Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Roll-On Lotion
Avoid until brand discloses waterproofing chemistry typical of water-resistant sunscreens.
Sun Bum's waterproof SPF 50 lotion likely uses water-resistant coatings but discloses nothing about PFAS use. Waterproof cosmetics are a known application area for PFAS chemistry.
The safe swap
Raw Elements
Raw Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer Sunscreen Tin
100/100 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
Lotion with waterproofing agents (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.
PFAS
Water-resistant sunscreens typically require fluorinated compounds; Sun Bum does not disclose the specific chemistry, making PFAS presence probable but unconfirmed by the brand.
Source: ATSDR ↗UV filter skin absorption and bioaccumulation potential
Oxybenzone and avobenzone, common in lotion sunscreens, are absorbed systemically in measurable amounts; long-term safety at typical use levels remains under study by health agencies.
Fragrance composition and allergen undisclosure
Product typically contains fragrance; full allergen list (e.g., limonene, linalool) is not always itemized on retail labels, posing risk for sensitive individuals.
What’s reassuring
Emulsion instability over time and separation
Lotion-based roll-ons may separate if stored improperly or aged; this does not indicate a safety defect but may reduce efficacy and require reshaking before use.
Heavy metals
No recalls or testing data on record for Sun Bum sunscreens; typical commercial products are within FDA limits if mineral filters are added, but independent verification is absent.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 is a lotion-based sunscreen formulated as a roll-on applicator. The product is marketed as water-resistant, which typically requires fluorinated compounds (PFAS) or silicone-based binders to maintain UV protection during water exposure; the brand does not publicly specify which technology is used here. Lotions in this category typically contain UV filters (likely oxybenzone or avobenzone), emulsifiers, and humectants, along with undisclosed waterproofing agents.
The brand's record and disclosure
Sun Bum has not published ingredient transparency beyond the label or disclosed waterproofing chemistry. The brand has not sought third-party certifications such as EWG Verified or similar transparency programs. No major recalls or controversies are on record for this specific product. The lack of proactive PFAS disclosure is consistent with industry practice but leaves water-resistance chemistry uncertain.
How it compares in its category
Most water-resistant roll-on sunscreens rely on PFAS or silicone binders; Sun Bum's silence on this is typical rather than distinctive. Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are often formulated without added PFAS but may use other waterproofing methods. Non-water-resistant lotions avoid this concern entirely but offer shorter reapplication windows. EWG-verified and reef-safe brands typically disclose their waterproofing strategy.
If you buy it
Apply as directed on label (typically 1 ounce to full body); reapply after 80 minutes in water or immediately after toweling. Store away from direct heat and sunlight to prevent emulsion breakdown and separation. Check expiration date before each use, as UV filters degrade over time. If skin irritation occurs, discontinue and test ingredients against known sensitivities (oxybenzone and avobenzone are common irritants).
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.