Best Hair Color Developer Creams of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Hair color developer creams are an essential component in achieving the perfect hair color. They work by activating the color molecules in the hair dye and allowing them to penetrate the hair shaft. These creams come in different volumes, ranging from 10 to 40, with 10 being the weakest and 40 being the strongest. The volume of the cream determines the amount of lift or lightening the hair will undergo. It is important to choose the appropriate volume based on the desired result and the starting level of the hair. Hair color developer creams are widely available in beauty supply stores and online, making it easy for anyone to achieve their desired hair color.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

COLORCHARM 20 Volume Cream Developer Cover #TOP 1
COLORCHARM 20 Volume Cream Developer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
COLORCHARM 40 Volume Hair Color Developer Cover #TOP 2
COLORCHARM 40 Volume Hair Color Developer
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Color Charm 10 Vol Cream Developer Cover #TOP 3
Color Charm 10 Vol Cream Developer
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hair Color Developer Creams

#TOP 1

COLORCHARM 20 Volume Cream Developer

Color Charm
White
COLORCHARM 20 Volume Cream Developer Cover
COLORCHARM Cream Hair Color Developer | 20 Volume | For Optimal Gray Blending and Rich| Multi-Dimensional End Results| 32 Fl Oz

The COLORCHARM Cream Developer is specially formulated to deliver vibrant and multi-dimensional hair color results. With its 20 volume strength, it offers just the right amount of lift, making it perfect for use with various WELLA COLORCHARM products. You'll appreciate how it enhances gray blending, ensuring a natural finish that looks seamless. The creamy texture allows for easy application, whether you prefer using a bottle or a bowl and brush. Plus, its fragrance-free formula means you can color your hair without any unpleasant smells. This developer is also a vegan choice, free from animal-derived ingredients.

What We Like
Deep color penetration
Natural gray blending
Easy application
Fragrance-free
Vegan formula
#TOP 2

COLORCHARM 40 Volume Hair Color Developer

Color Charm
White
COLORCHARM 40 Volume Hair Color Developer Cover
COLORCHARM Cream Hair Color Developer | 40 Volume | For Optimal Gray Blending and Rich| Multi-Dimensional End Results| 32 Fl Oz

The COLORCHARM 40 Volume Developer offers a powerful solution for achieving vibrant, multi-dimensional hair color. With its 40 volume formula, this developer maximizes lift, making it perfect for use with various WELLA COLORCHARM products. You’ll appreciate its ability to blend gray hair seamlessly, giving you a more natural look. The creamy texture allows for easy application, whether you prefer using a bottle or a bowl and brush. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, ensuring a comfortable coloring experience. This vegan-friendly developer is also free from animal-derived ingredients, making it an ethical choice for your hair coloring needs.

What We Like
Maximum lift for vibrant color
Natural gray blending
Smooth, easy application
Vegan-friendly formula
#TOP 3

Color Charm 10 Vol Cream Developer

Color Charm
99350110813
10 Volume
Color Charm 10 Vol Cream Developer Cover
COLORCHARM Cream Hair Color Developer| 10 Volume |For Optimal Gray Blending and Rich| Multi-Dimensional End Results| 15.4 Fl Oz

Color Charm Developer is designed to deliver optimal gray blending for your hair color needs. This developer ensures your grays seamlessly blend in, giving you rich, multi-dimensional end results. With Color Charm Developer, achieve a flawless finish every time. Its specialized formula caters to gray coverage, offering you professional-grade results at home. Experience the convenience of easy application and the benefit of vibrant, long-lasting color.

What We Like
Optimal gray blending
Rich, multi-dimensional results
Professional-grade at-home use
#TOP 4

COLORCHARM 40 Volume Cream Developer

Color Charm
White
COLORCHARM 40 Volume Cream Developer Cover
COLORCHARM Cream Hair Color Developer | 40 Volume | For Optimal Gray Blending and Rich| Multi-Dimensional End Results|3.7 Fl Oz

COLORCHARM Cream Developer is designed to give you vibrant and multi-dimensional hair color results. With its 40 volume formula, it offers maximum lift, making it perfect for achieving lighter shades or blending grays effectively. You’ll appreciate the creamy consistency that allows for a smooth application, whether you prefer using a bottle or a bowl and brush. Plus, this developer is vegan and free from animal-derived ingredients, ensuring you make a compassionate choice for your hair coloring needs.

What We Like
Deep color penetration
Maximum lift for vibrant colors
Easy application
Vegan formula
#TOP 5

Color Charm 10 Volume Developer

Color Charm
CUIM439
10 Volume
Color Charm 10 Volume Developer Cover
COLORCHARM Cream Hair Color Developer| 10 Volume| For Optimal Gray Blending and Rich| Multi-Dimensional End Results| 7.8 Fl Oz

The Color Charm Developer is designed to help you achieve the best results when coloring your hair. It excels at blending gray strands, allowing for a more natural appearance. This developer offers a rich and multi-dimensional finish, which enhances the overall look of your hair color. With its 10 volume strength, it provides just the right amount of lift, making it easier for you to get the vibrant color you desire. Using this product can simplify your hair coloring routine while ensuring your hair looks its best.

What We Like
Optimal gray coverage
Rich, vibrant color
Multi-dimensional results
Easy to use

Super Star Cream Peroxide Developer - 20 Volumes

Superstar
666425502040
B0002Z92AW
Super Star Cream Peroxide Developer - 20 Volumes Cover
Super Star Cream Peroxide Developer with 20 Volumes

Super Star Cream Peroxide Developer is a gel-based hair color developer that helps to highlight and color hair quickly, easily, and precisely. Unlike liquid peroxide, this product will not run or drip, making it a mess-free option. It is also manufactured in the United States and is considered a top beauty product in the hair color developer category.

