Private label dry shampoo: how can brands design an effective oil-control & instant refresh hero product?

A successful private label dry shampoo removes visible oil, refreshes roots and adds light volume without white residue, stickiness, scalp irritation or a heavy perfume cloud.

Many brands struggle to balance fast oil absorption with clean, brushable feel. Chalky residue on dark hair, clogged valves, irritating fragrances and aerosol regulations often block a truly repeat-purchase hero SKU.

GMP/ISO • EU/US compliant docs • Samples in 3–7 days • MOQ from 1,000 pcs

What are the key specifications of this custom dry shampoo?

You need to define format, oil-control level, hair/colour focus, fragrance, propellant or non-aerosol approach, shade options and regulatory limits before moving into sampling.

Spec / Parameter Card

Field	Options / Recommendations
Core Architectures	Aerosol dry shampoo • Non-aerosol spray • Loose powder • Foam / mousse dry shampoo
Core Actives	Rice/tapioca/corn starches, modified starches, silica, kaolin/clays, oil-absorbing powders, optional pigments, light conditioning and anti-static agents
Claim Focus	Refreshes hair without water • Absorbs excess oil • Adds light volume and texture • Helps extend styles between washes
Water Content	Mostly anhydrous; solvent/propellant systems tuned for spray quality and regulatory compliance
Fragrance Strategy	Fresh / clean • floral / feminine • gender-neutral • fragrance-free for sensitive users
Shade Options	Translucent / “invisible” • tinted for dark, brunette, red or highlighted hair
Packaging	Aerosol cans, mechanical pump sprays, powder bottles, brush-on packs, minis and travel sizes; PCR options
Compatibility	Designed for straight, wavy, curly/coily and colour-treated hair; variants for sensitive scalps or low-fragrance positioning
Stability & QC	Accelerated + real-time stability, spray pattern and valve testing, particle dispersion, fill-weight and leakage checks
Docs	COA, SDS, propellant compliance data, stability; cosmetic safety file inputs (PIF/CPSR where needed)
Sampling & Lead Time	Existing platforms: lab samples in days; new shades/actives or novel packs add development and testing time
Typical MOQ	Existing base ≥3,000–5,000 pcs/SKU for aerosols; non-aerosol/powder formats can be lower depending on packaging

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Which customers and channels is this dry shampoo for?

Dry shampoo is ideal for time-poor consumers, frequent gym-goers and scalp-conscious users who want fresh, lifted roots between washes without daily shampooing.

Different hair and scalp types need different dry shampoo architectures. Fine hair needs the lightest possible powders, oily scalps need stronger absorption, curls require slip, and colour-treated hair must be protected from over-cleansing. This tab shows how we vary powder load, conditioning and fragrance so each SKU truly fits its audience.

Fine / Flat Hair

Texture: Lightweight aerosol or fine powder.
Core stack: Fast-acting starch/silica blend, minimal conditioning, light lift polymers.
Notes: Focus on volume and airy feel with zero heaviness; works well at roots and crown.
Micro-CTA: Design a Volumising Dry Shampoo

Normal Hair (Everyday Use)

Texture: Standard aerosol spray or pump spray.
Core stack: Balanced starch system, gentle fragrance, light anti-static help.
Notes: Simple “second/third-day hair” narrative; suitable for wide age range and everyday routines.
Micro-CTA: Create an Everyday Refresh Dry Shampoo

Oily Scalp / Quickly Greasy Roots

Texture: Stronger powder load in aerosol or powder bottle.
Core stack: Higher starch level, silica or clay, sebum-control narrative, fresh fragrance.
Notes: Targets frequent gym users and very oily scalps; clear instructions about brushing out residue.
Micro-CTA: Build an Oil-Control Dry Shampoo

Dry or Sensitive Scalp

Texture: Softer-feel spray or powder with low fragrance.
Core stack: Gentler powder system, possible soothing esters, low-solvent concept, fragrance-free or hypo-scented.
Notes: Shorter INCI, pharmacy/derm-style design; avoids over-drying already delicate scalps.
Micro-CTA: Request a Sensitive-Scalp Dry Shampoo

Curly / Coily / Textured Hair

Texture: Creamier-feel or foam dry shampoo that respects curl pattern.
Core stack: Starches at moderated levels, light oils/esters, curl-friendly polymers.
Notes: Emphasises refresh and odour control without roughening texture or leaving visible residue on dark hair.
Micro-CTA: Launch a Curl-Friendly Dry Shampoo

Teens want quick, fun refresh; young professionals need polished, office-ready results; parents want time-saving routines; older users prioritise comfort and simple usage. This tab shows how we adapt powder load, fragrance, shade options and packaging so each age band feels that your dry shampoo was designed with them in mind.

