Best Hair Colour Developer Creams of 2026

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 10 Feb 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Hair Colour Developer Creams are essential products for achieving the desired hair colour. These creams are used in conjunction with hair dye to activate the colouring process. They come in different strengths, such as 10, 20, 30, and 40 volume, which determine the degree of lift and intensity of the colour. Hair Colour Developer Creams are formulated with ingredients that help to stabilise the colour and protect the hair during the dyeing process. They are widely available and can be used at home or in a salon.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Fanola Cream Activator 20 Vol. 6% 300 ml Cover #TOP 1
Fanola Cream Activator 20 Vol. 6% 300 ml
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom Professional Blonde Hair Developer Cover #TOP 2
Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom Professional Blonde Hair Developer
ftb score rating icon 9.7
The Color Codes Professional Cream Hair Developer Activator Peroxide Cover #TOP 3
The Color Codes Professional Cream Hair Developer Activator Peroxide
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hair Colour Developer Creams

#TOP 1

Fanola Cream Activator 20 Vol. 6% 300 ml

8032947861699
multicoloured
300 ml (Pack of 1)
Fanola Cream Activator 20 Vol. 6% 300 ml Cover
Fanola Cream Activator 20 Vol. 6% 300 ml

Features
Works Well With Fanola Hair Dyes But Is Also Suitable For Use With Hair Dyes And Hair Dyes From Other Manufacturers
Developer Cream With Hydrogen Peroxide And Suitable For All Dyeing Techniques
The Creamy Consistency Of The Emulsion Facilitates Mixing With The Hair Colour And Application To The Hair
Made In Italy
Gentle And Safe Colouring Without Damaging Irritation
#TOP 2

Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom Professional Blonde Hair Developer

White
1000ml
Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom Professional Blonde Hair Developer Cover
Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom Professional Blonde Hair Developer, 6% 20 VOL Cream Peroxide, Conditioning Formula, 1000ml

Features
STRENGTH: 6% 20VOL Formula Provides Optimal Lifting Power While Maintaining Hair Health During The Lightening Process
PROFESSIONAL FORMULA: High-Quality Cream Peroxide Developer Designed Specifically For Achieving Perfect Blonde Results In The Salon Or At Home.
VERSATILE USE: Perfect Companion For Knight And Wilson's Ultra Lifting Professional Powder Bleach For Comprehensive Hair Lightening
SALON-QUALITY: Professional-Grade Formulation Delivers Reliable And Predictable Results For Achieving Your Desired Blonde Shade
GENEROUS SIZE: 1000ml Bottle Ensures Multiple Applications For Complete Coverage And Consistent Results
#TOP 3

The Color Codes Professional Cream Hair Developer Activator Peroxide

THE COLOR CODES
%30 Volume
1 l (Pack of 1)
The Color Codes Professional Cream Hair Developer Activator Peroxide Cover
The Color Codes Professional Cream Hair Developer Activator Peroxide for Hair Colouring Long Lasting Colour and Grey Coverage 1000ml -%30 Volume

Features
Precise Formulations: Each Developer Is Carefully Formulated To Provide The Precise Level Of Oxidation Required For Optimal Colour Deposit And Longevity.
Potent Oxidants: Specially Developed High-Performing The Color Codes Developer Guarantees Perfect Long-Lasting Colour Results And Superior Shine.
Versatile Usage: These Cream Developers Can Be Mixed With Permanent And Semi-Permanent Hair Colours To Achieve Desired Shades And Tones.
Creamy Texture: The Creamy Consistency Ensures Even And Smooth Application, Minimising Mess And Wastage.
#TOP 4

The Color Codes Professional Cream Hair Developer Activator Peroxide

THE COLOR CODES
%10 Volume
1 l (Pack of 1)
The Color Codes Professional Cream Hair Developer Activator Peroxide Cover
The Color Codes Professional Cream Hair Developer Activator Peroxide for Hair Colouring Long Lasting Colour and Grey Coverage 1000ml -%10 Volume

Features
Precise Formulations: Each Developer Is Carefully Formulated To Provide The Precise Level Of Oxidation Required For Optimal Colour Deposit And Longevity.
Potent Oxidants: Specially Developed High-Performing The Color Codes Developer Guarantees Perfect Long-Lasting Colour Results And Superior Shine.
Versatile Usage: These Cream Developers Can Be Mixed With Permanent And Semi-Permanent Hair Colours To Achieve Desired Shades And Tones.
Creamy Texture: The Creamy Consistency Ensures Even And Smooth Application, Minimising Mess And Wastage.
#TOP 5

Colour Culture Cream Peroxide 6% 20 Volume-250ml, Cream Hydrogen Peroxide Activator Developer for Hair Colouring & Bleach

