For many of us, the convenience of dry shampoo is unbeatable—it’s like a breath of fresh air for our locks, especially when life gets hectic, and traditional washes seem like a distant luxury. However, when it comes to sensitive scalps, choosing the right dry shampoo becomes more than just a beauty decision—it’s about finding a product that refreshes and nurtures without harmful ingredients like benzene.
So, what’s benzene?
It’s a chemical used in lots of industrial stuff, from dyes to plastics. It can sneak into our daily products due to both natural processes, like volcanoes, and human activities, such as smoking or burning coal.
Now, why worry about benzene in dry shampoos? Well, many dry shampoos use things like propane and isobutane, and sometimes benzene can tag along as an impurity. Breathing in too much benzene can lead to some not-so-fun symptoms like drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches.
This benzene scare hit the beauty scene when it turned up in sunscreens and even dry shampoos, causing recalls. So, how does benzene end up in dry shampoo? Without strict quality checks, it might sneak in during the making process. But not every brand goes the extra mile to keep it out.
No need for concerns! We’re here to help you discover safe and 10 benzene-free dry shampoo. We’ll explore options that not only enhance the beauty of your hair but also prioritize the well-being of your scalp and overall health. Because, let’s be real, who wants to fuss over harmful chemicals when all we’re after is simply fabulous hair?
1. Klorane Benzene-Free Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk – Quick Refresh in a Bottle
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk has emerged as the best overall choice among its competitors, priced at $24. With an award-winning formula, this dry shampoo promises excellent oil absorption, volume enhancement, and a seamlessly blended application.
Key Features
- Award-Winning Formula: Recognized for its excellence
- Volume Enhancement: Provides impressive volume
- Oil Absorption: Exceptionally effective in absorbing oil
- Blending: Blends well into the hair
Pros:
- Absorbs oil exceptionally well
- Enhances volume effectively
- Gentle, plant-based formula suitable for all hair types
- Cruelty-free certification
Cons:
- Temporary white residue upon application
Details
- Size: 5.4 ounces
- Scent: Generic
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
Results/Performance:
Klorane Dry Shampoo impressed in all aspects during testing. It absorbed oil exceptionally well, provided excellent volume, and seamlessly blended into the hair. Notably, the fine powder effectively soaked grease from the roots without leaving a dry or chalky feel.
Sustainable style starts with clean ingredients. Choose benzene-free dry shampoos made with plant-based powders and essential oils for a good hair day and a good planet.
2. Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Benzene-Free Dry Shampoo
Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo has gained a reputation as one of the market’s best-sellers, priced at $30. Renowned for its talc-free formula, it promises more than just masking, aiming to make second and third-day hair appear and feel genuinely clean. Let’s dive into the details of this popular dry shampoo.
Key Features:
- The talc-free formula for authentic cleanliness
- Classic citrusy Living Proof scent
- Lightweight, doesn’t weigh down fine strands
Pros:
- Tackles second- and third-day hair effectively
- Refreshing citrusy scent
- Suitable for fine strands, doesn’t cause heaviness
Cons:
- No specific cons
Results/Performance:
Living Proof follows rigorous safety protocols, collaborating closely with the FDA and conducting thorough safety testing on raw materials. Each product lot comes with a Certificate of Analysis (COA), ensuring adherence to safety standards. An independent, third-party safety expert has verified that these dry shampoos are safe and pose no health risks.
Additional Details:
- Size: Standard size
- Price: $30
- Safety Assurance: Stringent safety protocols, FDA collaboration, and third-party safety expert verification
3. Kristin Ess Style Reviving Benzene-Free Dry Shampoo
Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo is a standout drugstore option, priced affordably at $15. With a quick-setting, invisible formula enriched with strengthening keratin and pea protein, this dry shampoo offers a convenient solution for on-the-go hair revival.