Teens & Students

Texture: Easy aerosol, “spray and go”.
Core stack: Strong enough oil absorption, fun but not overwhelming fragrance, simple powder system.
Notes: Messaging around busy schedules, sports and school; price-sensitive but social-media friendly.
Micro-CTA: Create a Teen Dry Shampoo

20s–30s Young Professionals

Texture: Polished aerosol or pump spray with fine mist.
Core stack: Balanced powder blend, modern fragrance, packaging optimised for selfies and bathroom shelves.
Notes: Talks to commutes, nights out and back-to-back meetings; pairs with styling and finishing SKUs.
Micro-CTA: Design a Lifestyle Dry Shampoo Line

30s–40s Busy Parents & Multitaskers

Texture: Reliable aerosol or pump that works quickly.
Core stack: Effective oil absorption with comfortable scent, touch of conditioning to keep hair manageable.
Notes: Emphasis on time-saving, school runs and video calls; good for basket-building with shampoos and conditioners.
Micro-CTA: Build a Time-Saver Dry Shampoo

40s–55 Image-Conscious, Often Colour-Treated

Texture: Gentle, sophisticated-feel spray.
Core stack: Powder system tuned for colour-treated hair, softer fragrance, anti-static and light conditioning.
Notes: Narrative around protecting salon colour and blowouts; ideal for premium retail and salon channels.
Micro-CTA: Launch a Colour-Protect Dry Shampoo

55+ / Seniors

Texture: Easy-to-handle spray or powder bottle.
Core stack: Comfortable powders, lighter fragrance or fragrance-free, simple INCI.
Notes: Focus on convenience, easy combing and scalp comfort; large-print labelling and pharmacy-friendly design.
Micro-CTA: Request a 55+ Gentle Dry Shampoo

What can top-selling dry shampoos teach your formula design?

Top-selling dry shampoos prove that invisible finish, clean fragrance, easy brushing and consistent valves matter as much as raw oil-absorption power.

Brand / Product	Core Features / Actives (typical)	Texture / Format	Strengths	Gaps / Considerations
Living Proof Perfect hair Day Dry Shampoo – Absorbs Oil, Sweat, Odor	Starch system designed to absorb oil, sweat and odour, plus ingredients positioned as “actually cleaning hair”; micro-fine powders and a light fragrance.	Aerosol spray	Classic high-end / professional positioning; key claim that it does more than blot oil and makes hair feel truly clean; low visible residue, suitable for most hair colours; strong brand equity.	Higher price, skewed toward prestige / salon channels; still an aerosol, so it cannot meet strict clean / zero-aerosol expectations.
Batiste Dry Shampoo, Original Fragrance Classic Clean	Uses rice / corn starch to absorb oil, classic fresh fragrance, basic conditioning agents; many fragrances and sizes available.	Aerosol spray	Mass-market best-selling classic with friendly price and very wide distribution; “day-two hair” usage is well understood; wide choice of fragrances, an easy mass benchmark.	Can leave visible white residue on dark hair; look and formula feel more drugstore than premium; clean-beauty consumers may be concerned about propellants and fragrance.
Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Unscented Dry Shampoo	Simple starch system with no added fragrance, designed for oil absorption and odour control; marketed as vegan and cruelty-free.	Aerosol spray	Very clear “unscented / for sensitive scalps” message; good for consumers who dislike fragrance or are easily sensitised; keeps an affordable price point and large sales base.	Sensory experience is weaker; packaging and story feel more functional than indulgent; still an aerosol, so far from the most eco-driven image.
ACURE Dry Shampoo – All Hair Types / Brunette to Dark Hair	Non-aerosol powder using corn starch, arrowroot, bentonite and other plant / mineral powders with natural fragrances; includes versions for dark hair.	Non-aerosol shake / puff powder	Strong “100% vegan / certified organic / clean” narrative; propellant-free, ideal for eco and natural concepts; powder format is travel-friendly and easier for cross-border shipping.	Application has a learning curve and can be over-applied; even distribution depends heavily on packaging design; essential oils / natural fragrances require IFRA and sensitivity testing.
DAE Fairy Duster Dry Shampoo Powder – Non-Aerosol Natural Ingredients	Non-aerosol dry powder based on natural starches and oil-absorbing mineral powders, talc-free, positioned around natural origin and volume-boosting results.	Non-aerosol powder (shaker)	Holds a strong Best Seller position in the premium non-aerosol powder dry shampoo niche; excellent benchmark for a high-end clean-beauty powder line.	Priced in the mid-to-high range; value must be justified through design and storytelling; powder fallout and potential staining require good formulation and user education.
Dove Advanced Dry Shampoo Volume & Fullness	Mass-price formula with starch plus conditioning and texturising polymers, positioned to absorb oil while adding volume and fullness; soft Dove-style fragrance.	Aerosol spray	Backed by big-brand trust; covers both “refresh” and “volume” benefits; ideal anchor reference for supermarket / mass-channel OEM concepts.	Very FMCG-style, so differentiation at formula level is more limited; fragrance and aerosol propellant may be unsuitable for some sensitive users.
OUAI Super Dry Shampoo – Volumizing, Zero Residue, Travel Size	Micro-fine starch powders with “no white cast / no heavy residue” positioning and the brand’s signature fragrance; available in travel sizes.	Aerosol spray (including travel size)	Trendy, social-media-driven brand with strong visual and fragrance identity; good reference for “fashion-luxury” or influencer-collab lines; travel sizes work well for cross-border e-commerce sets.	Relies heavily on scent and storytelling; target shoppers are increasingly demanding actives and clean labels; sits in a mid-to-high price band.
MONDAY HAIRCARE ORIGINAL Dry Shampoo with Keratin	Contains a starch system plus keratin and other conditioning ingredients, positioned as “oil absorption + hair care”; high-aesthetic pastel packaging optimised for social media.	Aerosol spray	Emphasises “salon look at drugstore price”; bottle design is very photogenic; keratin-care narrative links well with the wider MONDAY shampoo / conditioner line, ideal for full system planning.	Actual treatment benefit from keratin in a dry shampoo is limited, so claims must stay conservative; aerosol plus fragrance also face scrutiny from clean-beauty and sensitive users.

