Sun Bum Original Face and Body Stick SPF 40
Waterproof stick carries moderate PFAS risk with undisclosed waterproofing chemistry.
This wax-based waterproof stick uses fluorinated compounds for water resistance, though Sun Bum does not specify which water-resistant agents appear in the formulation. No third-party testing or brand disclosure exists.
The safe swap
Vanicream
Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
90/100 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
wax stick with waterproofing agent (unspecified)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
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.
UV filter stability and photodegradation
Avobenzone, a common broad-spectrum UV filter, degrades under sunlight over time. In a solid stick format, the surface area exposed to air and light may accelerate this process, potentially reducing SPF efficacy with age. No data on Sun Bum's specific stabilizer package is publicly available.
Contact sensitization from fragrance or preservatives
Stick sunscreens require higher preservative loads and often contain added fragrance to mask wax smell. Individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies may experience dermatitis with repeated facial use. Sun Bum formulations typically include fragrance, though the specific allergen profile is not disclosed.
Wax base occlusion and heat retention
The solid wax matrix creates an occlusive layer that can trap heat and moisture on skin, potentially triggering miliaria (heat rash) or exacerbating acne in hot, humid conditions. This is a material property of stick format, not unique to Sun Bum, but relevant to face application.
Oxybenzone or similar chemical UV filter absorption
If oxybenzone is used as the UV filter, in vivo absorption into bloodstream has been documented in clinical studies, raising endocrine disruption concerns at high cumulative exposure. Sun Bum's specific UV filter choice is not disclosed on most product labels, creating uncertainty.
Undisclosed waterproofing chemical hazard
The brand does not disclose the waterproofing agent. PFAS compounds are a known risk in water-resistant cosmetics. Non-PFAS alternatives (silicones) are also possible but neither option is transparently labeled, preventing consumer choice.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Sun Bum Original Face and Body Stick is a solid wax-based sunscreen formulated for water resistance. The exact waterproofing mechanism is not disclosed by the brand, but wax sticks require either silicone polymers or fluorochemical agents (potential PFAS sources) to achieve 80-minute water resistance. Like most commercial sunscreens, it contains UV filters (typically avobenzone or oxybenzone as broad-spectrum agents) and stabilizers that are generally recognized as safe at typical application rates, but the stick format limits visibility into complete ingredient transparency.
The brand's record and disclosure
Sun Bum does not publicly disclose waterproofing chemistry or provide third-party certifications (EWG, reef-safe, or chemical disclosure standards). The brand has no widely documented safety recalls or controversies, but this silence on formulation transparency is the core issue. They market the product as waterproof and sweatproof but do not address PFAS concerns or provide a full ingredient breakdown beyond the SPF actives. No commitment to PFAS-free formulation has been announced.
How it compares in its category
Stick sunscreens are inherently higher-risk for undisclosed PFAS use compared to lotion or spray formats because water resistance in a solid matrix almost always requires fluorochemical additives or silicone polymers. Major competitors (Neutrogena, Coppertone stick formats) face the same opacity issue. Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide sticks) typically avoid PFAS but are less water-resistant and less popular in the stick format. This product sits in the mid-tier commercial sunscreen market with typical transparency gaps.
If you buy it
Reapply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming, as the water-resistance window is time-limited. Avoid getting the stick formula directly on mucous membranes or inflamed skin; the occlusive wax base can trap heat in sensitive areas. Store in a cool place (below 75F ideally) to prevent warping or separation of the wax base. If you have a known sensitivity to fragrance or preservatives, test on a small arm area first, as sunscreen sticks often contain more concentrated preservative systems than lotions.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Sun Bum Original has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Sunscreen
Goddess Garden
Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 6 oz
mineral-based UV filters, plant-derived waxes
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
Limited concern
Skin irritation or photosensitivity from plant oils
Limited concern
Lower-concern mineral sunscreen backed by credible PFAS-exclusion certification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Eco Formula SPF 30 Sunscreen
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Heavy metals
Limited concern
Photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide in sunlight
Limited concern
Skin irritation or sensitivity to mineral film
Limited concern
Low risk. Mineral sunscreen backed by third-party verification, no fluorochemical history.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Face & Body Sunscreen Tin SPF 30
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), tin packaging
Epoxy resin coating in tin lining
Limited concern
Fragrance allergens
Limited concern
Nano particle inhalation from loose powder form
Limited concern
Low risk. Mineral formula plus explicit PFAS-free stance and certs lower concern.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More sunscreen 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.