Nina Anniston

Author
Nina Anniston

10 Benzene Free Dry Shampoos You Can Trust Your Hair With

  Hair
  Jan 16, 2024

In modern times there have been many inventions and discoveries that seem like they jumped right out of our imaginations. One of which is dry shampoo.

Dry shampoo helps to reduce oil and greasiness in the hair without the use of water. It’s practically a spray that works like magic. Running late? Don’t have the time for a proper shampoo and conditioner routine? Dry shampoo has you covered! Just spray it in your roots, and voila! You’re ready!  

“What’s the deal with benzene in dry shampoo?” Benzene is a toxic chemical that is known to cause blood cancer – leukemia. Benzene was found in dry shampoos in a study conducted in October of 2022, “What!?” Did you ask? We hear you. This article will provide you with all the information you need about benzene-free dry shampoo to successfully avoid this harmful chemical from entering your body. 

How is Benzene Harmful to Your Hair and Body? 

Benzene is a colorless and flammable chemical with a somewhat sweet odor used in the production of many industrial products like detergents, plastics, rubber, synthetic fibers, etc. Originally benzene wasn’t supposed to be anywhere near the products that are consumed by human beings directly as it poses a potential risk of cancer; not only this, it causes many other serious health issues like anemia, immune system damage, and reproductive problems. But its presence in beauty products is an alarming call for many. 

Even after mentioning all those serious health problems caused by the chemicals, there’s still more! The effect of it on hair is no less horrible. Benzene in your dry shampoo can weaken your hair and cause it to be dry and brittle. 

“Benzene is a potent irritant, so constant exposure can damage your hair follicles, resulting in hair loss and thinning,” said Dr. Rosmy Barrios. 

This is why choosing a dry shampoo without benzene in it is as important as choosing a sunscreen with vitamin C.

How to Ensure Your Dry Shampoo is Benzene Free? 

Benzene has no business showing up in dry shampoo. It doesn’t help absorb any oil from the hair or make hair soft and shiny. “Then why is such a dangerous chemical even present in beauty products?” We know this question must be bouncing in your head. 

Well, benzene is not an ingredient but a by-product or an impurity. Without the proper quality control, it’s possible for some levels of benzene to develop in dry shampoo. 

So which dry shampoos are safe? We understand that choosing a benzene free dry shampoo can be a challenge. You have to be very careful and smart while looking for the presence of benzene on the back of the packaging of the shampoo bottle because it’s not always directly mentioned. Whether it is picking the right routine shampoo or a dry one, you need to do proper research to get the benefits you want. 

This might confuse you and give you the illusion that the chemical is not there at all. In that case, look for derivatives like Phenoxyethanol or terms like aromatic hydrocarbons that are linked to benzene. 

Application of dry shampoo

10 Benzene-Free Dry Shampoos You Should Go For 

When the whole world was shaken by all the big brands on the list of dry shampoos containing benzene, a few brands rose to popularity by offering what others couldn’t. So if you are someone who couldn’t go without using them here are the 10 best benzene-free dry shampoos of all time that we are confident you won’t regret choosing. 

GRO Dry Shampoo – $36.00

GRO Dry Shampoo

Veganour’s GRO is a benzene-free formula that is completely plant-based and cruelty-free, formulated with vegan phytoactives. Made with natural ingredients like mung bean, red clover, rice starch, and kaolin clay. It will provide a distinct shine and fuller-looking hair. The formula is made with carefully crafted ingredients to prevent the formation of benzene as a by-product. It safely absorbs the oil and provides thickness and volume to the hair. 

The main ingredient of GRO is the red clover which can help minimize issues such as hair thinning and hair loss. And the best part? It doesn’t leave any white cast if used as per the instructions. 

Before and after using GRO

Key Benefits:

  • Promotes thicker, fuller-looking hair
  • Absorbs excess oil and impurities
  • Refreshes the look and feel of hair

Batiste Original Dry Shampoo – $20.99

Batiste dry shampoo

There are more than 20 kinds of Batiste dry shampoo in the league, and we assure you all are running in the front lane! Batiste is the iconic award winner and the world’s #1 dry shampoo! Infused with Fragrance and chemicals like Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Butane, Hydrofluorocarbon 152a, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Alcohol Denat, Cetrimonium Chloride, this formula will take your hair from flat to fab! 