Custom Funtion Formula for your brand? You can review hair function formulation pages:

Custom Hair Growth Formulations, Custom Hair smooth and shine formulations, Custom anti hair loss formulations, Custom anti frizz formulations, Custom hair gloss formulations

Dry Shampoos Finish Products you may want to reference:

Make A Sample First？

If you have your own formula, packaging idea, logo artwork, or even just a concept, please share the details of your project requirements, including preferred product type, ingredients, scent, and customization needs. We’re excited to help you bring your personal care product ideas to life through our sample development process.

How should you design the formula and active stack for dry shampoo?

Start with a high-performance powder base tuned for oil absorption and low residue, then layer comfort, anti-odour and scalp-friendly elements so hair feels fresh, clean and touchable.

Powder and oil-absorption backbone

Starches and natural powders
- Rice, tapioca, corn, oat or potato starch as primary oil absorbers
- Silica, clay or other porous powders for sebum pickup
- Optimise particle size to balance oil control and dustiness
Whiteness and residue control
- Use coated or modified powders to reduce visible white cast
- Consider tinted variants for brunette/black hair
- Test on multiple hair colours under natural and artificial light

Comfort, mildness and scalp support

Scalp-friendly excipients
- Allantoin, panthenol, bisabolol or oat derivatives for comfort story
- Avoid harsh denatured alcohol levels where possible in aerosols
- Focus on non-sensitising perfume allergens where feasible
Breathability and feel
- Keep powder load high enough for performance but low enough for comfort
- Target a soft, silky after-feel rather than grippy or gritty touch
- Check flake and build-up behaviour over repeated use

Anti-odour and freshness layer

Fragrance system
- Build “fresh hair” accords rather than heavy perfume cover-up
- Offer 2–3 fragrance families (clean, floral, fruity) per line
- Option for very low fragrance or almost unscented variant
Malodour control
- Introduce anti-odour technologies where allowed
- Communicate as “helps neutralise odour” rather than medicinal claims

Aerosol vs non-aerosol decisions

Aerosol systems
- Choose propellants and solvents that support fine, even spray clouds
- Valve and actuator selection critical for pattern and clog resistance
- Validate VOC and flammability compliance for each region
Non-aerosol options
- Shaker bottles with controlled sifter caps
- Pump sprays with bi-phase or slurry systems
- Foam-to-dry technologies that appeal to “no gas” consumers

