Primally Pure Natural Dry Shampoo Review
Overview
Primally Pure delivers radical ingredient transparency with a 2-ingredient formula housed in a simple powder jar. This USDA Organic-certified dry shampoo prioritizes purity over aesthetics, earning the highest safety score in our testing while maintaining solid efficacy.
Safety Analysis (9.2/10)
Ingredient List (Complete)
- Organic Arrowroot Powder (Maranta arundinacea)
- Bentonite Clay
That's it. No fragrance, no preservatives, no fillers.
Safety Strengths
- USDA Organic Certified: Guarantees no synthetic pesticides or GMOs
- Food-Grade Ingredients: Both components safe enough to eat
- Hypoallergenic: Zero common allergens or irritants
- EWG Verified: Both ingredients score 1 (lowest hazard)
- Pregnancy/Nursing Safe: No contraindicated substances
Minor Consideration
- No Preservatives: Requires dry storage; moisture exposure could introduce mold risk (use within 12 months)
Efficacy Testing (7.8/10)
Performance Results
- Oil Absorption: Bentonite clay absorbs up to 10x its weight in oil—effective for day 2-3 hair
- Volume: Arrowroot powder adds lightweight lift at roots
- White Cast: Moderate on dark hair; requires thorough blending
- Longevity: 18-24 hour oil control for normal scalp types
Limitations
- No Tint Options: Single shade struggles on very dark hair
- Texture: Slightly grittier than silica-based formulas
- Heavy Oil Challenge: May require reapplication for very oily scalps by evening
User Satisfaction
83% of 300+ reviewers rate 4+ stars on Primally Pure site. Top praise: ingredient purity. Top complaint: white residue on dark hair.
Value Assessment (8.5/10)
Cost Analysis
- $28 for 2 oz = $0.47/use (estimated 60 uses)
- Half the cost of Crown Affair with comparable efficacy
- Organic certification typically adds $8-12 premium vs. conventional
Value Proposition
- Best safety-to-cost ratio in category
- USDA Organic quality at accessible price
- Multipurpose use (some users report using for oily skin/body)
Sustainability & Ethics
- Packaging: Recyclable plastic jar (not as eco-premium as glass)
- Certifications: USDA Organic, Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free)
- Sourcing: Made in California, woman-owned business
- Mission: Transparent supply chain, non-toxic beauty advocacy
Bottom Line
Primally Pure earns "runner-up" status by delivering the cleanest formula in the category at a fair price. While it sacrifices the luxury experience of Crown Affair and struggles with dark hair blending, the 2-ingredient USDA Organic composition makes it the safest dry shampoo for chemically-sensitive users, pregnant individuals, or anyone prioritizing absolute ingredient purity.
Best for: Ingredient purists, sensitive scalps, pregnant/nursing individuals, light-to-medium hair colors Skip if: Very dark hair (unless willing to blend thoroughly), prefer scented products, need travel-proof packaging
