The Truth About Dry Shampoo Ingredients (And Why We Formulated Ours Differently)

Dry shampoo is known as the ultimate quick alternative to a full shower and getting ready. Five minutes before you need to leave? Dry shampoo. Woke up late? Dry shampoo. Post-workout but no time to wash? You know the drill.

But being your quick-fix hero doesn't mean you can pick up any dry shampoo without a little bit of scrutiny. You check ingredient labels on your moisturizer, your foundation, even your regular shampoo. Yet dry shampoo often gets a pass because you're running late, you just need volume, and the can's already in your hand.

We believe that convenience shouldn't come at the cost of clean ingredients. Recent product recalls, formaldehyde concerns, and questions about preservatives have put dry shampoo ingredients under the microscope. Understanding what you're using matters, even for your between-wash products.

Here's what you should know about common dry shampoo ingredients, and how we approached ours differently.

What's Actually in Many Dry Shampoos

Not all dry shampoos are created equal. Some contain ingredients worth knowing about before you make them part of your regular routine.

Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Some dry shampoos contain ingredients that release formaldehyde… yes, the same formaldehyde that's a known carcinogen. These formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are used to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life, but they come with concerns.

The most common formaldehyde-releasing preservatives you'll find in dry shampoos include:

• DMDM hydantoin
• Diazolidinyl urea
• Imidazolidinyl urea
• Quaternium-15

When you use dry shampoo regularly, you're exposing yourself to these ingredients multiple times per week, often near your face and scalp. And if you heat-style your hair after applying dry shampoo, formaldehyde can be released as a gas.

While brands like Batiste have stated they're formaldehyde-free, other products on the market may still use these compounds. Formaldehyde has been flagged by health-conscious consumers and safety organizations, making it something worth checking for.

Other Ingredients Worth Knowing About

Here are several other ingredients that commonly appear in dry shampoos:

Talc has long been used in dry shampoos for its oil-absorbing properties, but it comes with its own cancer concerns, particularly with regular inhalation. When you're spraying powder near your face multiple times per week, this becomes relevant.

Aluminum is another oil absorber, but it's been linked to potential cancer risks and kidney issues when absorbed through the skin over time.

Parabens and phthalates are preservatives and fragrance components that have been associated with hormone disruption and developmental concerns.

Sulfates can cause scalp irritation and dryness, which is ironic for a product meant to keep your scalp fresh between washes.

Synthetic fragrances might make your hair smell nice, but they can also be potential hormone disruptors.

These ingredients appear in many conventional dry shampoos. The question is: do they need to be there?

How to Check Your Dry Shampoo's Ingredients

Reading ingredient labels doesn't require a chemistry degree. A quick scan can tell you a lot about what you're actually using.

Look for Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Check the ingredient list for these four preservatives that can release formaldehyde over time:

• DMDM hydantoin
• Diazolidinyl urea
• Imidazolidinyl urea
• Quaternium-15

If you see any of these listed, that product has the potential to release formaldehyde during use.

Check for Aerosol Propellants

If your dry shampoo comes in an aerosol can, look for these propellants:

• Butane
• Propane
• Isobutane

These are the ingredients linked to benzene contamination concerns in the recalled products. Understanding what's in aerosol formulations helps you make more informed choices.

Understand "Free-From" Claims

Many brands now advertise "formaldehyde-free," "talc-free," or "paraben-free" on their packaging. Double check these claims against the full ingredient list to see what's actually included, not just what's been excluded.

Helpful resources for ingredient research include SkinSAFE, Mamavation, and the EWG Skin Deep database. These sites can help you understand ingredients and their potential concerns.

Making It Manageable

Taking a moment to read the ingredient list doesn't need to be overwhelming. Focus on recognizing the main ingredients to avoid. Plant-based formulations often offer cleaner alternatives to conventional chemical ingredients.

The goal isn't perfection. It’s also not about memorizing all of these long, hard-to-remember chemical compounds. It's about making informed choices about what you use on your scalp regularly. 

Our Approach to Clean Dry Shampoo

When we looked at the dry shampoo market, we saw an opportunity to do better. Your between-wash solution shouldn't require compromising on scalp health, so we worked with our formulator to create something genuinely clean and effective.

What We Excluded

We started by making a list of what we didn't want in our formula:

• No formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
• No talc
• No aluminum
• No parabens or phthalates
• No sulfates
• No silicones
• No petroleum
• No synthetic fragrances

That's a long list of exclusions. But here's the thing: you don't need those ingredients to make an effective dry shampoo.

What We Included Instead

Our dry shampoo formula goes on wet and dries completely clear. That means no white residue and no chalky feeling. We achieved this while including ingredients that actually support scalp health.

Adaptogens for Scalp Health

We incorporated ashwagandha and gotu kola, adaptogens that help balance and soothe stressed scalps. Think of them as wellness for your scalp between washes.

Baobab and coconut oil provide hydration without heaviness, while turmeric and ginger offer soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Your scalp is skin, and it deserves the same care you give the rest of your skincare routine.

Nourishing Oils

Sunflower and meadowfoam seed oil work while absorbing excess oil. They add shine and softness, so your hair doesn't just look clean—it actually feels healthier.

Clean Scent

Our bergamot scent is fresh and citrusy, without synthetic fragrances. It's the kind of scent that makes you want to use the product, not avoid it.

The Aliis Philosophy

"Healthy scalp, healthy hair" extends to every product in your routine, including dry shampoo. We believe clean ingredients can be just as effective—often more so—than conventional formulations. The goal wasn't just to cover up oil, after all. It was to support scalp health between washes.

This approach means you can feel good about using dry shampoo as part of your regular routine, not just as an emergency fix.

Making Informed Choices About Your Hair Care

Even convenient, between-wash products deserve ingredient scrutiny. Dry shampoo might be a quick fix, but that doesn't mean you should accept questionable ingredients as the norm.

When shopping for dry shampoo, check labels for formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and aerosol propellants. Look for brands that prioritize clean, transparent formulations and are willing to explain their ingredient choices.

We formulated our dry shampoo with the same care we give all our products. Talc-free, aerosol-free, formaldehyde-free (believe us, you can check the ingredient list!)—without compromising on performance. The result is a product that supports scalp health while refreshing your hair between washes.

Your quick-fix hero doesn't have to contain questionable ingredients. It's possible to create a dry shampoo that's both convenient and clean.

Ready to try a dry shampoo formulated with clean ingredients? Shop Aliis Dry Shampoo here.