As stated by the brand’s parent company, Church & Dwight – “Consumer safety is of the utmost importance. When propellants had been reported to be the source of benzene in competitors’ recalled products, we contacted our propellant suppliers and confirmed with those suppliers that the propellants used in our Batiste products do not contain benzene.” 

Yes, Batiste is one of the safest dry shampoos. The only drawback this formula holds is that it leaves a slight white cast. So make sure to apply it from a distance!  

Before and after using Batiste dry shampoo

Key benefits:

  • World’s #1 dry shampoo 
  • Enjoy a classic fragrance with a subtle hint of lavender and musk
  • Removes oil and adds texture and volume  

Odele Dry Shampoo Powder

Odele Dry Shampoo

Odele dry shampoo powder is another dermatologically tested dry shampoo without benzene. This magic wand will convince you to skip a shower or two and become your best friend in the process. The most distinct and interesting thing is that the company is woman-owned and operated. This plant-based and cruelty-free formula not only gives you all the benefits of any other luxurious benzene-fee dry shampoo but also comes on a budget! 

Odele is infused with clean ingredients without SLS or SLES sulfates, Formaldehyde or Formaldehyde Donors, Parabens, Synthetic Fragrances, and benzene. This vegan formula is completely safe for dyed hair too, so no matter if you have simple blond or wild purple hair, it’ll work just as efficiently!

application of Odele dry shampoo

Key Benefits:

  • Revives Volume
  • Absorbs Oil
  • Balances the ecology of the scalp

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

Amika perk up Dry Shampoo 

Amika’s perk up is another award-winning safe, dry shampoo and is well known for its excellent oil-absorbing formula. Living up to its name Amika instantly perks up the hair and makes it fresh and bouncy. Amika is free of parabens and sulfate and is formulated with rice starch and sea buckthorn, which helps refresh the hair and makes them healthy. 

Amika Perk is so versatile that it can be used on any type of hair, be it bleached hair, colored hair, sensitive scalp, gray hair, hair loss, dandruff scalp, curly hair, normal hair, frizzy hair, weakened and fragile hair or greasy hair. Push your worries aside and just spray some magic! 

before and after using Amika

Key Benefits

  • Talk free and leaves no white streaks 
  • Color protective 
  • Vegan 
  • Free of sulfates, parabens, gluten, mineral oils, benzene, and dyes

Eva NYC Freshen Up Invisible Dry Shampoo

Eva NYC Freshen Up Invisible Dry Shampoo

Eva NYC freshens up dry shampoo’s invisible formula will help you tackle all that frizz and oiliness in the scalp that makes your hair look dirty and you unhappy. It will leave a faint odor creating the illusion that you just washed your hair. 

The key ingredient of Eva NYC is plant protein which hydrates and smoothes your hair, along with argan oil, antioxidants & vitamins A, C, and E. This dry shampoo perfectly fits in the budget and will help you achieve those good hair days every day! 

before and after using Eva

Key Features 

  • Clean Ingredients 
  • Cruelty-free 
  • Leaves no white cast 
  • Made from 100% recyclable aluminum 
  • Talc-free

Arey, Wait a Sec Dry Shampoo

Arey, Wait a Sec Dry Shampoo

This far in the article, you might be thinking, how are any of these shampoos different from each other? But wait a sec! If you look closely, each one is different from the others, and the one similarity we are happy to introduce is that all these are the safest dry shampoos you’ll find. And Arey, wait, a Sec dry shampoo is no exception (sec means dry in French). 

Arey’s Wait a Sec is a non-aerosol powder formulated with clean ingredients and excellently does the work it’s meant to do, absorbs oil, and provides bounce to the hair. The Dehydrated Mela-9 slows and helps repigment grey hair and Mica adds a tint to your hair making them look more vibrant. 

before and after using Wait a Sec

Key Features 

  • Clean Ingredients 
  • Gluten-free 
  • Cruelty-free 
  • Synthetic fragrance-free 
  • Talc-free

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

We are happy that Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (Ph.D.) dry shampoo also made it to the list. It does not just offer oil-free, smooth, and bouncy hair, but it also protects from pollution and dirt in the atmosphere. Living Proof Ph.D. cleans beyond any regular dry shampoo. It has triple-action cleaning technology – how the hair looks, how it feels, and how it smells. 