Testing, safety and robustness

Performance testing
- Sebum-absorption tests and instrumental gloss measurements
- Combing, brush-out and tactile assessments on multiple hair types
Safety and stability
- Aerosol can stability and corrosion tests
- Micro, compatibility and transport/temperature testing as needed

Active / Component	Key Features	Suitable Hair Types / Uses	Recommended Combinations	Suggested Packaging
Rice / Tapioca / Corn Starches	Primary oil and sebum absorption	All hair types; mass and premium aerosols and powders	Silica + fragrance + optional conditioning	Aerosol cans, powder bottles
Modified / Aluminium Starches	Finer feel, improved spread and reduced residue	Darker hair, premium and “invisible” lines	Silica + anti-static + styling polymers	Aerosol cans
Silica / Silica Silylate	Additional oil absorption, slip and texture	Oily scalps, volumising and styling-focused SKUs	Starch blend + fragrance + volume polymers	Aerosol, powder bottles
Kaolin / Other Clays	Matte finish, strong oil control, “natural” story	Very oily scalps, natural/clean lines	Starch + essential-oil-style fragrance (where suitable)	Powder bottles, pump powders
Iron Oxides / Hair-Tone Pigments	Tint to blend with dark / red / brunette hair	Tinted variants and root-refresh products	Starches + silica + film-formers	Aerosol with good valves
Conditioning Agents (Quat Polymers, Esters)	Softness, reduced tangling, anti-static	Medium–long hair, colour-treated hair	Starch system + fragrance + anti-static	Aerosol or pump sprays
Anti-Static Agents	Reduce flyaways after powder application	Fine, straight or dry hair	Starch + conditioning polymer	Aerosol or pump sprays
Fragrance / Allergen-Managed Scents	Odour control and “just washed” impression	All; fragrance-free lines use minimal or none	Starch system + solubiliser (if needed)	All formats
Solvents & Propellants	Control spray quality, evaporation and VOC profile	Aerosol lines; region-specific	Starches + valve/actuator choice	Aerosol cans
Soothing Esters / Light Emollients	Comfort around partings and scalp	Sensitive scalps, premium lines	Simple starch system + fragrance-free or soft fragrance	Aerosol or non-aerosol formats

Which textures work best for dry shampoo?

The best dry shampoo textures deliver a fine, even powder distribution that disappears with a few strokes, leaving roots matte, lifted and touchably clean instead of chalky or stiff.

Considerations by market and user

Climate
- Hot / humid: stronger oil-control powders and ultra-fine sprays
- Cold / dry: slightly softer, less drying textures and more comfort actives
Hair and scalp type
- Very fine or thin hair: ultra-fine aerosol or mist with light volumising support
- Thick or textured hair: denser spray or foam-to-dry that can be worked through sections
- Sensitive scalps: fragrance-reduced, gentle systems with comfort actives
Channel
- Amazon / e-commerce: textures that photograph clearly and generate “no white cast” reviews
- Salon: professional-feeling aerosol with precise spray pattern for styling
- Clean / indie retail: non-aerosol, shaker or pump powders with natural powder stories

Ultra-fine aerosol powder mist

A very light, diffused spray cloud of micro-powders that settles evenly on roots and brushes out quickly.

Best for mainstream and professional channels
Strong “invisible finish” potential on most hair colours
Relies on well-tuned valve and actuator systems

Non-aerosol shaker powder

A loose, free-flowing powder dispensed through a sifter cap, tapped directly onto roots or into hands.

Appeals to “no gas” and travel-friendly positioning
Great for more natural or minimalist brands
Requires excellent flow and anti-clumping design

Foam / Mousse Dry Shampoo

A light foam or mousse that turns powdery as it dries, massaged into roots and lengths.

More intuitive for consumers used to wet styling formats
Helps reduce dustiness perception
Can support hybrid claims like light conditioning plus oil control

Which packaging options make sense for dry shampoo?

Choose packaging that delivers a fine, even powder cloud, keeps the formula stable and safe, and fits your price point—aerosol cans, non-aerosol shaker bottles and engineered powder pumps are the most common dry shampoo choices.

