Bumble and bumble · Hair Styling Products
Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray
Coastal spray category raises waterproofing concerns, but no public PFAS detection or credible evidence of intentional PFAS use.
Bumble and bumble Surf Spray creates texture and hold for humid and salt-water conditions, potentially involving water-resistant polymers. The brand makes no PFAS disclosure and no independent lab testing is public.
The better-graded swap
Schwarzkopf
OSiS+ Session Label Smooth Strong Hairspray
75/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Water-based polymers, silicones, resins (holding/texturizing agents)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray is made of, ingredients and materials
Bumble and bumble Surf Spray is a water-based styling product combining polymers (for hold), silicones (for slip and shine), and natural resins (for texture definition). The formula does not require heat activation and is designed to dry to a flexible finish without crunchiness. Water-based delivery means lower volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing compared to aerosol or alcohol-heavy sprays, reducing inhalation risk during application.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Fragrance and fragrance allergens
Bumble and bumble Surf Spray contains fragrance compounds (not fully disclosed on label due to 'fragrance' grouping loophole in cosmetic regulations). Individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity may experience scalp irritation, contact dermatitis, or respiratory irritation with repeated use.
Silicone buildup and scalp irritation
Water-based silicones in styling sprays can accumulate on the scalp with repeated use, especially if not thoroughly cleansed. This may cause itching, flaking, or reduced hair volume over time in susceptible individuals; buildup is reversible with clarifying shampoo.
Polymer film inhalation during application
Fine spray particles from water-based polymers and resins can be inhaled during application. Acute effects are minimal, but chronic inhalation of airborne cosmetic polymers is understudied; use in ventilated areas to reduce exposure.
1,4-dioxane contamination
Water-based cosmetics can contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct of surfactant or polymer synthesis. Bumble and bumble does not publish testing data for this contaminant; brand-level testing would be required to confirm absence.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
Bumble and bumble Surf Spray is a clear or translucent spray with no added color pigments on record. No contamination incidents involving heavy metals have been reported for this product.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Bumble and bumble (Estée Lauder-owned) does not publish full ingredient transparency beyond standard cosmetic labeling. The brand has not made public commitments to PFAS avoidance or signed third-party certification schemes (e.g., Cradle to Cradle, Clean Beauty Standard). No recalls, contamination incidents, or regulatory actions are on record for this product. Brand communication on chemical safety and environmental impact is minimal.
How it compares in its category
Surf sprays in this category typically rely on silicones and resins for water resistance and hold; Bumble and bumble's water-based approach is standard, not innovative in safety terms. Competitors like Oribe and SaltX also use similar polymer/silicone blends. Products labeled organic or PFAS-free (e.g., by indie brands) do exist but often sacrifice hold or longevity. This product sits in the mainstream mid-to-premium tier with standard safety assumptions and no differentiation.
If you buy it
Apply to damp or dry hair and allow to air-dry; do not heat-style immediately after application as polymer films can temporarily weaken under direct heat. Wash out with regular shampoo; residue buildup is minimal with water-based formulas. Use in well-ventilated spaces to avoid inhaling fine spray particles. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight; shelf life is typically 18-24 months after opening.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% 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.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray?
Lavender Fields Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Shine Spray
- Organic argan oil, water, spray propellant
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Fragrance allergens (lavender)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Aerosol hairspray with alcohol, resins, propellant (likely hydrocarbon or compressed gas)
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Inhalation of propellant and volatile compounds
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Ethanol, polymeric resin, propellant aerosol
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Inhalation exposure (ethanol vapor and propellant aerosol)
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More hair styling products 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.