Bumble and bumble · Conditioner
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Conditioner
Lower-medium risk. Standard rinse-off conditioner shows no PFAS red flags.
This rinse-off conditioner with polymers and silicones lacks any water-repellent, non-stick, or stain-resistant features. The brand has released no PFAS information and no public lab data exists.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aqueous conditioner with polymers and silicones (typical formulation)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Bumble and Bumble Thickening Conditioner is made of, ingredients and materials
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Conditioner is a water-based conditioner formulated with silicones (likely dimethicone or similar) and conditioning polymers to coat and volumize hair. The aqueous base means no volatile organic compounds typical of leave-on styling products, and silicones are largely inert once applied to hair. Polymers and thickeners are standard cosmetic ingredients not known to bioaccumulate or penetrate skin significantly.
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.
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Bumble and Bumble formulations typically include fragrance blends; specific allergen disclosure (e.g. limonene, linalool, cinnamal) is not standardized on retail packaging. Individuals with fragrance sensitivities should verify the full ingredient list or conduct a patch test before full-scalp use.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Mainstream conditioners may contain preservatives such as DMDM hydantoin or imidazolidinyl urea, both formaldehyde releasers; Bumble and Bumble does not publicly disclose preservative systems. Concentrations in rinse-off products are generally low and not regulated as a major concern by FDA, but sensitive individuals may react.
Source, ATSDR ↗Silicone buildup and scalp irritation with chronic use
Silicones in this volumizing formula can accumulate on hair and scalp with heavy, long-term use if not removed by clarifying shampoos. This is a cosmetic concern (dull appearance, potential itch) rather than a toxicological hazard, but worth noting for sensitive scalp users.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
No heavy metal contamination has been reported in this product or brand. Rinse-off conditioners are lower-risk than leave-on styling products or color treatments for metal accumulation, and the brand has not faced regulatory action for metal residues.
Source, FDA ↗Microplastic beads or exfoliants
This is a conditioner, not a scrub or exfoliant product; no solid microplastics are intentionally included. The formula contains dissolved or suspended polymers only.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Bumble and Bumble (Estee Lauder-owned) does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or commitment to phase-out, which is typical for mainstream prestige haircare brands. The brand has no publicized recalls or major safety controversies on record for this product line. Ingredient lists are available on retailer sites and Bumble's website, though the brand does not independently certify for heavy metals, allergens, or contaminant screening as standard practice.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the mainstream premium haircare category; its silicone-polymer formula is industry-standard for volumizing conditioners and carries no unusual hazard profile versus comparable brands (Pantene, Tresemmé, or salon brands like Olaplex). The main differentiation is price and marketing rather than safety. Consumers seeking allergen-free or heavy-metal-tested alternatives would need to pursue independent testing or certified organic/clean brands.
If you buy it
Use as a rinse-off product after shampooing; do not ingest or apply to broken skin. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent premature degradation of the silicone emulsion. Discontinue use if scalp irritation or allergic reaction develops (rare with this formula). Replace every 12 months once opened to minimize bacterial growth from standing water exposure.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% 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 Thickening Volume Conditioner?
- Water, conditioning agents, organic plant extracts
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Heavy metals
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- water-based conditioner, typical surfactants and botanical extracts
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Heavy metals
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More conditioner 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.