Is Sun Bum Shampoo Good? Honest Review with Facts

I get it, you’re standing in the shampoo aisle, staring at that bright yellow Sun Bum bottle with the cute little monkey on it, wondering if it’s actually worth the hype. I’ve been there too. Sun Bum feels like vacation in a bottle, beachy branding, tropical scents, that promise of being kind to hair while protecting it from harsh elements. But here’s the big question: is Sun Bum shampoo actually good for your hair, or is it just clever marketing?

I’m going to walk you through this like we’re girlfriends chatting after a long beach day. I’ll break down what’s inside Sun Bum shampoo, what it really does for your hair, who it’s best for, and where it might fall short. No fluff, no marketing copy, just the truth.

What Sun Bum Shampoo Is All About

The brand launched in 2010 as a sun-care line, best known for its sunscreen sprays and lotions. Later, they expanded into hair care, because let’s be honest, sun, saltwater, and chlorine are brutal on our strands. Their shampoos promise:

• Gentle cleansing

• Color-safe formulas

• Vegan and cruelty-free standards

• Sulfate-free surfactants

• Tropical fragrance (that iconic banana-coconut scent)

Basically, Sun Bum positions itself as a “good-for-you” option, especially if your lifestyle includes the beach, pool, or lots of outdoor activity.

But branding is one thing, performance is another. Let’s dig deeper.

Is Sun Bum Shampoo Sulfate Free?

This is one of the first questions people ask, and the answer is yes, Sun Bum shampoos are sulfate free.

Instead of harsh sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), Sun Bum formulas use gentler surfactants such as cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium cocoyl isethionate. These clean your scalp without stripping natural oils, which is important if your hair is color-treated or already dry.

Quick Fact: A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science showed that sulfate-free shampoos help maintain hair protein and lipid levels better than sulfate-based cleansers. That means less breakage and dryness over time.

If your scalp tends to get itchy or flaky with traditional shampoos, sulfate-free is usually a safer bet.

What Does Sun Bum Shampoo Do for Hair?

Let’s look at what it claims and compare it to real-world results.

1. Hydration

Most formulas contain coconut oil, banana extract, and shea butter, all meant to soften and hydrate. These ingredients coat the hair shaft lightly, making strands feel smoother.

What research says: Coconut oil has been proven to reduce protein loss in hair, especially when applied before or after washing. That means Sun Bum has potential benefits if your hair is prone to breakage.

2. Color Protection

Their Color Safe Shampoo is pH-balanced and free of sulfates, which helps extend dye longevity. A pH between 4.5–5.5 keeps the cuticle sealed, preventing your expensive color from fading too fast.

3. UV Defense

Here’s what makes Sun Bum different: they actually add UV filters like Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane. That’s the same kind of ingredient you’d find in sunscreen, just adapted for hair. While hair itself doesn’t “burn,” UV light breaks down keratin proteins and causes color fading.

If you’re outdoors a lot, this is a solid bonus.

4. Frizz Control

The Moisturizing Shampoo in particular claims to smooth flyaways. In reality, this works best on slightly wavy to straight textures. Curly hair might need extra leave-in conditioner on top.

Who Sun Bum Shampoo Works Best For

Like every shampoo, Sun Bum isn’t universal. It’s best suited for:

• Beach lovers & swimmers: Because it protects against sun, salt, and chlorine damage.

• Color-treated hair: Sulfate-free formulas and UV filters help keep your dye looking fresh.

• Normal to dry hair: The moisturizing ingredients help balance dryness without being too heavy.

• Sensitive scalps: The formulas avoid sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.

Who Should Skip It

Now here’s the flip side. Sun Bum might not be the holy grail for everyone.

• Very oily scalps: The gentle surfactants may not cleanse enough, leaving buildup if you go several days between washes.

• Extremely fine hair: Some formulas (especially Moisturizing Shampoo) can feel a little heavy and weigh down thin strands.

• Curly/coily hair types: While it’s hydrating, it may not provide enough slip or moisture for tighter curl patterns unless paired with a rich conditioner.

Ingredient Breakdown: The Good and The Not-So-Great

Let’s peek inside the label.

Star Ingredients:

• Banana Extract: Adds shine, rich in potassium and antioxidants.

• Coconut Oil: Strengthens and reduces protein loss.

• Shea Butter: Deep conditioning, prevents frizz.

• Sunflower Seed Oil: Lightweight emollient, seals in moisture.

• UV Filters: Unique in shampoos, helps against fading.

Questionable Ones:

• Fragrance: That iconic tropical scent is strong. For sensitive scalps, this could be irritating.

• Phenoxyethanol: Common preservative. Safe in low concentrations, but can be drying if you’re sensitive.

• Silicones (in some formulas): Give slip and shine, but may build up on fine hair without a clarifying wash now and then.

Is Sun Bum a Bad Brand?

Honestly? No. It’s not a “bad brand” at all. It’s cruelty-free, vegan, reef-friendly in its sunscreen lines, and transparent about being sulfate-free in hair care.

The main critique I’d give is that it’s sometimes more about the lifestyle branding (beachy vibes, fun packaging, fragrance) than groundbreaking hair science. But it’s not toxic, not full of harsh sulfates, and certainly not unsafe.

In fact, consumer reviews show that over 75% of buyers on sites like Ulta and Target rated it 4 stars or higher. The most common praise? “My color lasts longer and my hair smells amazing.” The most common complaint? “Didn’t cleanse my oily scalp well enough.”

Sun Bum vs. Other Popular Shampoos

This table shows Sun Bum isn’t the most powerful treatment brand, but it fills a niche: gentle, sun-protective, tropical-inspired shampoo.

Real-World Testing Results

I tested Sun Bum Moisturizing Shampoo for three weeks on bleached, shoulder-length hair. Here’s how it went:

• Week 1: Hair felt softer, smelled like vacation, no irritation.

• Week 2: Color still vibrant, but roots needed more cleansing.

• Week 3: Hair felt a bit weighed down until I used a clarifying rinse.

Bottom line: If you wash every 2–3 days and like moisture-heavy formulas, you’ll love it. If your scalp gets greasy daily, you’ll want to alternate it with a clarifying shampoo.

Final Verdict: Is Sun Bum Shampoo Good?

Yes, Sun Bum shampoo is good, especially if you want a sulfate-free, color-safe option that protects hair from sun and environmental damage. It’s not the strongest cleanser, and it may not work for everyone, but it absolutely earns a spot in the “worth trying” category.

Think of it this way: if you love the beachy lifestyle and need gentle protection, it’s a win. If you want deep repair for chemical damage, you might look at Olaplex or Redken instead.

Takeaway

Sun Bum is not just a pretty bottle with a cute monkey, it’s a solid sulfate-free shampoo that actually delivers on hydration and UV protection. It works best for normal to dry, color-treated hair and for anyone who spends a lot of time in the sun.

It might not cleanse oily scalps deeply, and it’s not the heaviest hitter for curls, but as part of a balanced routine, it’s absolutely a good shampoo.

If you’re debating whether to toss it in your cart, I’d say, go for it, but pair it with a clarifying wash every so often, and you’ll get the best of both worlds.

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera: Cosmetics specialist & Hair Analyst. Specializing in hair treatments, Carolina provides thorough reviews and advice on choosing the best products for damaged or treated hair.