Key Features
- Quick Setting: Sets quickly for immediate results
- Invisible Application and Finish: Leaves no visible residue
- Strengthening Ingredients: Infused with keratin and pea protein
- Affordable: Drugstore option priced at $15
Pros:
- Quick absorbency and invisibility in the hair
- Effectively absorbs excess oil and provides volume
- Suitable for use with product buildup for a refreshed look
- Contains strengthening ingredients for healthier hair over time
- Affordable and available at drugstore prices
- Cruelty-free certification
Cons:
- Not ideal for daily use due to alcohol content
Details:
- Size: 4 ounces
- Scent: Fresh
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
Results/Performance:
Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo excels in delivering immediate results. Its absorbent starch and strengthening ingredients contribute to a refreshed and volumized look. The sleek, moody can add a touch of elegance to the drugstore experience.
4. Billie Floof Benzene-Free Dry Shampoo
Billie Floof Dry Shampoo, priced at $14, stands out as an aerosol-free powder alternative for those seeking convenience without compromising on efficacy. Available in two shades, this unique dry shampoo offers excellent oil absorption and ease of use.
Key Features:
- Two Shades Available: Options for both light and dark hair
- Excellent Oil Absorption: Effectively absorbs grease with baking soda and rice starch
- Blends Well and Easy to Use: Provides easy application and seamless blending
- Cute, Round Bottle: Aesthetically pleasing and minimizes mess
- Cruelty-Free: Committed to ethical practices
Pros:
- Aerosol-free alternative for those preferring powder
- Easy and mess-free application with a small hall
- Available in light and dark shades for different hair tones
- Effective oil absorption with baking soda and rice starch
- Includes biotin for strand strengthening
- Affordable pricing across various platforms
Cons:
- The texture felt a bit grainy
Details:
- Size: 1.2 ounces
- Scent: None
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
Results/Performance:
This dry shampoo surprised us with its easy application and effective absorption. Available in light or dark hair options, the brownish-clay color of the brunette version blended beautifully despite initial expectations. The inclusion of biotin works towards strengthening strands, contributing to overall hair health.
5. Batiste Original Benzene-Free Dry Shampoo
Batiste Original Dry Shampoo, priced at $19, holds a special place in my hair care routine, being one of the first shampoos I tried many years ago. When it comes to dry shampoo, Batiste is always top of mind.
Key Features:
- Time-Tested Favorite: Trusted and loved for many years
- Light Residue: Leaves a slight residue, helpful for concealing dirty roots
- Blonde-Friendly: Particularly favored by blondes
- Brand Recognition: A go-to dry shampoo brand
Pros:
- Established reputation and trustworthiness
- Residue aids in hiding dirty roots for blonde hair
- Wide variety with over 20 aerosol dry shampoo products
- Parent company, Church & Dwight, commits to benzene testing
Cons:
- Leaves a light residue (subject to personal preference)
Details:
- Size: Not specified
Results/Performance:
People love Batiste because it works well and is great for blonde hair. It might leave a bit of a residue, but the company, Church & Dwight, tests all their aerosol dry shampoos for benzene. This testing applies to all their products bought after May 30, 2023, making consumers feel even more confident about using them.
6. Dove Care Between Washes Brunette Benzene-Free Dry Shampoo
Dove Care Between Washes Brunette Dry Shampoo, priced at a wallet-friendly $6, emerges as a top choice for dark-haired individuals. Specially formulated for brunettes, this dry shampoo offers quick setting, seamless blending, and a texture that leaves hair feeling softer.
Key Features:
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable at just $6
- Invisible on Brown Shades: Specifically designed for dark hair
- Brown Cast, Not White Residue: Leaves a natural brown cast instead of chalky white
- Quick Setting: Sets quickly with a light-as-air formula
- Clean Scent: Features a clean and refreshing scent
- Cruelty-Free: Adheres to ethical standards
Pros:
- Perfect for dark-haired individuals on a budget
- Invisibility on brown shades avoids chalky white residue
- Quick-setting and light-as-air formula
- Leaves hair feeling clean and exceptionally soft
- Available at a budget-friendly price across various platforms
Cons:
- Not suitable for lighter hair shades
Details:
- Size: 5 ounces
- Scent: Clean
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
Results/Performance:
This dry shampoo strikes a balance, offering middle-weight absorption capability and volume. Despite this, the light-as-air formula quickly distributes the remaining oil, providing a clean and soft feel. Dark-haired users particularly appreciate its effectiveness and budget-friendly pricing.