CC-P2-6
6% (20 Volume)
250 ml (Pack of 1)
Colour Culture Cream Peroxide 6% 20 Volume-250ml, Cream Hydrogen Peroxide Activator Developer for Hair Colouring & Bleach Cover
Colour Culture Cream Peroxide 6% 20 Volume-250ml, Cream Hydrogen Peroxide Activator Developer for Hair Colouring & Bleach, Works with All Brands of Hair Bleach, Hair Colour/Tint & Lightening Powder

Features
6% Concentration: Our Peroxide Solution Contains A 6% Concentration, Also Known As 20 Volume, Which Is Ideal For Achieving Vibrant And Long-Lasting Hair Color. It Combines The Perfect Balance Of Potency And Gentleness, Ensuring Your Hair's Health And Your Desired Results Are Both Beautifully Maintained.
Hair Transformation: Elevate Your Hair Game With Our Cream Peroxide 6% 20 Volume, The Secret To Stunning Hair Transformations. Whether You're Looking To Touch Up Your Roots, Achieve A Brilliant New Shade, Or Explore The World Of Hair Coloring, This Versatile Peroxide Solution Is Your Trusted Ally.
Versatile Use: Whether You're Looking To Lighten Your Hair, Cover Grays, Or Create A Bold New Look, Our Cream Peroxide Developer 6% 20 Volume Is The Perfect Companion. It Works Seamlessly With A Wide Range Of Hair Color Products And Techniques.
UK Made: Experience The Excellence Of Our Cream Peroxide 6%, Carefully Crafted And Developed In The UK. Achieve Stunning Hair Color Results With This Premium Formula, Trusted By Professionals Worldwide. Elevate Your Hair Coloring Game With Our UK-Made Cream Peroxide 6%.
Seamless Application: Enriched With Mineral Oil For Added Nourishment And Protection. With Its Thick And Creamy Texture, This Easy-To-Mix Formula Ensures A Seamless Application Process, Giving You Full Control Over Your Desired Hair Color Results. Experience The Convenience And Quality Of Our Product As You Achieve Stunning And Long-Lasting Hair Transformations.
Gentle Formulation: We Understand The Importance Of Maintaining The Health And Integrity Of Your Hair. That's Why Our Cream Hydrogen Peroxide 6% Is Carefully Formulated To Be Gentle On Your Strands, Minimizing Damage And Breakage.
Easy Application: With Its Creamy Consistency, Our Cream Hair Colour Tint Peroxide Is Easy To Apply, Ensuring Even Distribution And Optimal Color Development. The Smooth Texture Allows For Precise Application, Giving You Full Control Over Your Desired Results.
#TOP 6

H.H Pro Cream Hair Colour Developer 6%

HHPROCP6250
White
250 ml (Pack of 1)
H.H Pro Cream Hair Colour Developer 6% Cover
H.H Pro Cream Hair Colour Tint Peroxide Developer 6% 20vol 250ml

The H.H Pro Hair Colour Developer is expertly manufactured in the UK, ensuring high quality that you can trust. Its rich crème formula allows for easy mixing, making the application process more convenient for you. This developer can be paired with any tint or bleach, offering great versatility in your hair colouring routine. With a selection of sizes available, you can choose the amount that best suits your needs, whether for personal use or professional applications.

What We Like
High-quality UK manufacturing
Easy mixing with crème formula
Compatible with any tint or bleach
Available in multiple sizes
#TOP 7

Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom Professional Blonde Hair Developer

White
1000ml
Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom Professional Blonde Hair Developer Cover
Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom Professional Blonde Hair Developer, 9% 30 VOL Cream Peroxide, Conditioning Formula, 1000ml

Features
STRENGTH: 9% 30VOL Formula Provides Optimal Lifting Power While Maintaining Hair Health During The Lightening Process
PROFESSIONAL FORMULA: High-Quality Cream Peroxide Developer Designed Specifically For Achieving Perfect Blonde Results In The Salon Or At Home.
VERSATILE USE: Perfect Companion For Knight And Wilson's Ultra Lifting Professional Powder Bleach For Comprehensive Hair Lightening
SALON-QUALITY: Professional-Grade Formulation Delivers Reliable And Predictable Results For Achieving Your Desired Blonde Shade
GENEROUS SIZE: 1000ml Bottle Ensures Multiple Applications For Complete Coverage And Consistent Results
#TOP 8

Colour Culture Cream Peroxide, 12% 40 Volume-250ml, Hydrogen Peroxide Developer for Hair Colouring & Bleaching, Lifts 8-9 Levels