What We Like
Mess-free application
Helps to highlight and color hair quickly, easily, and precisely
Gel consistency
#TOP 7

Punky Peroxide Cream Developer 40 Vol.

97434
Punky Peroxide Cream Developer 40 Vol. Cover
Punky Peroxide Cream Developer 40 Vol. 118ml - Medium Lift

Punky Peroxide Cream Developer 40 Vol. is a salon-quality hair cream lightener that provides a strong lightening action without color deposit. It is designed for use with permanent hair colors as well as powder and liquid lighteners. With its maximum lift formula, this cream developer allows you to achieve high lifts and lighter tints quickly and easily. Its rich, creamy formula makes it easy and convenient to apply, ensuring beautiful and uniform results every time. This developer can be mixed with any permanent, demi-permanent, or lightening products. Punky Peroxide Cream Developer 40 Vol. is 100% cruelty-free, safe to use, and made with safe ingredients. It is a trusted brand for hair color products, known for its high quality and vibrant results.

What We Like
Salon-quality lightener
Maximum lift formula
Easy and convenient application
#TOP 8

Parallel Products - 3% 10 Volume Tint Developer

Parallel Products - 3% 10 Volume Tint Developer Cover
Parallel Products - 3% 10 Volume Tint Developer - 25mL - Oxidant for Coloring - Mix with Luxe Spot Color Cream Dye/Kit

Parallel Products' Tint Developer is designed to be used with the Luxe Spot Color Cream Hair Dye, activating its coloring properties. The 1:1 ratio of developer and dye provides a pudding-like consistency, giving you the perfect proportions for optimal results. With a wide range of colors to choose from, you can find the perfect shade for your natural tone. The proprietary blend of the cream developer provides superior activation over competitors. And if you're not satisfied, Parallel Products offers a full refund within 90 days.

What We Like
Easy to mix with Luxe Spot Color Cream Hair Dye
Comes in perfect 1:1 ratio for optimal results
Wide variety of colors to choose from
Superior activation of tinting properties
90-day satisfaction guarantee
#TOP 9

Milano Care Peroxide Cream

Volume 10
Milano Care Peroxide Cream Cover
Milano Care Peroxide Cream Volume 10 - Hydrogen Peroxide Developer for Hair Coloring - Professional Salon Bleaching Cream - Consistent Color for Predictable Results, 5.03 fl oz/150 ml

Milano Care Developer is a professional salon bleaching cream designed to work seamlessly with Milano Colore hair color creams. The cream offers consistent color application, making it easier to achieve your desired hair color. Its smooth application without drips simplifies the coloring process. With a full range of volume options, from Zero Lift to volume 40, you can achieve various color effects. Milano Care, with its Italian quality standards, ensures professional results for bold or natural hair colors.

What We Like
Consistent color application
Easy drip-free application
Full range of volume options
#TOP 10

SUPER STAR 10v Cream Peroxide Developer

Super Star
SG_B00A5TVF8C_US
White
SUPER STAR 10v Cream Peroxide Developer Cover
SUPER STAR 10v Cream Peroxide Developer, 32 Fluid Ounce

SUPER STAR 10v Cream Peroxide Developer, also known as Super Star Peroxide Developer, is a high-quality hair coloring agent. This product comes in a 32 fluid ounce bottle and is made in the United States. The cream peroxide developer is designed to be used with hair color developers and provides excellent results. Its compact size of 8.407 centimeters in length, 24.511 centimeters in width, and 29.311 centimeters in height makes it easy to store and handle. With a weight of 1.021 kilograms, it is lightweight and convenient to use. The Super Star Peroxide Developer is a reliable choice for achieving vibrant and long-lasting hair color.

What We Like
High-quality
Compact size
Lightweight
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does developer cream do to your hair?

The developer is a totally essential element in the hair coloring process. The oxidant creams contain the hydrogen peroxide, which opens the hair cuticle. Color pigments, due to this process, can penetrate deep into the hair fiber and color it.

2. How do you use developer hair color cream?

Mix the developer and dye together using a plastic spoon. Make sure the dye and developer are well combined. Then, apply the mixture to your hair as desired. If you want to dye all of your hair, then apply the dye to your whole head starting at the ends and working up toward the roots of your hair.

3. What is a developer when dying hair?

Ion Sensitive Scalp Volume Creme DeveloperOne 'n Only Argan Oil Volume Cream DeveloperPravana Creme Developer VolumeSalon Care 40 Volume Creme Developer, 32 ozSuper Star Cream Developer 1 Gallon Volume 50Redken Pro-Oxide Cream Developer 40-VolumeL'Oreal Professionnel Oxydant Creme Vol 1000mlMatrix Cream Developer VolumeLoreal Maji Creme Developer Lotion VolumeWELLA WELLOXON PERFECT DEVELOPERAGEbeautiful 20 Volume Gentle Creme DeveloperRedken Pro-oxide Cream Developer, Volume 30 - 33.8 fl ozWella Koleston Perfect Creme DeveloperClairol Professional Creme Developer VolumeAgebeautiful 10 Volume Gentle Creme DeveloperWella Color Tango 20 Volume DeveloperPunky Peroxide Cream Developer 40 Vol. 118mlKeune So Pure Natural Balance DeveloperWella Color Tango CREAM DEVELOPER Colortango Creme Hydrogen Peroxide for Permanent Haircolor Dye

Editor's Notes

During our hair color developer cream research, we found 48 hair color developer cream products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 74,849 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair color developer creams list. We found that most customers choose hair color developer creams with an average price of $6.85.

The hair color developer creams are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair color developer creams, including Color Charm, Superstar, Punky, PARALLEL PRODUCTS, Milano Care. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.