7. Moroccanoil Benzene-Free Dry Shampoo Light Tones
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Light Tones, priced at $26, is a nurturing choice for those with blonde, platinum, white, or gray hair. Specially crafted to neutralize brassy tones and offer volumizing benefits, this dry shampoo stands out for its invisible finish and protection against sun damage.
Key Features:
- Neutralizes Brassy Tones: Purple-toned formula cancels brassiness
- Volumizing and Adds Shine: Enhances volume and imparts shine
- Invisible Finish: Leaves no visible residue
- Protects Against Sun Damage: Provides additional protection for your locks
- Cruelty-Free: Adheres to ethical standards
Pros:
- Ideal for blonde, platinum, white, or gray hair
- Purple-toned formula tackles brassiness effectively
- Brilliantly absorbs grease and product buildup with rice starch
- Nourishes and smooths with the inclusion of argan oil
- Lightweight feel and volume-boosting power
Cons:
- May feel too heavy for fine hair
Details:
- Size: 5.4 ounces
- Scent: Clean/fresh
- Cruelty-Free: Yes
Results/Performance:
This dry shampoo pleasantly surprised us with its ability to tackle excess oil, its weightless feel, its invisible finish, and remarkable volume-boosting power. It truly nurtures your locks, leaving them refreshed and vibrant. However, for those with fine hair, be mindful of the oil content, as it might feel slightly weighty.
8. OGX Extra Strength Refresh + Restore Coconut Miracle Oil Benzene-Free Dry Shampoo
OGX Extra Strength Refresh + Restore Coconut Miracle Oil Dry Shampoo, priced at $76, stands out as a unique solution for dry hair. Enriched with coconut oil for added moisture and shine, this dry shampoo offers a perfectly invisible finish and surprising absorbency.
Key Features:
- Coconut Oil Infusion: Nourishes hair, adds moisture, and imparts shine
- Perfectly Invisible Finish: Leaves no visible residue
- Surprisingly Absorbent: Effectively draws out excess oil
- Caribbean-Inspired Scent: Coconut and floral fragrance reminiscent of a tropical vacation
- Cruelty-Free: Not specified
Pros:
- Ideal for dry hair, infused with nourishing coconut oil
- Leaves an invisible finish with no residue
- Remarkably absorbent, refreshing second-day hair
- Fragrance evokes a tropical vacation
- Adds soft volume without leaving hair greasy
Cons:
- May feel too heavy for fine hair
- Cruelty-free status not specified
Details:
- Size: 5 ounces
- Scent: Coconut/floral
- Cruelty-Free: Not specified
Results/Performance:
This dry shampoo impresses with how it addresses the needs of dry hair. It scored high for its invisible finish, surprising absorbency, and the delightful soft volume it adds. While it may feel too heavy for those with fine hair, it consistently delivers in preventing greasiness and effectively refreshes second-day hair.
9. HASK Benzene-Free Dry Shampoo
HASK Dry Shampoo, priced at an affordable $7 each, is a drugstore gem offering various formulas catering to specific hair needs. From Chia Seed Volumizing for fine, limp hair to Charcoal Purifying for oily roots, Coconut for oil-absorbing and strand-softening benefits, and Biotin Boost Thickening for thinning hair, each variant comes with a unique fragrance to complement its purpose.
Key Features:
- Various Formulas: Tailored to different hair types
- Chia Seed Volumizing: Ideal for fine, limp hair with a floral tea scent
- Charcoal Purifying: Targets oily roots with a botanical citrus scent
- Coconut: Offers oil-absorbing and strand-softening benefits with a tropical coconut scent
- Biotin Boost Thickening: Infused with biotin, collagen, and coffee for thinning hair, with an energizing herbal scent
- Affordable: Priced at $7 each
- Propellant Assurance: Regular testing ensures benzene-free propellant
Pros:
- Affordable drugstore option with tailored formulas
- Various scents to suit individual preferences
- Addresses specific hair needs, from volume to oil control and thickening
- Assurance of benzene-free propellant through regular testing
Cons:
- Not specified if cruelty-free
Details:
- Price: $7 each
- Propellant Assurance: Regularly tested for benzene-free propellant
- Variants: Chia Seed Volumizing, Charcoal Purifying, Coconut, Biotin Boost Thickening
Results/Performance:
With HASK Dry Shampoo, users can expect targeted solutions for their hair needs, accompanied by delightful fragrances. From the floral tea scent of Chia Seed Volumizing to the energizing herbal scent of Biotin Boost Thickening, each variant delivers on its promise. The brand’s commitment to benzene-free propellant adds an extra layer of reassurance.
