Why the Best Dry Shampoo is Always Non Toxic

Dry shampoo is possibly the one beauty product most of us girls can’t live without. Honestly? I’d sooner give up makeup, perfume, and even nice clothes before I’d give up my dry shampoo. That’s how essential it is to me. In a pinch, the right dry shampoo can save your whole day. But the wrong one? It can leave you feeling like you’ve got a rat’s nest on your head *or worse* make you feel grimy and greasy all day long.

Why I Ditched Aerosol Dry Shampoo

I graduated from aerosol dry shampoos a long time ago. And here’s why:

• Your hair: Most aerosol formulas are packed with harsh alcohols that dry out your scalp, making your hair brittle over time.
• Your lungs: You’re literally spraying powder and chemicals into the air and breathing it in. That can’t be good for your respiratory system.
• The environment: Aerosol cans contribute to air pollution and aren’t the most eco-friendly beauty choice.

Back in middle school, before I knew better, I’d even put baby powder in my hair to fake that “fresh” feeling. It worked… sort of. But even that isn’t a safe option (we all know about the baby powder scandals by now).

The Hunt for a Truly Non Toxic Dry Shampoo

Finding a powder dry shampoo that’s truly clean and effective? That’s been a journey. I’ve tested so many “natural” dry shampoos over the years so you don’t have to. And I finally cracked the code on what makes the best dry shampoo actually work.

Here’s the secret: it all comes down to the first ingredient.

The Magic Ingredient: Arrowroot Powder

If the first ingredient in your powder dry shampoo isn’t arrowroot powder, I promise your hair is going to feel like you caked mud onto your scalp. I dare you to test it out side-by-side.

Here’s why:

• Arrowroot absorbs oil without clumping.
• It leaves your scalp feeling fresh instead of heavy.
• It blends into hair (even dark shades) without the weird gray cast.

On the other hand, when brands use clay, rice starch, corn starch, or tapioca starch as the base, it’s a disaster. Those are thickeners, so when they mix with the natural oils on your scalp, they cake up and leave residue. Your hair feels heavy, looks dull, and sometimes even smells worse than before. Basically, you’ll end up washing your hair sooner, which defeats the whole purpose of dry shampoo.

My Tried-and-True Pick

So, when you’re shopping for a non toxic dry shampoo, always flip that label around and check the first ingredient. If it’s arrowroot powder you’re in good hands. Here is my top, #1 favorite and other approved options:

Luna Nectar Mars Sand (Volumizing Adaptogenic Dry Shampoo | Aerosol-Free, Benzene-Free) – my holy grail.

This dry shampoo has the perfect minty scent, fresh and subtle but never overpowering. It makes my hair look and feel clean, washes out easily, and never cakes up. It’s super lightweight, not intimidating, and I honestly love it so much. I’ll be repurchasing again and again. Plus, the packaging is adorable and so easy to travel with.

Other approved picks – trustworthy and arrowroot-based, you could give a shot.

Toups & Co Organics: Dry Shampoo + Applicator Set

Erin and Mae Co: Wild Orange Peppermint Dry Shampoo

Pro Tip: How to Apply Dry Shampoo Like a Pro

A couple of years ago, I discovered my favorite way to apply powder dry shampoo and it’s a game changer. One of my old go-to but discontinued brands (with similar ingredients to the Mars Sand one) actually came with a brush applicator, kind of like a dense, tapered blending makeup brush. Ever since then, I’ve sworn by using a dedicated brush for dry shampoo. I suggest purchasing a brush and designating it to your dry shampoo application.

Here’s what I do:

1. I throw my hair up in a ponytail so my roots and scalp are easy to access.
2. I dip the brush into the dry shampoo and lightly tap it onto my scalp and roots.
3. I massage the powder in with my fingertips and let it sit for a couple of minutes so it can absorb the oils.
4. Finally, I brush it through and just like that, my hair feels fresh, clean, and super voluminous.

Final Thoughts

Dry shampoo isn’t just a convenience it can be a lifesaver. But not all formulas are created equal. If you want the best dry shampoo, non toxic and effective, always start with arrowroot powder. Once you switch, you’ll never go back to aerosols, baby powder, or cakey “natural” formulas again.