CC-P2-12
12% (40 Volume)
250 ml (Pack of 1)
Colour Culture Cream Peroxide, 12% 40 Volume-250ml, Hydrogen Peroxide Developer for Hair Colouring & Bleaching, Lifts 8-9 Levels Cover
Colour Culture Cream Peroxide, 12% 40 Volume-250ml, Hydrogen Peroxide Developer for Hair Colouring & Bleaching, Lifts 8-9 Levels, Works with All Brands of Hair Bleach Colour/Tint & Lightening Powder

Features
Intense Colour Transformations: Elevate Your Hair Colour Game With Our Cream Peroxide 12% (40 Volume). Experience The Power Of Intense Colour Lifting As It Raises Your Natural Hair Colour To New Heights, Enabling You To Achieve Dramatic And Vibrant Colour Transformations With Ease.
Hair Colour Elevation: Elevate Your Hair Colour Experience To New Heights With Our Cream Peroxide 12% (40 Volume), A Professional-Grade Solution Crafted For Stunning, Vibrant Results. Whether You're In Pursuit Of Bold, High-Intensity Hues Or Intricate, Artistic Shades, This 40 Volume Cream Peroxide Will Be Your Trusted Partner On The Journey To Hair Transformation.
Versatile Artistry: Whether Your Goal Is To Introduce Subtle Highlights, Fashion Bold Shades, Or Completely Revolutionize Your Hair Colour, Cream Developer Is Your Versatile Partner. It Harmonizes Seamlessly With Various Colouring Techniques And Styles, Empowering You To Unleash Your Creativity And Achieve Your Desired Look.
Maximum Lightening Power: With A Concentration Of 12% And 40 Volume Strength, Our Cream Peroxide Developer Delivers Maximum Lightening Power, Making It Ideal For Achieving Bold And Vibrant Shades. It Can Lift Your Hair Colour By Several Levels, Allowing You To Unleash Your Creativity And Express Your Unique Style With Confidence.
Infinite Potential: With Compatibility Spanning A Wide Spectrum Of Hair Colour Brands And Shades, The Possibilities Are Limitless. Mix And Experiment With Your Preferred Colours To Craft Distinctive And Personalised Looks That Reflect Your Unique Style.
Effortless And Even Application: Our Hydrogen Peroxide Is Expertly Designed For A Smooth And Effortless Application. Its Creamy Consistency Ensures Consistent Coverage, Minimizing The Risk Of Patchy Or Uneven Color Development. Bid Farewell To Messy Color Applications And Welcome Salon-Quality Results In The Comfort Of Your Own Home.
Crafted In The UK: Experience The Excellence Of Our Cream Peroxide 12%, Meticulously Created And Refined In The UK. Achieve Spectacular Hair Colour Results With This Premium Formula, Esteemed By Professionals Globally. Elevate Your Hair Colouring Journey With Our UK-Made Cream Peroxide 12%.
#TOP 9

S-PRO Cream Peroxide 3%/10V 1L

546782
Ivory
1 l (Pack of 1)
S-PRO Cream Peroxide 3%/10V 1L Cover
S-PRO Cream Peroxide 3%/10V 1L (Salon Services)

Features
Product Type: HAIR COLORING AGENT
S-PRO Cream Peroxide 3%/10V 1L Salon Services
Size: 1 L Pack Of 1
Brand: Chgnhfn
#TOP 10

ICAN PROFESSIONAL CREAM PEROXIDE 20 VOL 6% 8.5oz

20v250m
Ivory
250 ml (Pack of 1)
ICAN PROFESSIONAL CREAM PEROXIDE 20 VOL 6% 8.5oz Cover
ICAN PROFESSIONAL CREAM PEROXIDE 20 VOL 6% 8.5oz (250ml)

Features
Cream Peroxide Developer
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does hair color cream developer do?

What Is Developer? 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. Which developer is best for hair color?

Top Hair Color Developers. Wella Color Charm Creme Hair Developer 20 Volume.L'Oreal Paris, Oreor 20Volume Creme Developer.AGEbeautiful Hair Developer Gentle Creme 20 Volume.SUPER STAR 10v Cream Peroxide Developer.Pure White 20 volume Crème Developer.Sensitive Scalp 20 Volume Creme Developer.

3. Which developer is best for dark hair?

If you're going darker, you should use 10 developer. 20 – 40 developer can be used to lift 1-4 levels. 20 developer is best for grey coverage.

Editor's Notes

During our hair colour developer cream research, we found 112 hair colour developer cream products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,652 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair colour developer creams list. We found that most customers choose hair colour developer creams with an average price of £20.00.

The hair colour developer creams are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair colour developer creams, including FANOLA, Knight & Wilson, THE COLOR CODES, Colour Culture, H.H Pro.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.