10. FEKKAI Clean Stylers Sheer Benzene-Free Dry Shampoo
FEKKAI Clean Stylers Sheer Benzene-Free Dry Shampoo, priced at $26, is a standout from the brand’s Clean Stylers launch. This vegan and talc-free dry shampoo is designed for darker hair, offering sheer application without leaving buildup. Not only does it absorb oil, but it also hydrates and fights frizz, thanks to the infusion of vitamin E and glycerin. The pleasant citrusy-woodsy scent adds to the overall experience.
Key Features:
- Clean Stylers Launch: Part of the brand’s clean styling product line
- Vegan and Talc-Free: Ethical and suitable for all hair colors
- Hydrating and Frizz-Fighting: Infused with vitamin E and glycerin
- Sheer Application: Leaves no visible residue
- Citrusy-Woodsy Scent: A delightful fragrance experience
- Sustainable Formulas: Gluten-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and benzene-free
- Solstice by Honeywell Propellant: Earth-friendly, non-ozone-depleting aerosol propellant
Pros:
- Ideal for darker hair, sheer and build-up-free
- Hydrates and fights frizz with vitamin E and glycerin
- Pleasant citrusy-woodsy scent enhances the experience
- Commitment to clean and sustainable formulas
- Powered by Solstice by Honeywell for eco-friendly aerosol application
Cons:
- Not specified if cruelty-free
Details:
- Price: $26
- Clean Formulas: Gluten-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and benzene-free
- Propellant: Solstice by Honeywell (earth-friendly, non-ozone-depleting)
Results/Performance:
This dry shampoo not only excels in its primary function of absorbing oil without residue but also stands out for its hydrating and frizz-fighting properties. The commitment to clean and sustainable formulas, along with an earth-friendly propellant, aligns with the brand’s conscious efforts towards a salon-grade product that’s kind to humans, animals, and the planet.
Conclusion
Don’t let benzene steal your shine! Invest in these high-quality, benzene-free dry shampoos that keep your hair looking and feeling its best. Understanding benzene and its inadvertent presence in everyday products is crucial. As a chemical used in various industrial applications, its unwelcome entry into personal care items, including dry shampoos, prompted recalls and raised concerns due to associated health risks.
FAQs- Dry Shampoo Essentials
1. How does dry shampoo function?
Dry shampoos operate by introducing oil-absorbing components such as silica, rice starch, charcoal, clay, or volcanic minerals into dry hair, typically at the roots. These ingredients absorb excess oil and product buildup without requiring water, resulting in hair that appears lighter and more voluminous.
2. How should you apply dry shampoo?
Hold the product about six to 10 inches away from your head, spray it into the root area (or where grease reduction is desired), and wait for a full two minutes. Afterward, blend it into the hair using your fingers, a brush, or a hairdryer, reveling in the full, soft, and clean outcome. And, Benzene-free dry shampoos align with clean beauty trends, emphasizing ingredient consciousness.
Read here: How To Use Dry Shampoo
3. How frequently can you use dry shampoo?
Overusing a Benzene-Free Dry Shampoo can lead to scalp buildup, inflammation, acne, or dandruff. The availability of benzene-free dry shampoos reflects an industry-wide commitment to safer, quality products.
4. Is Benzene-Free Dry Shampoo harmful to your hair?
No, but moderation is key for optimal results. Excessive use may cause irritation or buildup in certain hair types. It’s advised to treat dry shampoo as a backup to regular washing rather than a replacement. Beauty experts recommend benzene-free dry shampoos for those with sensitive scalps.
5. When is the best time to use dry shampoo?
Applying dry shampoo at night helps absorb oil while you sleep, leaving you with a refreshed head in the morning. However, you can use it whenever you want to add volume, absorb oil, or rejuvenate your tresses.