Factors to align with your brand

Brand image：Clinical and minimalist vs fun, fashion-driven or “clean” natural. Sleek aluminium cans feel professional; soft-touch shakers and clear pumps signal eco, indie or ingredient-focused stories.
Sustainability direction：Options for PCR aluminium or plastic, non-aerosol formats, lower-VOC systems or refill ideas where technically feasible. Decide whether you want classic aerosols, “no gas” or a mix for different lines.
Label and artwork space：Room for hair colour indication, key claims (“no white residue”, “talc-free”), usage instructions, warnings, INCI and brand story. Make sure there is enough panel space for aerosol safety icons and regulatory text.
Channel needs：Amazon and e-commerce need strong front visuals, leak- and dent-resistant packs and clear product photos. Retail and salon can emphasise shelf presence, touch/finish of the can or bottle, and easy grip and trigger feel in hand.

Aerosol Can (150–300ml)

Core format for classic dry shampoos; strong shelf impact, smooth spray and ideal for quick refresh stories.

Non-Aerosol Powder Bottle

Suited to clean/eco ranges and markets limiting aerosols; works for targeted root application.

Mechanical Pump Powder / Mist Bottle

Bridges aerosol sensorials and propellant-free positioning; good for DTC and premium lines.

PCR Options

Post-consumer recycled components and lighter secondary packaging to support sustainability messaging.

What do brands most often ask about this dry shampoo?

Brands usually ask how to avoid white residue, how “clean” the formula can be, what safety tests are needed, and how aerosols impact logistics, regulations and sustainability.

1. How do we really avoid white residue, especially on dark hair?

Optimise powder blend and particle size distribution
Use translucent or tinted systems where helpful
Test on multiple hair colours and lighting conditions
Provide clear usage directions on spray distance and brushing

2. Can we claim talc-free, benzene-free or “clean” dry shampoo?

We can design talc-free systems based on alternative starches
Benzene is not intentionally used; batches can be tested by accredited labs
“Clean” positioning depends on your internal standard and channel expectations

3. Is aerosol the only way, or should we launch non-aerosol too?

Aerosols give the most familiar experience and strong volume
Non-aerosol pack types appeal to eco-minded or regulation-sensitive markets
Some brands launch both: aerosol for salons and e-commerce, shaker or pump for “clean” lines

4. What testing and documentation do we need for different regions?

Standard cosmetic safety assessment and micro/stability tests
Aerosol safety, flammability and compatibility testing
VOC and propellant-related documentation depending on country
Zerun can work with your regulatory partners or provide base dossiers

5. What are typical MOQs, lead times and cost drivers?

MOQs often start from 3,000–5,000 cans per SKU for aerosols, lower for some non-aerosol formats
Lead times depend on component sourcing and propellant choices
Main cost drivers: can/valve system, propellant, powder system, fragrance and testing

6. Can we position dry shampoo as part of a broader scalp or styling routine?

Yes: it pairs naturally with clarifying shampoo, lightweight conditioner and styling sprays
We can design matching fragrance and visual codes across the line
Routine-based communication helps increase basket size and repeat purchase

How will Zerun Cosmetic support private label dry shampoo projects?

Our team will answer your inquiries within 12 hours.
Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

Zerun supports dry shampoo and styling brands with high-performance powder systems, format engineering, packaging choices and realistic claim language, helping you build a hero dry shampoo that fits your markets, regulatory reality and price point.

We start from your reality:

Your target hair types, scalp needs and hair colours (universal, brunette, dark, blondes).
Your preferred formats: aerosol cans, non-aerosol shakers, pumps or foam-to-dry.
Your main channels and price positioning (mass, masstige, salon, clean/indie).

We co-develop formula, formats and fragrance:

Powder blends tuned for oil absorption, low residue and “no white cast” performance.
Format options with valves, actuators or shaker systems that match your brief.
Fragrance routes that feel fresh without overpowering overspray in closed spaces.

We help plan claims, tests and documentation:

Oil-control, freshness and “extends time between washes” claims calibrated to your markets.
Practical stability, compatibility and aerosol safety testing where required.
Support with VOC, propellant and cosmetic documentation for EU/UK, US, GCC and other regions.

We think in routines, not single SKUs:

Dry shampoo concepts that link naturally to clarifying shampoos, lightweight conditioners and styling products.
Shade or fragrance ranges that encourage collection building and repeat purchase.
Bundle ideas tailored to Amazon/e-commerce, salon retail or multi-channel launches.

If you already have reference products or ideas, share:

Links or photos of dry shampoos you like today (finish, fragrance, spray pattern).
Your target consumers, priority benefits (no residue, volume, clean label) and main markets.
Your initial volume expectations, format preferences and desired launch timing.

Based on this, we can propose a clear dry shampoo development roadmap and sampling plan. Use the contact form, email or WhatsApp on this site to start your private label dry shampoo project with Zerun.