Best Dry Shampoo: Aerosol vs Powder — Which One Wins?

Dry shampoo has officially become a non-negotiable beauty essential — whether you’re skipping wash day, refreshing post-workout, or keeping your blowout alive for one more day. But not all dry shampoos are created equal.

Today, I’m comparing three of the most-loved dry shampoos on the market:

1. Living Proof Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo – Aerosol Spray

2. Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo (Dark Tones) – Aerosol Spray

3. Back2Naturalness Dry Shampoo Powder – All-Natural Powder Alternative

I’ll break down real customer reviews, ingredients, pros & cons, and who each one is best for. And yes — I’ll also address the recent concerns over aerosol dry shampoo recalls due to benzene and paraben-related chemical exposure (as reported by major outlets like CBS News and Reuters). If you’ve been looking for a safer option, you’ll want to read to the end.

🚿 Aerosol vs Powder — What’s the Difference?

TypeFormatMain BenefitsPotential ConcernsAerosol Dry ShampooSpray CanFast, convenient, adds volumeContains propellants (butane, isobutane), fragrance chemicals, environmental impactPowder Dry ShampooLoose powder + brushAll-natural, travel-friendly, long-lastingSlight learning curve with application

🏆 The Top 3 Best Dry Shampoos

1. Living Proof Perfect hair Day Dry Shampoo (Aerosol Spray — $45 / 9.9 oz)

“Love this product! As a brunette, it’s hard to find a good dry shampoo and this one is superior. It actually cleans your hair and doesn’t leave any film behind.” — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon Review

Why It Made the List:

• Marketed as one of the only dry shampoos that “actually cleans hair” — not just masks oil.

• Silicone-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and cruelty-free.

• Lightweight finish with no chalky residue.

Pros ✅

• Powerful oil + odor absorbing formula

• Great for active people or oily scalps

• Safe-ish compared to traditional drugstore aerosols

Cons ❌

• Still contains gases like Isobutane & Propane (common aerosol propellants)

• Pricey at $45

• Not 100% toxin-free despite marketing

2. Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo – Dark Tones (Aerosol Spray — $30 / 5.4 oz)

“Love this stuff. It’s amazing & really doesn’t build up like most dry shampoos. Love the smell, shine and lasts forever.” — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon Review

Why It Made the List:

• Specifically designed for dark hair, so no white cast

• Infused with Argan Oil — leaves hair soft instead of gritty

• Iconic Moroccanoil scent

Pros ✅

• Leaves a silky, shiny finish

• Zero residue — blends beautifully into dark hair

• Smells luxurious

Cons ❌

• Contains butane + alcohol denat., which may be drying with frequent use

• More of a quick refresh — doesn’t "deep clean" like Living Proof

• On the expensive side

3. Back2Naturalness Dry Shampoo Powder – Lavender & Rosemary (For Dark Hair) (Powder — $22.95 / 3.5 oz)

“I was looking for a non-toxic option and this works great for me… Absorbed the oil, didn't leave residue, smells good. No complaints if you're looking for a nontoxic option.” — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon Review

Ingredients: Arrowroot powder, Bentonite clay, Rice starch, Cacao powder, Essential oils

Why It Made the List:

• Zero aerosols. Zero alcohols. Zero chemicals.

• Handmade small-batch formula using real ingredients you can pronounce.

• Safe for men & women, all hair types, curly-friendly, camping/travel-friendly

How to Use:

1. Open the jar and dip a retractable kabuki brush into the powder

2. Tap off excess

3. Dab onto oily roots — wait 30 seconds

4. Blend with fingers or brush through

Pros ✅

• 100% non-toxic and eco-friendly

• Lasts much longer than aerosol cans (no propellant waste)

• Leaves a matte-to-natural finish—never chalky

• Comes scented and unscented

Cons ❌

• Requires a Kabuki brush (sold separately in some cases)

• Slight learning curve if you’re used to sprays

🚨 Why More People Are Switching to Powder Dry Shampoo

In 2022–2023, several big-brand aerosol dry shampoos were recalled due to benzene contamination, a known carcinogen (reported by CBS News & FDA recall bulletins). Even "clean" aerosol formulas still rely on butane, propane, or hydrofluorocarbon propellants, which are hard to avoid inhaling during use.

That’s why many are switching to powder-based dry shampoos. They offer:

✅ Zero inhalation risk
✅ Longer-lasting (you’re not spraying gas into the air)
✅ Ingredient transparency

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

Best ForRecommendationDeep clean & sporty lifestylesLiving ProofDark hair & luxurious scent loversMoroccanoil Dark TonesHealth-conscious / sensitive scalp / eco-friendly usersBack2Naturalness Dry Shampoo Powder

If you want instant convenience — aerosols win.

But if you want longevity, purity, and true ingredient safety, powder is the clear winner