Bumble and Bumble Curl Moisturizing Shampoo
Low-medium concern; no known PFAS drivers, but brand silence limits certainty.
This rinse-off liquid cosmetic has no water resistance, nonstick, or stain-resistance claims typical of PFAS use. Standard shampoo formulations rarely require PFAS, though the brand does not publicly disclose ingredients or PFAS status.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous shampoo base (surfactants, water, conditioning agents)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Fragrance allergens
Bumble and bumble products typically contain added fragrance for scent; while fragrance concentrations in rinse-off shampoos are lower than in perfumes, individuals with fragrance sensitivity or scalp sensitivity may experience contact irritation or allergic response.
Scalp/eye irritation from surfactants
All surfactant-based shampoos carry low but real risk of eye or sensitive scalp irritation; this is inherent to the product category and not specific to Bumble and bumble, but individuals with eczema or very sensitive skin should patch-test.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public records indicate use of formaldehyde releasers (e.g., DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) in this shampoo line; modern premium shampoos typically use safer alternatives, but full ingredient list is not independently verified.
Source: ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Shampoos are rinse-off products and do not contain pigments or colorants that would concentrate lead or cadmium; this hazard class is irrelevant to aqueous shampoo formulations.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Bumble and Bumble Curl Moisturizing Shampoo is an aqueous surfactant-based cleanser formulated for curly hair with conditioning polymers and humectants (likely glycerin or similar). The formulation contains no known volatile organic compounds that would off-gas after purchase, and standard shampoo bases do not concentrate heavy metals or toxins in the way leave-on cosmetics can. As a rinse-off product used briefly on skin and hair, dermal absorption risk is minimal compared to leave-on creams or powders.
The brand's record and disclosure
Bumble and bumble (owned by Estée Lauder Companies) does not publicly disclose detailed PFAS policies or comprehensive ingredient safety certifications beyond standard cosmetic compliance. The brand maintains no known major product recalls or regulatory violations on record for this shampoo line. However, the parent company's silence on PFAS use in formulations is typical of the beauty industry and does not indicate a problem, merely a lack of transparency.
How it compares in its category
This shampoo sits in the mid to premium mass-market category; its safety profile is consistent with other rinse-off shampoos from major brands. It is not certified by third-party bodies (e.g., EWG, Cradle to Cradle, or clean beauty standards), which is standard for conventional salon shampoos. Compared to budget alternatives, formulation consistency is likely higher; compared to indie or certified-clean brands, ingredient transparency is lower but risk profile is not significantly different.
If you buy it
Use as directed: apply to wet hair, lather briefly, and rinse thoroughly. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve conditioning agents; most aqueous shampoos remain stable for 2-3 years unopened. If you experience scalp irritation or allergic reaction, discontinue immediately and consult a dermatologist. Replace every 6-12 months or when empty; there is no evidence of ingredient degradation that would trigger earlier replacement for unopened bottles.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Bumble and bumble has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Shampoo
Credo Beauty
Roz Salt Scalp Scrub
salt crystals, mineral-based scrub
Fragrance allergens or undisclosed fragrance components
Limited concern
Mechanical irritation from crystal size and shape
Moderate concern
Low risk, salt scrub formulation carries minimal PFAS concern.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Puracy
Public Goods Shampoo Refill
aqueous surfactant-based liquid shampoo
1,4-dioxane (surfactant byproduct)
Limited concern
Fragrance allergens (undisclosed components)
Limited concern
Bacterial or mold growth in refill container
Limited concern
Lower concern for a MADE SAFE certified shampoo avoiding fluorinated ingredients.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Puracy
Natural Shampoo
aqueous surfactants, plant-derived cleansers
1,4-dioxane (contaminant in ethoxylated surfactants)
Limited concern
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Limited concern
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Lower concern for a liquid shampoo with minimal PFAS risk in this category.
⚠Risky category by default
More shampoo grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.