. Safe, non-toxic dry shampoos are free of these harmful substances, but you need to get smart about reading labels. Here’s what to look out for:
Talc: While some scientists believe that contamination by asbestos causes carcinogenic effects in talc-based baby power, others believe it is the powder itself. That’s especially problematic considering how much you inhale when spraying dry shampoo near your face.
Liquid petroleum gas: Liquid petroleum gas is a type of volatile organic compound (VOC). VOCs can irritate your eyes, nose and throat, cause nausea and headaches and damage your kidneys and nervous system. They also contribute to global warming by acting as greenhouse gasses, letting toxins build up in the atmosphere.
Cetrimonium chloride: This substance is toxic, irritating and causes allergic reactions. It’s fatal if swallowed, making it dangerous for parents of little ones. It can also harm aquatic environments.
Silicon: This substance is not biodegradable. It’s worse than plastic for the environment in some ways, as it doesn’t break down into tiny particles over time without outside help. The small particles found in unsafe dry shampoos will continue to exist for hundreds of years from now, making them harmful to the planet.
Do all dry shampoos contain these harmful chemicals? The good news is that the answer is no — you can find safe, non-toxic brands.
8 Safe, Non-Toxic Dry Shampoo Brands to Try
You understand the risks of using dry shampoos laden with chemical toxins to your health and the planet. However, reality says you don’t have time to research every ingredient on a product’s label before deciding to buy. That’s where this guide comes in — here are eight of the best safe, non-toxic dry shampoo brands to try.
1. Primally Pure
Price: $16(1oz) - $28(2oz)
Do you want to stimulate hair growth while still getting to work on time after accidentally sleeping through your alarm? You can do so with Primally Pure. Their signature lavender, grapefruit and peppermint blend nurtures your follicles while refreshing your ‘do. How does it absorb grease? This safe, non-toxic formula uses a blend of arrowroot powder and kaolin clay to soak up dirt and oil. It’s free of petroleum to avoid weighing down your hair and skips the problematic talc.
2. Prose
Price: $25-30(1.4oz)
What if you had a team of people at the ready to personalize your hair care experience? With Prose, you do. This company takes a different approach to style, letting you customize your formula with safe, non-toxic ingredients that address specific issues with your locks.
Do you need more volume? Extra oil control? Simply take the fun quiz on their website to create a custom blend for your needs.
3. Billie
Price: $14(1.2oz)
With a name like “Floof,” how could the Billie brand be more adorable? Their packaging earns high marks on the cuteness scale too, like a tiny happy clown on your vanity waiting to bring a smile to your face. The aerosol-free rice starch absorbs dirt and oils while the baking soda zaps grease. You can choose from light or dark-colored formulations, making this safe, non-toxic dry shampoo ideal for nearly everyone.
4. Beauty by Earth
Price: $22(1.3 oz)
This innovative dry shampoo comes with a slim nozzle that makes a thorough application a snap.
It comes in two shades for light or dark tresses.
Cornstarch and arrowroot powder do the tough job of tackling oil and grease, and it’s unscented if fragrances leave you with a headache.
5. Rahua
Price: $32(1.8oz)
What is cassava? This South American root veggie is a food staple in many countries, thanks to its rich, filling fiber. However, this stuff doesn’t only nourish your intestinal microbiome. You also have colonies of these beneficial bacteria on your skin, and this ingredient treads lightly on it while absorbing oil, dirt and grease. The star anise contains antimicrobial properties that further balance your scalp’s flora.
6. Act + Acre
Price: $26(0.6oz)
This plant-based dry shampoo comes in convenient spritz packaging that provides easy application without damaging the environment. It’s free of problematic ingredients, including:
Talc, Alcohol, Aerosol, Parabens, Phthalates & Artificial fragrance
This clear formula is safe for any hair color. Slide one into your gym bag for a quick refresher after the gym.
7. Fat & the Moon
Price: $18(2oz)
How does Fat and the Moon absorb oil and grease? It’s a blend of cocoa, starch, clay and lavender powder that will create an aura of relaxation around your head to promote a calm, positive mood for your day — even if you woke up on the wrong side of the bed. It’s free of aluminum and safe for all hair colors. If anything, the cocoa will give a subtle ombre touch to the lightest hues.
8. Chagrin Valley
Price: $19(4.5oz)
You’ll notice that none of the brands on the list thus far use aerosol. Neither does Chagrin Valley — your purchase comes packaged in a shaker for easy application. The beauty of Chagrin Valley lies in choice. They offer four formulas — two for dark hair and two for light. Select from lavender and rosemary or fresh mint, alternating fragrances or creating a signature scent that lingers on your pillow.
Safe, Non-Toxic Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a must-have in a pinch, but some brands can wreak havoc on your health and the planet. Spend your money wisely, investing in the best, non-toxic dry shampoo brands for your unique hair profile.
Each brand above goes above and beyond to tread lightly on the planet while safeguarding your health. They’re also effective, correcting minor hair issues as nature intended and, above all, getting you to the office on time.
About the Author
Mia Barnes is a health and beauty writer with a passion for sustainable living and wellness. Mia is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine, an online publication that covers healthy and eco-friendly living. Follow Mia and Body+Mind on Twitter and LinkedIn!
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