It leaves no visible residue or white cast; if you still see some, then give it 30 seconds to absorb all the oil and sweat. There’s a faint sweet fragrance left behind after the application, which will keep your hair fresh all day.  

 before and after using PhD

Key Features

  • Sustainable Packaging Brand
  • Clean ingredients 
  • Protection from pollution 
  • Has conditioning agents 

Act + Arce Plant-Based Dry Shampoo

Act + Arce Plant-Based Dry Shampoo

This best-selling benzene-free hair cleanser is revolutionary in its league. The formula is derived from plant-based ingredients like organic rice and tapioca powder, which instantly absorbs the oil without any excess product build-up on the scalp. Act + Arce Plant-Based Dry Shampoo’s 3 main concerns – volumizing, balancing, and cleansing have made it a top tire choice for many. 

This is the safest dry shampoo with no added fragrance, but this doesn’t mean it’ll leave your hair smelling bad. The rice and tapioca powders will help neutralize the smell naturally.   

before and after using Act + Arce Plant-Based Dry Shampoo

Key Features 

  • Gives insane volume and bounce to the hair 
  • Made from completely plant-based ingredients 
  • Neutralizes the odor 

Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo

Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo

Oribe Gold Lust is another name that made it to the list of safe, dry shampoo brands. With its signature fragrance Oribe provides long-lasting freshness and clean, soft hair. Oribe’s high-quality formula combines bamboo and rice extract leaving the hair silky and smooth and also softens the scalp with lavender and other essential oils to moisturize and care for dry and itchy scalp. 

before and after using Gold Lust Dry Shampoo

Key Features 

  • Does not add texture, grip or weight 
  • Leaves the hair with body and movement 
  • Instantly absorbs oil and sweat 
  • Has Oribe’s key fragrance 

Verb Dry Shampoo

The verb comes in two versions, suited for both dark hair and light hair. This one has a light bit of benzene in it, but it’s only as a by-product and also below the FDA safety standards, so it’s completely safe! It’s formulated with pomegranate extract, bilberry extract, and rice starch to absorb oil and makes hair soft and shiny!

Dry shampoo light is for light-tinted purple to disappear in light-colored hair. 

Verb Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo dark is earth toned to disappear dark-colored hairs.  

before and after using Verb Dry Shampoo

Key Features 

  • Available for both light and dark-colored hair.
  • PETA certified cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • gluten-free

How to Use a Dry Shampoo

Most of you who are reading the article must have used dry shampoos before, but it can still get tricky to use one properly. So here are 3 simple steps to apply dry shampoo like an expert 

  • Hold your dry shampoo bottle some 10 -11 inches away from your hair and spray it directly on the roots. 
  • Massage the shampoo in the roots and let it absorb all the oil and sweat. For extra volume, flip your hair while massaging. 
  • Now you’re all set to steal the show!

Conclusion 

The hair scalp is an extension of our face skin, and as a matter of fact, it’s quite porous. So just like you take care of your skin, you need to take care of the scalp even more. That starts with monitoring what kind of ingredients go into your hair products. We all take care of using sulfate and paraben-free shampoos, but what lags in this process are dry shampoos. Using a benzene-free hair cleanser is extremely necessary to take care of your scalp and hair health, as this chemical can be hazardous.  

Read Next: Native Shampoo Review 2023: A Closer Look at Ingredients, Benefits, Myths, and Facts 

FAQ 

A: Yes! Dry shampoos are completely safe! All you need to keep in mind is to use a dry shampoo without benzene and also look out for other harmful chemicals like parabens and sulfate. 

A: Recently in a study conducted by an independent lab in 2022, it was found that at least 70% of them have high levels of benzene. Refer to this article to know the safe, dry shampoo brands out there and save your hair from an eternity of torture. 

A: Look out for benzene, butane, isobutane or propane, parabens, and sulfate. Only purchase the ones that are vegan and have clean ingredients. 

Sources – 

Dry shampoo – by Wikipedia
 Benzene free Dry shampoo – by Ultra Beauty
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