Sun Bum SPF 45 Sunscreen Face Mist
Waterproof cosmetics carry elevated PFAS risk with no Sun Bum disclosure provided.
Sun Bum makes no public statement about PFAS in this water-resistant face mist. Waterproof and sweat-resistant cosmetics commonly use fluorinated compounds for durability without brand transparency.
The safe swap
Raw Elements
Raw Elements Face & Body Sunscreen Tin SPF 30
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
Water-resistant aerosol sunscreen with silicone and mineral UV filters
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.
Aerosol inhalation risk
Mist format increases likelihood of inhaling fine particles and propellant; silicone polymers and UV filter particles can reach lower respiratory tract if applied indoors or in enclosed spaces without ventilation.
Silicone accumulation on skin and in environment
Cyclic siloxanes (common in waterproof cosmetic aerosols) are documented as bioaccumulative in aquatic ecosystems when washed off; no evidence of acute skin toxicity at cosmetic use levels, but chronic silicone buildup on skin may impair natural barrier function with repeated daily application.
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed components
Sunscreen formulations often contain fragrance masking (typical for silicone-based products, which can smell chemical); full fragrance ingredient list is rarely disclosed on aerosol products, increasing risk for contact dermatitis or sensitization in fragrance-sensitive users.
Titanium dioxide or zinc oxide inhalation (if mineral filter)
Aerosol dispersion of fine mineral particles creates inhalation exposure; while generally recognized as safe for topical use, inhaled nanoparticles of titanium dioxide are still under review by regulatory bodies for systemic effects with chronic exposure.
Coating degradation and reapplication burden
Water-resistant silicone coatings degrade faster than occlusive lotion formulas in sweat and chlorinated water, requiring frequent reapplication and increasing total chemical load on skin over a day of outdoor use.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Sun Bum SPF 45 Face Mist is a silicone-based aerosol formulation designed for water resistance, using mineral UV filters (likely zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) combined with silicone polymers and humectants. The aerosol delivery system means the product is pressurized and dispersed as a fine mist, which improves skin coverage but may increase inhalation exposure during application. Water-resistant aerosol cosmetics are known to carry higher concentrations of fluorochemicals to maintain the water-repellent barrier, which is the primary driver of its poor PFAS score.
The brand's record and disclosure
Sun Bum (owned by Bum Brand Holdings) has not published detailed ingredient safety disclosures, ingredient sourcing policies, or PFAS avoidance commitments on their website or packaging. The brand does not list third-party certifications (such as EWG Verified or Clean Beauty standards) that would signal independent safety vetting. No major safety recalls or controversies are on public record for this specific product, but the silence on PFAS and other chemical safety matters stands out against competitors who have begun making public commitments to reduce fluorinated compounds in waterproof cosmetics.
How it compares in its category
Most waterproof sunscreens carry some PFAS burden due to the chemistry required for water resistance; however, brands like Blue Lizard and Badger have published PFAS reduction efforts or chosen non-fluorinated formulations. Sun Bum's aerosol mist format is more convenient for reapplication but raises inhalation concerns compared to lotion or stick formats. The mineral filter choice (if titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) is generally considered safer than oxybenzone or avobenzone, but the silicone-aerosol vehicle negates some of that advantage by concentrating other chemical exposures.
If you buy it
Apply in a well-ventilated area to minimize aerosol inhalation and allow the mist to settle on skin before touching your face. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming, since the water-resistant coating can degrade with sweat and submersion. Avoid spraying near eyes, nose, or mouth; use hands to distribute around sensitive facial areas. Store in a cool location away from heat and sunlight to preserve aerosol pressure and prevent silicone-based formula separation.
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.