Natural dry shampoo: 9 options we love that are better for you and the environment

Natural dry shampoo: 9 options we love that are better for you and the environment. We've said it a thousand times - dry shampoo is hands down one of the most valuable products in our entire beauty arsenal. High praise, yes, but you'd be hard-pressed to find another staple we could rely on more.

While we have plenty of tried-and-true favorites, we thought it was time to think outside the box. According to professional hairdresser Davey Matthew, there is growing discussion about the use of questionable ingredients in cosmetics. (Ingredients like talc have been linked to cancer, and liquefied petroleum gases like propane, butane, 

 and isobutane—which pump shampoo out of traditional aerosol bottles—are also often found in traditional dry shampoo.) “They are looking for options that are better for you and provide an ingredient list that they can read,” he explains. That's why we started looking for natural formulas that are effective and easy to use.

We spent hours researching the best natural dry shampoos on the market, evaluating the choices based on oil-absorbing ingredients and cleanliness of the ingredients list. After sifting through hundreds of reviews, considering dozens of formulas, consulting with hair experts like Matthew, and trying a few out ourselves, we settled on these top-rated products. 


 1. Best Overall: Rahua Volumizing Dry Shampoo: Byrdie's editors can't stop raving about this 100% natural option. In fact, former editor-in-chief Lindsey Metrus said that every time she used it, people asked her if she just broke out.

To use, sprinkle the herbal powder onto the roots to absorb excess oil and dirt for a gentle hold, strengthening soft hair with just one spray. The best part? A small amount goes a long way so you don't use up all the product after a few uses. We also love that the ingredients (clay and tapioca starch) 

 are organic and color safe. One thing to note: some reviews say this product is difficult to wash off. In this case, Matthew recommends using a clarifying shampoo and scalp massager to gently remove any product residue left on your scalp after use.

2. Best Budget: Acure Dry Shampoo: It contains certified organic and vegan ingredients like cornstarch and arrowroot (both of which help absorb oil and sweat), and its affordable price makes it a huge plus in the world of natural dry shampoo. 



 It's also a universal choice for all hair types and textures. However, some messes may occur when using it. Therefore, we recommend applying some to the brush before combing your hair to ensure easy and even application.

3. Best Shampoo for Hairline: Franklin + Whitman Dry Shampoo: This finely ground formula is easy to sprinkle on and instantly refreshes the roots. We use a mixture of four different starches, powders and clays. 

 We also appreciate that it comes in two different natural scents—Spring Garden (a blend of grapefruit, rosemary, and eucalyptus) and East Falls (a blend of lemongrass, bergamot, and clary sage)—and each Variations for light and dark hair. Also nice: The product comes in eco-friendly packaging, and the brand donates 5% of every purchase to dog rescue organizations. Still our puppy hearts.

4. Best for oily hair: Briogeo Scalp Revival Dry Shampoo 


 Since the ingredients target both the hair and scalp, this option really gets to the root of the problem (sadly, there's nothing we can do about it). Extra-clean Japanese charcoal removes impurities, witch hazel normalizes oil production, and biotin supports hair growth—all in a clean, 98% natural formula.

The only downside to this product is that we’re not too keen on the fussy packaging. The brand recommends shaking the product well and squeezing the nozzle to apply. However, we found that the nozzles were not the most efficient. We had to push it down a few times to dispense the product. 

 5. The most volumizing shampoo: R+Co Skyline Dry Shampoo

Oily hair will also love this formula from R+Co, which contains corn and tapioca starch and a variety of natural clays to remove oil and dirt from the scalp—all while working for fuller hair. It also contains jojoba oil and burdock root extract to keep your scalp healthy and maintain sebum (healthy oil) levels. After use, our hair looks freshly washed and voluminous—check and check. The only downside is that the bottle is too small; we wish it had a larger size. 

 6. Best Certified Organic Product: Beauty by Earth Organic Dry Shampoo: Finding a formula that works better for you (for any type of beauty product) can be challenging. That’s why looking for a specific certification like USDA Organic is a smart shortcut. The formula boasts this feature and is also Leaping Bunny certified, so you can rest assured that it's cruelty-free, too. Bonus points for the squeeze bottle with a pointed tip, making targeted rooting application easier than ever. We think there's a lot to love about this formula, but the shade could be improved to make it more versatile.

7. Best for Blondes: Primally Pure Natural Dry Shampoo Light Locks Sure, dry shampoo may look less noticeable on blondes than on brunettes, but that doesn't mean the white residue won't still be visible on lighter hair. Luckily, this powder has a more creamy color that disappears completely on blonde hair; it's also an option for those with gray streaks for the same reason. Three carefully selected essential oils not only smell great, but also offer extra benefits: Grapefruit Oil cleanses, Lavender Oil soothes the scalp, and Peppermint Oil stimulates hair growth. Keep in mind that it peels off easily. So start with a small amount of product and add more as needed to avoid a lot of flakes. 

8. Best for Black Hair: Klorane Non-Aerosol Oat Milk Dry Shampoo If you have dark hair, you know that dry shampoo can often leave a white cast behind, especially if it's formulated to not blend easily. Choose Klorane and you won’t have this problem. It's composed of rice starch and kaolin clay that absorbs excess oil and dirt, doesn't contain any cancer-causing chemicals, and we can guarantee it will blend into dark hair without leaving any residue. We also like that it's suitable for fine hair and doesn't feel heavy, but effectively rejuvenates thick, oily hair. 

9. Best for All Hair Types: Acre + Acre Botanical Dry Shampoo This dry shampoo is a completely safe option and one of Matthew's favorites. It's suitable for all hair types. Seriously, it also strengthens fine hair, keeps thick curls soft, and restores hair's natural look between washes. Although the pump attachment is aerosol-free, it still provides good and even product distribution with oils and odor-absorbing rice and tapioca flour. Also noteworthy is the addition of mineral-rich fulvic acid, which, according to the brand, helps rebalance the scalp's microbiome (the billions of beneficial bacteria, fungi, and viruses that make up skin), which is essential for maintaining Scalp and hair health are vital.